CHAPTER 1-WHAT IS AN 'ENVIRONMENT?

The word "environment" is derived from the French word, "environ", which means "surroundings" A
setting refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant resides or
operates. Anything in the universe, including living and non- living things like land, water, animals,
and plants, adapts to their environment

In a broad sense, the term "environment" refers to the surroundings or conditions in which an
organism, community, or system operates. It encompasses the physical, biological, and social factors
that influence and shape the life and development of living entities. The environment includes
elements such as air, water, soil, climate, flora, fauna, and human activities, and it is often
categorized into natural and human-made components. Understanding and preserving a healthy
environment are essential for the well-being of ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Our environment is continually evolving, and there's a great need to become more aware of the
environmental issues that are causing these changes. Natural disasters, warming and cooling periods,
and the different forms of weather conditions have all risen significantly, requiring us to be more
cautious about how they behave in response to the types of environmental issues our world is facing

Human effect on the living world, ecosystems, land use, and natural resources are all examples of
environmental issues.

COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION

1. Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be
natural, due to changes in the sun's activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human
activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like
coal, oil and gas.

Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the
Earth, trapping the sun's heat and raising temperatures.

The main greenhouse gases that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane.
These come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building, for example. Clearing
land and cutting down forests can also release carbon dioxide. Agriculture, oil and gas operations are
major sources of methane emissions Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use
are among the main sectors causing greenhouse gases

2. Global Warming

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily
attributed to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. This phenomenon
contributes to climate change, causing shifts in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and more frequent
and severe extreme weather events, highlighting the need for global efforts to mitigate and adapt to
these impacts

3. Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone layer depletion refers to the gradual thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer, particularly in
the region known as the ozone hole over Antarctica. The primary cause of ozone layer depletion is the
release of human-made substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other ozone-
depleting substances (ODS). These substances, once released into the atmosphere, break down
azone molecules, leading to a reduction in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere.
The depletion of the ozone layer has significant consequences, including increased exposure to
harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which poses risks to human health, ecosystems, and
wildlife.

4. Biodiversity and Wildlife

Biodiversity and wildlife conservation are critical environmental issues due to the ongoing loss of
species and habitats worldwide. Human activities, including deforestation, pollution, habitat
destruction, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade, contribute to the decline in biodiversity. The
loss of diverse plant and animal species not only threatens ecosystems but also disrupts essential
ecological processes, reduces genetic diversity, and undermines the resilience of natural systems in
the face of environmental challenges

5. Deforestation

Deforestation is a significant environmental issue characterized by the large-scale clearing or removal

of forests, predominantly driven by human activities. This process involves the conversion of forested
areas into non-forest land for agriculture, logging, urban development, or other purposes.
Deforestation poses serious threats to biodiversity, contributes to climate change by reducing carbon
sequestration, disrupts local ecosystems, and leads to soil erosion.

6. Desertification

Desertification is a process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, often
caused by a combination of climatic variations and human activities. It involves the transformation of
productive land into increasingly arid and unproductive desert-like landscapes, negatively impacting
soil fertility, water availability, and vegetation cover. Overgrazing, improper agricultural practices,
deforestation, and climate change contribute to desertification, threatening livelihoods, biodiversity,
and exacerbating issues related to water scarcity.

7. Pollution
Pollution is a pervasive environmental issue resulting from the introduction of contaminants into the
air, water, or soil, causing adverse effects on ecosystems, human health, and overall environmental
quality. Various forms of pollution include air pollution from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust,
water pollution from untreated sewage and industrial discharges, and soil pollution from hazardous
waste disposal. The consequences of pollution range from respiratory diseases and ecosystem
disruption to the contamination of drinking water sources.

8. Water Pollution

Water pollution is a critical environmental issue involving the contamination of water bodies, such as
rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, by harmful substances. Sources of water pollution include
industrial discharges, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, untreated sewage, and
oil spills. The impacts of water pollution are far-reaching and can result in the degradation of aquatic
ecosystems, harm to aquatic life, risks to human health through contaminated drinking water, and
damage to biodiversity.

9. Coral Reefs

Coral reefs face significant environmental issues, primarily due to climate change, pollution,
overfishing, and coastal development Rising sea temperatures associated with climate change
contribute to coral bleaching, disrupting the symbiotic relationship between corals and the algae that
provide them with nutrients Pollution from land-based sources, including agricultural runoff and
marine debris, harms coral ecosystems, while overfishing depletes fish populations critical to coral
reef health. Coastal development exacerbates these issues by introducing sedimentation and nutrient
runoff. The degradation of coral reefs threatens biodiversity, food security for coastal communities,
and the overall resilience of marine ecosystems.
10. Air Pollution

Air pollution is a pressing environmental issue caused by the release of harmful substances into the
Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and the climate
Common air pollutants include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon
monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, often originating from industrial activities, transportation,
agriculture, and energy production. The consequences of air pollution range from respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases in humans to acid rain, smog formation, and the degradation of air quality

11. Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy presents both potential benefits and environmental concerns. While nuclear power
generation produces low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, concerns revolve around
nuclear accidents, radioactive waste disposal, and the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation. The
environmental impact of nuclear energy includes the long-term storage and management of
radioactive waste, the risk of catastrophic accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, and the complex
challenges associated with decommissioning nuclear facilities.

12. Overfishing

Overfishing is a critical environmental issue driven by the excessive and unsustainable exploitation of
fish and other marine species beyond their reproductive capacity. This practice depletes fish
populations, disrupts marine ecosystems, and threatens global fisheries’ long-term viability.
Overfishing is often exacerbated by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices, leading to
the decline of key species, ecosystem imbalance, and economic challenges for communities
dependent on fisheries.

