Michael Drake P. Matias

Director, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

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Bio

Director Michael Drake P. Matias is a distinguished environmental administrator, legal practitioner, and career public servant with more than 27 years of progressive experience in environmental governance, regulatory enforcement, and public administration. As Director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), he leads the country's primary environmental regulatory agency in implementing national environmental laws, standards, and policies while advancing sustainable environmental management and good governance across the Philippines.

A member of the Philippine Bar since 2010, Atty. Matias earned his Bachelor of Laws from New Era University in 2009 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He is likewise a Career Executive Service (CES) Eligible, reflecting his commitment to excellence, integrity, and professional leadership in the public sector.

He has served in key executive positions, including Regional Director for EMB in MIMAROPA and the National Capital Region (NCR), Regional Executive Director of DENR-NCR, and OIC Executive Director of the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office (PRCMO).  His accomplishments are anchored in nearly two decades of service at the EMB Central Office, where he honed his expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, pollution control, and compliance monitoring, and significantly contributed to national environmental regulatory frameworks.

Throughout his career, Atty. Matias has been recognized for his strategic vision, results-driven leadership, and collaborative approach. His management philosophy centers on empowering staff, building partnerships with local government units and stakeholders, and promoting regulatory transparency. He is a staunch advocate for environmental justice, sustainable development, and community-inclusive policy implementation.  

A strong proponent of digital transformation in government, Atty. Matias has led initiatives that modernize public service delivery through the development of integrated digital systems, including online permitting platforms, real-time budget monitoring, document tracking, and asset management systems. These innovations have enhanced organizational efficiency, strengthened regulatory transparency, and improved public access to environmental services, reinforcing the Bureau's commitment to responsive and accountable governance.