Chapter 2 Department Proper SEC. 5. Department Proper. - The Department Proper is composed of the Office of the Regional Secretary and two (2) Assistant Regional Secretaries. SEC. 6. Office of the Regional Secretary. - The Office of the Regional Secretary shall be composed of the Regional Secretary, his/her immediate staff, the Legal Affairs Office, the Public Affairs and Liaison Unit and the Internal Control Unit (ICU). The Legal Affairs Office which shall be headed by a Division Chief, shall provide the Department with legal services and matters on proposed legislations. The Public Affairs and Liaison Unit in the Office of the Regional Secretary shall provide public information services and publications as well as coordinate and mobilize volunteers, nongovernmental organizations and cause-oriented groups in partnership with the Department. SEC. 7. Assistant Regional Secretaries. - The Regional Secretary shall be assisted by two (2) career Assistant Regional Secretaries. SEC. 8. Functions of the Assistant Regional Secretary for Lands, Environment and Forestry (LEF). - The Assistant Regional Secretary for Lands, Environment and Forestry shall perform the following functions: (1) Advise and assist the Regional Secretary in the formulation and implementation of Department‟s objectives and policies; (2) Administer the Environmental Management Bureau, Forest Management Bureau and the Land Management Bureau for which he/she shall be responsible to the Regional Secretary; (3) Coordinate the programs and projects of the Department, and be responsible for its economical, efficient, and effective administration; (4) Assist the Regional Secretary, in issues and concerns relating to environment, lands and forestry; and (5) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. SEC. 9. Functions of the Assistant Regional Secretary for Protected Areas, Research and Mines (PARM). - The Assistant Regional Secretary for Protected Areas, Research and Mines shall perform the following functions: (1) Advise and assist the Regional Secretary in the formulation and implementation of Department‟s objectives and policies; 94