EFFORTS ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Energy Production

✓ Energy production plays a crucial role in addressing environmental issues, particularly through the
transition to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable
energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating
climate change. Additionally, advancements in energy efficiency technologies contribute to
minimizing environmental impacts, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly
approach to meeting the world’s energy needs.

Environmental Education

Environmental education is a vital effort in addressing environmental issues as it raises awareness,

fosters a sense of responsibility, and promotes sustainable practices. By providing knowledge about
ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on the environment, environmental
education empowers individuals to make informed decisions and adopt environmentally friendly
behaviors. This proactive engagement contributes to a collective effort to address pressing
environmental challenges and work towards a more sustainable and ecologically conscious society.

Wildlife Protection

Conservation initiatives, including the establishment of protected areas, habitat restoration projects,
and anti-poaching measures, contribute to the preservation of endangered species and their natural
habitats. By ensuring the well-being of wildlife populations, these efforts play a vital role in sustaining
healthy ecosystems, promoting ecological resilience, and addressing broader environmental
challenges.

Restoration of the Environment

The restoration of the environment is a key effort in addressing environmental issues as it involves
reclaiming degraded ecosystems, mitigating the impact of human activities, and promoting ecological
resilience. Restoration projects, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and soil rehabilitation,
contribute to biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and the

improvement of overall ecosystem health.

Advocacy and Policy Change Research

Advocacy and policy change research are essential efforts in addressing environmental issues by
influencing decision-makers, shaping legislation, and fostering systemic changes. Through rigorous
research, scientists and environmental advocates provide evidence-based insights into the
consequences of human activities on the environment, informing policy discussions and public
discourse. Effective advocacy for environmental issues involves translating research findings into
policy recommendations, pushing for regulatory changes, and mobilizing public support for
sustainable practices and policies

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

Environmental law, also known as environmental and natural resources law, is a collective term
describing the network of treaties, statutes, regulations, common and customary laws addressing the
effects of human activity of the natural environment. The core environmental law regimes address
environmental pollution. A related but distinct set of regulatory regimes, now strongly influenced by
environmental legal principles, focus on the management of specific natural resources, such as
forests, minerals, or fisheries. Other areas, such as environmental impact assessment, may not fit
neatly into either category, but nonetheless important components of environmental law.

It is defined as a complex and interlocking body of statistics, common law, treaties, conventions,
regulation and policies, and it operate to regulate the interaction of humanity and the rest of the
biophysical or natural environment for the purpose of reducing or minimizing the impacts of human
activity, both on natural environment for its own sake and on human itself.

BASIC FACTORS THAT COME UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

A. CONSERVATION

Conservation is a fundamental principle within environmental law, playing a crucial role in the
protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Environmental laws are designed to regulate
human activities to ensure the preservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall environmental
health. Conservation, as a basic factor, encompasses several key aspects within the framework of
environmental law

1. Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the variety of species, ecosystems, and
genetic diversity within species.

Environmental laws often include provisions to protect endangered species, regulate the trade of
wildlife, and establish protected areas to preserve biodiversity.

2. Habitat Conservation

Habitats are the natural environments where organisms live, and their conservation is critical for
maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Environmental laws may designate and protect specific habitats as critical for the survival of certain
species. They may also regulate activities that could lead to habitat destruction or
Degradation

3. Natural Resource Conservation

Natural resources, including water, air, soil, minerals, and forests, are essential for human survival
and are subject to legal frameworks to ensure sustainable use

Environmental laws regulate the extraction, use, and management of natural resources to prevent
over-exploitation, pollution, and other forms of degradation.

4. Protected Areas and Reserves

Designated areas where human activities are restricted or regulated to conserve natural ecosystems
and maintain ecological processes.

Environmental laws establish and govern protected areas, national parks, wildlife reserves, and other
conservation zones to safeguard critical habitats and ecosystems

5. Regulation of Pollution

Pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, and conservation efforts include measures to
prevent, control, and mitigate pollution.

Environmental laws often include regulations on emissions, waste disposal, and other activities that
contribute to pollution, with the aim of preserving air, water, and soil quality

6. Sustainable Development

Balancing economic and social development with environmental protection to meet the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own

Needs.

Environmental laws may incorporate principles of sustainable development, encouraging practices

that minimize environmental impact and promote long-term ecological balance.

7. International Cooperation

Environmental issues often transcend national borders, and international collaboration is essential for
effective conservation

Treaties, agreements, and conventions facilitate international cooperation on environmental issues,

fostering collective efforts to address global challenges such as climate change, blodiversity loss, and
pollution

B. MANAGEMENT

While “management” itself may not be explicitly mentioned as a basic factor within environmental
law, various aspects of management are integral to the effective implementation and enforcement of
environmental regulations Environmental management involves the planning, coordination,
regulation, and monitoring of human activities to ensure compliance with environmental laws and the
sustainable use of natural resources

1. Compliance Management

Ensuring that individuals, businesses, and organizations adhere to environmental regulations and
standards.
Environmental laws establish compliance requirements, and effective management involves
monitoring, reporting, and enforcing these standards to prevent and address violations.

2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A systematic process for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or
development.

Many jurisdictions require EIAs as part of the permitting process. Proper management ensures the
thorough assessment of potential environmental effects, leading to informed decision-making and the
incorporation of mitigation measures.

3. Waste Management

The collection, transport, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste materials.

