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Environmental Laws in the Philippines Context, Institutional Mechanisms and Processes Philippine Environmental Policy (PD 1151) Date of effectivity: June 6, 1977 Reason#1: The individual and, at times, conflicting, demands of population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion, rapid natural resources utilization and increasing technological advances have resulted in a piecemeal approach concept of environmental protection. Reason#2: The tunnel vision concept is not conducive to the attainment of an ideal environment situation where man and nature can thrive in harmony with one another Reason#3: There is an urgent need to formulate an intensive, integrated program of environmental protection that will bring about a concerted effort towards the protection of the entire spectrum of the environmental impact assessments and statements. Continuing policy of the State (Sec.1): a) To create, develop, maintain and improve conditions under which man and nature can thrive in productive and enjoyable harmony with each other; b) To fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations of Filipinos; and C) To ensure the attainment of an environmental quality that is conducive to a life of dignity and well-being. Right to a healthy environment (Sec.3) Right of the people to a healthful environment. Duty and responsibility of each individual to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Philippine environment. Environmental Impact Statements(Sec. 4) for every action, project or undertaking which significantly affects the qualityoftheenvironmentwhichshallincludeadetailedstatementontheenvironmentalimpact, Adverse environmental effect, a finding that the use of depletable /non-renewable resources are warranted, and alternative to the proposed action.. June 6, 1977-establishes specific environment management policies and prescribes environment quality standards Policies:

(a) to manage natural resources to obtain maximum benefits; (b)to conserve natural resources for future generations Scope: Air Quality (aircraft, vehicle emissions, radioactive emission, pollution) Water Quality Land Use Scope: Natural Resources Management and Conservation (fisheries & aquatic, wildlife, Forestry & soil, flood control & natural calamities, energy development, and mineral resources) Waste management National Environmental Protection Council (NEPC) created under PD1121 shall assess development projects, conduct IECs, undertake/promote research, determine incentives, etc. Department of Education & Culture shall integrate subjects on environmental education in school curricula at all levels. Philippine Agenda 21 Agenda 21 is a program of action into the 21st century for bringing the Earth into a sustainable future. It was adopted by the participating governments of the world in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), otherwise known as the Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June1992. Philippine Agenda 21 is our own national agenda for sustainable development. It is made up of: -The Principles of Unity -The Action Agenda (or intervention areas) -The Implementation Strategies (national or regional level) Philippine Agenda 21 Vision A better quality of life for all through the development of a just, moral, creative, spiritual, economically-vibrant, caring, diverse yet cohesive society characterized by appropriate productivity, participatory and democratic process and living in harmony within the limits of the carrying capacity of nature and the integrity of creation.

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land, off shores and other natural resources, including the protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment, and equitable access, not only for the present generation but for future generations as well. -to recognize and apply a true value system including social and environmental cost implications relative to the utilization, development and conservation of our natural resources. Mandate (Sec.4) 10 years after (2002) in Johannesburg, South Africa, world leaders gathered to reinvigorate global commitment to sustainable development. It became the Enhanced PA 21. Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) is a multi- sectoral body formed to coordinate and monitor the fulfillment of the Philippine commitment to UNCED and WSSD. Sustainable Development Government (polity) Civil Society (culture) Business (economy) Article 2, 1987 Constitution The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations. Welfare Clause of the LGC Sections5 (c) & 16, Chapter2,Title One, Book I of RA7160: 1. Liberal interpretation of general welfare provisions 2. LGUs shall exercise express, implied and necessary powers to promote general welfare 3.LGUs shall ensure and support: -Preservation and enrichment of culture, -Promote health and safety -Enhance right to a balanced ecology -Etc. Environmental Laws of the Philippines: Institutional Mechanisms and Processes EO 192, s. 1987 (Reorganization Act of DENR) Declaration of Policy (Sec.3) -to ensure the sustainable use, development, management, renewal and conservation of the countrys forest, mineral, 1987 Constitution mandates a course of economic development that does not compromise the welfare of the people and the environment. The Department shall be the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the countrys environment and natural resources. PD 1586 (EIA System) June11, 1978 To attain and maintain a rational and orderly balance between socio economic growth and environmental protection Established an Environmental Impact Statement System based on EIS required under PD1151 Proclamation 2146 December 14,1981 Proclaimed certain areas and types of projects as environmentally critical Conclusion The Philippines is not lacking in laws protective of the environment. Philippine Environmental Policy (1977) required EIS for undertakings with significant environmental impacts

5GoalElements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Poverty Reduction Social Equity Empowerment and Good Governance Peace and Solidarity Ecological Integrity

Philippine Environmental Code (1977) established specific environment management policies and prescribed environment quality standards EIA Law (1978) established the EIS system. ProclamationNo.2146 (1981) proclaimed certain areas and types of projects as environmental critical and within the scope of the EIS System. Conclusion The Constitution mandates a development that is pro-people and pro- environment.

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DENR is the institution tasked with taking care of the ENR. EO192s. 1987 - which reorganized the DENR, the primary government agency tasked with the conservation, management, development and proper use of the environment & natural resources. The Philippines is doing its share in the global effort towards sustainable development. PA 21 (1992) is a programmed of action to be implemented into the 21stcentury by governments, business, and CSO in every area where human activity affects the environment. The Philippines, as part of the community of nations is doing its part in improving the living standards of those who are in need, while better managing and protecting the ecosystem to bring about a more prosperous future for us all. Thank you!