Environmental laws regulate waste management practices to minimize environmental harm.

Management strategies include establishing proper disposal methods, recycling programs, and
penalties for illegal dumping.

4. Natural Resource Management

Sustainable use and conservation of natural resources such as forests, fisheries, and

Water.

Environmental laws often include provisions for managing natural resources to prevent over-
exploitation and degradation. Sustainable management practices may involve quotas, habitat
protection, and restoration efforts

5. Land Use Planning

The systematic process of assessing and regulating the use of land in order to achieve environmental,
social, and economic objectives

Environmental laws may include land use planning requirements to prevent inappropriate
development in ecologically sensitive areas. Proper management ensures that land use decisions
align with environmental conservation goals.

6. Pollution Prevention and Control

Strategies and measures to prevent and control pollution at its source

Environmental laws often mandate pollution prevention and control measures. Effective management
involves setting emission standards, implementing monitoring programs, and enforcing compliance to
minimize environmental impact.

7. Corporate Environmental Management

The integration of environmental considerations into corporate decision-making and

Operations

Some jurisdictions require businesses to adopt environmental management systems and practices
Compliance involves companies implementing policies, procedures, and technologies to reduce their
environmental footprint.

8. Emergency Response and Preparedness

Plans and actions designed to respond to environmental emergencies, such as oil spills, chemical
releases, or natural disasters.

Environmental laws may require entities to have emergency response plans Proper management
involves developing, testing, and implementing these plans to minimize the environmental impact of
emergencies.

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

To preserve both human health and environment

The main function of environmental law is to safeguard both human health and the environment by
regulating and controlling activities that may pose threats to ecosystems and public well-being.
Environmental laws play a pivotal role in establishing standards for air and water quality, waste
management, and the use of hazardous substances, aiming to minimize pollutants that can adversely
Impact human health. By setting guidelines for sustainable practices and limiting harmful activities,
these laws contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall environmental
integrity.

Additionally, environmental regulations often incorporate measures to mitigate and adapt to climate
change, recognizing its significant implications for both the environment and human health. In
essence, environmental law acts as a protective framework, promoting a harmonious coexistence
between human activities and the natural world, with the overarching goal of ensuring the well-being
of both people and the planet.

To ensure that environmental policies do not affect the climate, human or animal welfare or both

The primary function of environmental law is to establish and enforce policies that strike a delicate
balance between promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding the well-being of the
climate,humans, and animals. Environmental laws are designed to prevent and mitigate adverse
effects on the climate by regulating activities contributing to pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse
gas emissions. Simultaneously, these laws are crafted to protect human health and animal welfare by
setting standards for the use of potentially harmful substances, waste disposal, and industrial
practices

By addressing the intricate interplay between human activities and the environment, environmental
law aims to ensure that policies are implemented in a manner that does not compromise the health of
ecosystems, the climate, or the welfare of both human and animal populations. The overarching goal
is to foster a sustainable coexistence between human societies and the natural world, recognizing the
interconnectedness of environmental, social, and ethical considerations within the legal framework

To secure mankind’s life, survival and health

The paramount function of environmental law is to safeguard the life, survival, and health of mankind
by establishing legal frameworks that mitigate and prevent environmental hazards.

Environmental laws play a crucial role in regulating human activities to ensure clean air, water, and
soil, thereby reducing the risk of diseases and adverse health effects. By addressing issues such as
pollution, habitat destruction, and unsustainable resource use, environmental law seeks to create
conditions conducive to human well-being, securing not only the present generation but also the
survival and prosperity of future ones

This function underscores the vital role of environmental law in promoting a harmonious coexistence
between humanity and the environment, recognizing the inextricable link between environmental
quality and the overall health and survival of the global population.

Existential function
The existential function is complemented by the social function whereby environmental law helps
provide facilities for people to relax in and enjoy the natural environment and the landscape.
Environmental laws play a crucial role in designating and protecting areas for public use, such as
parks, recreational reserves, and natural landscapes. By doing so, these laws contribute to the
enhancement of societal well-being by providing individuals with opportunities to connect with
nature, engage in outdoor activities, and derive recreational benefits

This social function not only promotes physical and mental health but also fosters a collective
appreciation for the environment, encouraging sustainable practices and reinforcing the notion that
the preservation of natural spaces is integral to the overall quality of life for present and future
generations. In essence, the social function of environmental law harmonizes human interaction with
the environment, recognizing the intrinsic value of nature in supporting leisure and cultural activities

Aesthetic function

Environmental laws has an aesthetic function when it allows us to experience the diversity,
uniqueness, and the beauty of the environment. By regulating human activities that could
compromise the aesthetic qualities of landscapes, ecosystems, and habitats, environmental laws
contribute to the preservation of scenic and culturally significant areas. These regulations often aim
to protect iconic landmarks, biodiversity hotspots, and other visually striking features, allowing
individuals to experience and enjoy the aesthetic richness of their surroundings.

This aesthetic function not only enhances the quality of life by providing opportunities for aesthetic
enjoyment but also underscores the intrinsic value of preserving the environment for its own sake. In
recognizing and safeguarding the aesthetic aspects of the environment, environmental laws
contribute to the cultural heritage of societies and promote a collective ethos of responsible
stewardship, ensuring that the beauty of nature remains accessible to present and future
generations.

KEY AREAS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS WORK TO REGULATE

✓ Air Quality. Air quality laws protect the air from air pollution and may include measures to protect
the air from things like ozone depletion.

Water Quality. Environmental laws may protect water from pollution. They may also determine who
can use water and how to handle potential problems like treating water waste management.

Waste Management. Municipal waste hazardous substances and nuclear waste all fall in the category
of waste management.

Contaminant Clean up. Not all environmental law focuses on preventing pollution. Contaminant
cleanup deals with addressing pollution after it happens. Laws may include protocols for cleanup

As well as civil and criminal punishment for polluters ✓ Chemical Safety. Chemical safety regulations
manage things like pesticide use and chemicals in products like plastic bottles.

Hunting and Fishing. Environmental laws may regulate and protect wildlife populations Lawmakers
determine who can hunt and fish and how these activities are regulated.

✓ Major Environmental Legislation. Environmental laws regulate major environmental legislation to

establish clear guidelines, standards, and enforcement mechanisms that govern human activities
impacting the environment. These regulations aim to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources,
prevent pollution, and mitigate adverse effects on ecosystems, aligning with broader goals of
environmental conservation and protection.

PRINCIPLES INFLUENCING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

✔ Environmentalism. Influences environmental laws by advocating for the ethical and responsible
stewardship of the natural world. It emphasizes the need to address environmental challenges such
as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change through legal frameworks that prioritize
conservation, sustainability, and the well-being of ecosystems. Environmentalism shapes the
development of laws by promoting a holistic perspective that considers the interconnectedness of
human activities and their impact on the environment, fostering a commitment to preserving and
enhancing the health and integrity of the planet.

✓ Ecology. Influences environmental laws by emphasizing the interdependence of living organisms

and their environments. It shapes legal frameworks by promoting the understanding that ecosystems
are complex, interconnected systems that require protection and sustainable management.
Environmental laws influenced by ecological principles aim to maintain biodiversity. Preserve habitat
integrity, and address environmental issues in a holistic manner, recognizing the intricate
relationships between different components of the natural world.

✓ Conservation. Strongly influences environmental laws by promoting the sustainable use and
protection of natural resources. It guides legal frameworks to establish measures for habitat
preservation, wildlife protection, and the prevention of over-exploitation, ensuring the long-term
health and balance of ecosystems.

✓ Stewardship. Influences environmental laws by emphasizing responsible management and care of

the Earth’s resources. It guides legal frameworks to encourage practices that prioritize the well-being
of the environment, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the sustainable use and
preservation of natural resources.

✓ Responsibility and Sustainability. Profoundly influence environmental laws by emphasizing the

ethical duty to protect the environment for current and future generations. Legal frameworks shaped
by these principles focus on promoting responsible practices, reducing environmental impact, and
ensuring that human activities are in harmony with the long-term health and viability of the planet.

Need analysis. Influence environmental laws by emphasizing the importance of thoroughly assessing
the necessity and impact of human activities on the environment. Legal frameworks shaped by these
principles seek to ensure that resource use is justified based on genuine needs, and they encourage
practices that prioritize long-term ecological balance and the preservation of natural systems.

Impact assessment. Significantly influences environmental laws by promoting a systematic evaluation

of the potential environmental effects of proposed projects or activities. This principle guides legal
frameworks to incorporate environmental impact assessments, ensuring that decision-making
considers the consequences on ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall environmental health before
approving or permitting certain actions.

Water resources. Influence environmental laws by emphasizing the importance of sustainable

management and protection of water sources. Legal frameworks shaped by this principle address
issues such as water pollution, equitable access to water, and conservation measures, aiming to
ensure the responsible use and preservation of this critical natural resource.

✓ Mineral resources. Influence environmental laws by guiding regulations on the extraction,

processing, and utilization of minerals to minimize environmental degradation. Legal frameworks
shaped by this principle aim to balance the economic benefits of mineral exploitation with the need to
protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall environmental health

Forestry resources. Significantly influence environmental laws by guiding regulations that address
sustainable forest management, logging practices, and the conservation of biodiversity in forested
areas. Legal frameworks shaped by this principle aim to balance the utilization of forestry resources
for economic purposes with the imperative to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent deforestation,
and promote reforestation efforts.
✓ Wildlife and plants. Strongly influence environmental laws by guiding regulations that focus on the
conservation and protection of biodiversity, Legal frameworks shaped by this principle aim to prevent
the depletion of wildlife populations, protect endangered species, and maintain the ecological balance
necessary for the health of ecosystems and the survival of various plant and animal species

Fish and game- fisheries law. Influence environmental laws by guiding regulations on the sustainable
management of fisheries and hunting activities Legal frameworks shaped by this principle aim to
ensure the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and wildlife populations, balancing human utilization
with the need to prevent over-exploitation and maintain the health of these natural resources.

GLOBAL INITIATIVES IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

✓ KYOTO PROTOCOL

The Kyoto Protocol operationalizes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by
committing industrialized countries and economies in transition to limit and reduce greenhouse gases
(GHG) emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets

Consider what can be done to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature

Increases are inevitable.

To keep the maximum temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius

The commitment to list developed country emission reduction targets and mitigation action by
developing countries for 2020.

Mechanisms to support technology transfer and forestry

This is an international treaty that committed its signatories to develop national programs to reduce
their emissions of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6), affect the energy balance of the global atmosphere in ways expected to lead to an
overall increase in global average temperature, known as global warming.

✓ BASEL CONVENTION ON THE CONTROL OF TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENTS OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

AND THEIR DISPOSAL (1992)

It is the most comprehensive global environmental agreement on hazardous wastes and other
wastes. With 175 Parties (as at 31 March 2011), it has nearly universal membership. The Convention
aims to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the
generation, transboundary movements and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes

The Basel Convention regulates the trans boundary movements of hazardous wastes and other
wastes and obliges its Parties to ensure that such wastes are managed and disposed of in an
environmentally sound manner The Convention covers toxic, poisonous, explosive, corrosive,
flammable, ecotoxic and infectious wastes Parties also have an obligation to minimize the quantities
that are trarisported, to treat and dispose of wastes as close as possible to their place of generation
and to prevent or minimize the generation of wastes at source.

✓ CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES OF WILD ANIMALS (BONN CONVENTION)

Signed in 1979, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn
Convention; CMS) is an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment
Program. It provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals
and their habitats. CMS is the only global and UN-based intergovernmental organization established
exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species
throughout their range.
It aims to conserve terrestrial, marine, avian migratory species throughout their range (global scale)
which aims to conserve populations of European bats, Cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea
and the Contiguous Atlantic Area, Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North
Seas, Seals in the Wadden Sea, African Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, Albatrosses and Petrels,
Gorillas and their habitats

✓ CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES (CITES)

CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna,
regulates and moderates international trade in plants and animals to ensure that such trade does not
threaten their survival. The Convention seeks to achieve this by placing various restrictions and
requirements on legal trade in certain flora and fauna. Its system of permits and certificates, which
relate to three lists of protected species in the Convention’s Appendices, enable States Parties to
‘reciprocally protect one another’s species according to a common set of rules’. In addition, CITES
provides a framework to combat trade that occurs outside these limits. CITES is the only international
instrument mandating penalization of illegal trade in protected species.

✓ CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international legal instrument for “the
conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable
sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196
nations. Its overall objective is to encourage actions, which will lead to a sustainable future.

The Convention on Biological Diversity covers biodiversity at all levels: ecosystems, species and
genetic resources. It also covers biotechnology, including through the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety. In fact, it covers all possible domains that are directly or indirectly related to biodiversity
and its role in development, ranging from science, politics and education to agriculture, business,
culture and much more

COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Waste Management. Encompassing regulations and policies that govern the collection, disposal, and
treatment of waste to minimize environmental impact. Environmental laws addressing waste
management aim to promote recycling, proper disposal methods, and the reduction of hazardous
waste, contributing to the preservation of ecosystems and public health.

Food Production. Involving regulations that address sustainable agricultural practices, land use, and
the conservation of natural resources to ensure food security while minimizing environmental
degradation. Environmental laws in the context of food production often aim to balance the needs

Of a growing population with the imperative to protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and soil health Water
Reserves. Regulations governing their protection, allocation, and sustainable use to ensure the
availability of clean and sufficient water for ecosystems, communities, and industries.

Environmental laws addressing water reserves often include measures to prevent pollution, regulate
water withdrawals, and promote conservation efforts, contributing to the overall health of aquatic
ecosystems and safeguarding this essential natural resource.

• Pollution Control and Remediation. Involving regulations to prevent and mitigate pollution from
various sources, such as industrial activities, transportation, and waste disposal. These laws set
standards for emissions, waste disposal practices, and cleanup procedures, aiming to protect air,
water, and soil quality, and mitigate adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.

Flora and Fauna. Encompassing regulations aimed at preserving plant and animal species, protecting
habitats, and maintaining biodiversity. These laws often include provisions for the establishment of
protected areas, species conservation programs, and measures to prevent habitat destruction,
contributing to the sustainable coexistence of diverse ecosystems and the well-being of countless
species.

Mining. Involving regulations that address the extraction, processing, and management of mineral
resources to minimize environmental impact. Environmental laws in the context of mining typically
aim to mitigate habitat disruption, prevent pollution, and ensure the responsible and sustainable use
of mineral resources while balancing economic interests with environmental conservation.

• Emissions and Construction. With regulations targeting air quality standards, emissions control, and
sustainable construction practices to minimize environmental impact. Environmental laws in this
context often set emission limits for industries, promote energy-efficient construction methods, and
encourage the adoption of green building practices to reduce the ecological footprint of construction
activities.

CHAPTER 2- ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

 BROWN LAWS. Land related protection such as waste management, water/ wastewater, air
quality, other in- land related water quality protection
 GREEN LAWS. Forestry, biodiversity, and agriculture.
 BLUE LAWS. Management of maritime or aquatic resources.

LAW TITLE and PROVISIONS

Act No. 3572 An Act To Prohibit The Cutting Of Tindalo, Akle, Or Molave Trees,
Under Certain Conditions, And To Penalize Violations Thereof
- Prohibition of the cutting in the public forests of tindalo, akle, or
molave trees less than sixty centimetres in diameter measured at a
height of four feet from
- The ground (breast high).
- Timber cut tax-tax paid when trees are cut
- Approved: November 26, 1929
Act No. 3983 An Act To Protect Wild Flowers And Plants In The Philippine
Islands And To Prescribe Conditions Under Which They May Be
Collected, Kept, Sold, Exported, And For Other Purposes
 The purpose of this Act is to protect wild flowers and other plants
from extinction
 The Act empowers the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resources to prescribe conditions governing the collection,
possession, destruction, transportation, sale and export of any of
the protected plants in the Philippines
 The Secretary may issue licenses, which will specify the number and
kind of plants that may be collected and the conditions under which
they may be kept, and may issue special permits for the possession
of very rare specimens for educational or scientific purposes
 Approved December 3, 1932
PD No. 330 Penalizing Timber Smuggling Or Illegal Cutting Of Logs From
Public Forests And Forest Reserves As Qualified Theft

Any person, whether natural or juridical, who directly or indirectly

cuts, gathers, removes, or smuggles timber, or other forest
products, either from any of the public forest, forest reserves and
other kinds of public forests, whether under license or lease, or from
any privately owned forest lands in violation of existing laws, rules
and regulation shall be guilty of the crime of qualified theft as
defined and penalized under Articles 308, 309 and 310 of the
Revised Penal Code
 Signed on November 8, 1973
PD No. 331 Requiring That All Public Forests Be Developed, Managed, And
 Utilized On A Sustained Yield Basis With The Benefit Of Technical
Forestry Know-How Of Registered Foresters
 All holders of timber licenses, leases and/or permits are hereby
required to employ and/or engage the services of registered
foresters.
 All holders of long-term license or lease agreements shall establish
and maintain their own forestry department.
 These offices shall collaborate with the Government through its
forestry development officials the preparation and implementation
of forest management plans, the supervision of selective logging
programs and such other silvicultural systems as may be prescribed
by the Bureau of Forest Development and shall be responsible for
the implementation of these forestry policies as enumerated
 In Section 2 of Republic Act No. 6239. Signed on November 8, 1973
PD No. 463 Mineral Resources Development Decree of 1974

 All mineral resources in the Republic of the Philippines are property

of the State, which shall promote and supervise for their rational
exploration, development, utilization and conservation.
Undiscovered mineral quarries shall be explorated and small scale
quarries rationalized
 Mineral production is a major support of the economy, and therefore
the intensified discovery, exploration, development, and wise
utilization of the country’s mineral resources are urgently needed
for national development.
 Signed on May 17, 1974
PD No. 600 Marine Pollution Decree of 1974
 Establishes the national policy to prevent and control the pollution
of seas by the dumping of waste and other matter which create
hazards to human health, harm living resources and marine life,
damage amenities, or interfere with the legitimate uses of the sea
within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines.
 Amended by PD No. 979
 Signed on December 9, 1974
PD No. 704 Fisheries Decree of 1975
 Preservation of Optimum Productivity of Fishery Resources through
conservation and protection
 There is a compelling need to increase the production of fish to
bring down its price to a level which will be within the reach of our
people, and at the same time insure the continuity of out fishery
resources in productive condition through wise utilization and proper
conservation.
 Signed on May 16, 1975
PD No. 705 Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines
 Revising Presidential Decree No. 389 also known as the Philippine
Forestry Reform Code
 This Act lays down the basic principles of forest management and
conservation, makes provision for the administration of forestry, the
survey and classification of lands for purposes of forestry, and the
use of forest resources.
 Signed on May 19, 1975
PD No. 825 Garbage Disposal Law
 Providing penalty for improper disposal of garbage and other forms
of uncleanliness.
 All citizens and residents of the Philippines, all universities, colleges
and schools and other similar institutions, private as well as public,
all commercial and industrial establishments such as hotels,
 restaurants, hospitals, cinema houses, public markets, department
stores, groceries and the like; all public conveyances; all residential
houses; and all other establishments of any kinds, shall undertake
the cleaning of their own surroundings, their yards and gardens, as
well as the canals, roads or streets in their immediate premises.
 Signed on November 7, 1975
PD No. 856 Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
 The objective of this Code on Sanitation is the improvement of the
way of the Filipinos by directing public health services towards the
protection and promotion of the health of the people.
 Water Supply. Standards for drinking water and their bacteriological
and chemical examinations, together with the evaluation of results,
shall conform to the criteria set by the National Drinking Water
Standards.
 Food Establishments. In order to operate a food establishment for
public patronage, a permit shall be obtained from the local health
office. All foods must be obtained from sources approved by the
local health authority.
 Provided for the functions of Department of Health and empowered
the DOH Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations for the
proper implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this
code
 Signed on December 23, 1975
PD No. 953 Requiring The Planting Of Trees In Certain Places And Penalizing
Unauthorized Cutting, Destruction, Damaging And Injuring Of
Certain Trees, Plants And Vegetation
 The following persons are required to plant trees shall take good
care of them, and, from time to time, remove any tree planted by
them in their respective areas which has grown very old, is
diseased, or is defective, and replant with trees their respective
areas whenever necessary
 Every person who owns land adjoining a river or creek, shall plant
trees extending at least five meters on his land adjoining the edge
of the bank of the river or creek.
 Every owner of an existing subdivision shall plant trees in the open
spaces required to be reserved for the common use and enjoyment
of the owners of the lots therein as well as along all roads and
service streets.
 Every holder of a license agreement, lease, license or permit from
the Government, involving occupation and utilization of forest or
grazing land with a river or creek therein, shall plant trees extending
at least twenty (20) meters from each edge of the bank of the river
or creek.
 Signed on July 6, 1976
PD No. 979 Marine Pollution Decree of 1976
 It is hereby reviewed the national policy to prevent and control the
pollution of seas by the dumping of wastes and other matter which
create hazards to human health, harm living resources and marine
life, damage amenities, or interfere with the legitimate uses of the
sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines
 It shall be the primary responsibility of the National Pollution Control
Commission to promulgate national rules and policies governing
marine pollution, and to issue the appropriate rules and regulations
upon consultation with the Philippine Coast Guard
 Philippine Coast Guard has the primary responsibility of enforcing
laws and rules with regards to containment and recovery system
and shall develop an adequate capability for containment and
recovery spilled oil
  Not liable: in cases of emergency imperilling life or property, or
unavoidable accident, collision, or stranding or in any cases which
constitute danger to human life or property or a real threat to
vessels, aircraft, platforms, or other man-made structure, or if
damping appears to be the only way of averting the threat and if
there is probability that the damage consequent upon such dumping
will be less than would otherwise occur.
 Signed on August 18, 1976
PD No. 1015 Amending The First Paragraph Of Section 17 And Section 35 Of
Presidential Decree No. 704
 It is the policy of the state to uplift the economic condition of the
municipal and small-scale fishermen.
 Banning the operation of commercial fishing within a distance of 7-
kilometres from the shoreline.
 Signed on September 22, 1976
PD No. 1058 Amending Presidential Decree No. 704, Dated May 16, 1975, By
Increasing The Penalties For Certain Forms Of Illegal Fishing,
Dealing In Illegally Caught Fish Or Fishery/Aquatic Products, And
For Other Purposes
 It shall be unlawful for any person to catch, take or gather or cause
to be caught, taken or gathered fish or fishery/aquatic products in
the Philippine waters with the use of explosives, obnoxious or
poisonous substance, or by the use of electricity.
 Provided, that mere possession of such explosives with intent to use
the same for illegal fishing as herein defined shall be punishable as
hereinafter provided.
 Signed on December 1, 1976
PD No. 1067 Water Code of the Philippines
 Adopts adequate measures to conserve and regulate the use of
water in commercial, industrial and residential areas.
 Also provides other policy guidelines in water quality and
management of water resources.
 The Code covers underground water, water above the ground, water
in the atmosphere and the waters of the sea within the territorial
jurisdiction of the Philippines.
 Appropriations of water domestic, municipal, irrigation, power
generation.
 Fisheries, livestock raising, industrial, recreational, and other
purposes.
 Signed on December 31, 1976.
PD No. 1144 Creating The Fertilizer And Pesticide Authority And Abolishing The
Fertilizer Industry Authority
 Fertilizer And Pesticide Authority. Created and attached to the
Department of Agriculture for the purpose of assuring the
agricultural sector of adequate supplies of fertilizer and pesticide at
reasonable prices, rationalizing the manufacture and marketing of
fertilizer, protecting the public from the risks inherent in the use of
pesticides, and educating the agricultural sector in the use of these
inputs.
 Registration and licensing of pesticides, fertilizers and other
agricultural
 Chemicals with FPA
 Signed on May 30, 1977
PD No. 1151 Philippine Environmental Policy
 The purpose of this Decree is to formulate an intensive, integrated
program of environmental protection through the requirement of
environmental impact assessments and statements.
  Every individual shall be responsible in contributing to the
preservation and enhancement of the Philippine environment.
 As provided for in section 4, all agencies of the national
government, including government-owned or controlled
corporations, as well as private corporations, firms and entities,
shall prepare an environmental impact statement for every project
which may significantly affect the quality of the environment
 Environmental Impact Statement. Outlines the status of the
environment in the affected area, provides a baseline for
understanding the potential consequences of the proposed project,
identifies positive and negative effects for the environment, and
offers alternative actions, including inaction, in relation
 To the proposed project. Signed on June 6, 1977
PD No. 1152 Philippine Environment Code
 This Act makes provision for the protection of the environment of a
broad sense Its provisions are divided into Titles, the major part of
then dealing with specific
 Aspects of environment protection Title I makes provision with
respect to air and noise pollution.
 Title II to prescribe management guidelines aimed to protect and
improve the quality of Philippine water resources
 The National Pollution Control Commission shall prescribe quality
and effluent standards consistent with the guidelines set by the
National Environmental Protection Council and the classification of
waters
 Title III makes provision with respect to land management
 Title IV is to provide the basics on the management and
conservation of the country’s natural resources
 Remaining provisions deal with waste management and provide for
miscellaneous matters including public hearings, environmental
monitoring and incentives
 Amended by Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No.
9275)
 Signed on June 6, 1977
PD No. 1153 Requiring The Planting Of One Tree Every Month For Five
Consecutive Years By Every Citizen Of The Philippines
 It is the policy of the State to call upon every citizen of the
Philippines to help, as a duty and obligation, to conserve and
develop the resources of the country. The planting should be done in
lands or lots owned by his family, in lands or lots leased by his
family with the consent of the owner thereof, and in lands which are
parts of public grounds or places such as plazas, schools, markets,
roadside and parks.
 Repealed by Executive Order 287 on July 25, 1987 by Corazon
Aquino
 Signed on June 6, 1977
PD No. 1198 Requiring All Individuals, Partnerships Or Corporations Engaged In
The Exploration, Development And Exploitation Of Natural
Resources Or In The Construction Of Infrastructure Projects To
Restore Or Rehabilitate Areas Subject Thereof Or Affected Thereby
To Their Original Condition
 All individuals, partnerships or corporations engaged in the
exploitation of natural resources like those engaged in mining,
quarrying, or construction dams, immigration systems, roads and
bridges and other infrastructure projects, as well as those engaged
in similar or related operations or activities, shall, to the fullest
extent possible, restore, rehabilitate, and return the lands, rivers,
and natural environment subject thereof or affected thereby to their
 original conditions as of before such operations or activities
 Signed on September 19, 1977
PD No. 1219 The Coral Resources Development And Conservation Decree
 It is declared to be the policy of the State to promote and regulate
the exploration, exploitation, utilization and conservation of coral
resources, whether existing beneath territorial waters or in the
marine economic zone of the Philippines, and to ensure the
protection of these resources as provided for under other existing
laws
 This Decree shall be implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources, who shall have the jurisdiction and responsibility
in the exploration, exploitation, utilisation and conservation of coral
resources
 The gathering, harvesting, collecting, transporting, possession, sale
and/or exporting of ordinary corals either in raw or processed form
in any quantity are prohibited
 Only permits for research purposes and experimental gathering may
be issued.
 Signed on October 14, 1977
PD No. 1251 Imposing A Fee On Operating Mining Companies To Be Known As
“Mine Wastes And Tailings Fee” To Compensate For Damages To
Private Landowners And For Other Purposes
 A semi-annual fee to be known as “Mine Wastes and Tailings Fee” is
imposed on all operating mining companies at such amount’s to be
determined by the Secretary of National Resources, upon the
recommendation of the Director of Mines
 The Mine Wastes and Tailings Fee shall accrue to a reserve fund to
be used exclusively for payment of damages on lands, agricultural
crops and forest products, marine life and aquatic resources, the
destruction of infrastructures, and the revegetation and
rehabilitation of silted farm lands and other areas devoted to
agriculture and fishing caused by pollution due to the operation of
mining companies.
 Signed on November 28, 1977
PD No. 1433 Plant Quarantine Decree of 1978
 The importation and/or introduction into the Philippines of plants,
plant products, soil, packing materials of plant origin may be subject
to such quarantine orders, rules and regulations as may be
promulgated, from time to time, by the Director of Plant Industry
with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture (sect. 3)
 The importation of certain species of animals that are liable to
become agricultural crop pests is prohibited by section 4.
 Director and/or Plant Quarantine Officers shall cause the inspection
and phytosanitary certification of all plants, plant products and
other related materials capable of harbouring plant pests, if the
importing country so requires
 (sect 6). Section 8 provides for domestic quarantine of plants and
plant products
 Section 10 spells out the powers and duties of plant quarantine
officers.
 Signed on June 10, 1978
PD No. 1586 Establishing An Environmental Impact Statement System,
Including Other Environmental Management Related Measures
And For Other Purposes
 The decree established an Environmental Impact Statement System
based on the environmental impact statement required of all
national agencies and instrumentalities, for any proposed project
and undertaking
  The main objective of this law is to maintain the balance between
the environment and the socio-economic development of the
country Environmental Impact Statement. A government document
that outlines the impact of a proposed project on its surrounding
environment.
 The government/ president may declare certain projects,
undertaking or areas in the country
 No project must be implemented without first securing the
Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the president or
any authorize representative.
 National Environmental Protection Council. Lead agency which shall
have jurisdiction to undertake the preparation of the necessary
environmental impact statements on declared environmentally
critical projects and areas.
 Environmentally Non-Critical Projects All other projects,
undertakings and areas not declared by the President as
environmentally critical shall be considered as non-critical and shall
not be required to submit an environmental impact statement
 However require non-critical projects and undertakings to provide
additional environmental safeguards as it may deem necessary.
 Environmental Revolving Fund. Proceeds from the penalties imposed
by the National Pollution Control Commission as authorized in P.D.
984, shall be automatically appropriated into an Environment
Revolving Fund.
 Signed on June 6 1978
RA No. 3571 An Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying Or Injuring Of Planted
or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants Of Scenic
Value along Public Roads, In Plazas, Parks, School Premises Or
Any Other Public Ground
 The Act provides for the protection of flowers, plants and trees from
felling and destruction in order to ensure climate preservation, and
the appointed authority shall be the Director of Parks and Wildlife.
 The Director of Parks and Wildlife shall have the power to create a
committee in each and every municipality in the Philippines and
shall appoint any civic conscious and well-travelled citizen as
chairman, and the municipal mayor, the municipal treasurer, the
supervising school teacher, and the municipal health officer, as ex
officio members.
 Signed on June 21, 1963
RA. NO. 3931 An Act Creating The National Water And Air Pollution Control
Commission
 The Act declares as national policy “To maintain reasonable
standards of purity for the waters and of this country with their
utilization for domestic, agricultural, industrial and other legitimate
purposes”
 National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission. Have the task
to encourage voluntary cooperation in the field of water pollution
abatement; it shall
 Serve as arbitrator for the determination of reparations involved in
the damages and losses resulting from the pollution; it shall devise,
consult, participate, cooperate and enter into agreements,
particularly with various provincial and municipal governments, for
the furtherance of the purpose of this Act. It shall also prepare and
develop a comprehensive plan for the abatement of existing
pollution and issue standards, rules and regulations to govern city
and district engineers in the approval of plans and specifications for
sewage works and Industrial wastes, etc.
 Signed on June 18, 1964
RA No. 4850 Laguna Lake Development Act
 This Act provides for the establishment of the Laguna Lake
Development Authority to rationalize the uncontrolled and
underutilized resources of the Lake which was threatened by the
spillover effects of urbanization, industrial pollution and a growing
population. Signed on July 18, 1966.
RA No. 6969 Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act
of 1990
 This Act makes provisions in order to regulate, restrict and/or
prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution,
use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures presenting
risk and/or injury to human and animal health or to the
environment; it provides for the prohibition of entry and transit of
hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine
while encouraging research and studies on toxic chemicals
 The provisions of this Act shall cover the importation, manufacture,
processing. Handling, storage, transportation, sale, distribution, use
and disposal of all unregulated chemical substances and mixtures,
including entry, transit, storage and disposal of hazardous and
nuclear wastes into the country for whatever
 Purpose. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The
implementing agency of this act.
 Inter-Agency Technical Advisory Council. Assist the DENR in the
formulation of the pertinent rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act
 And in the preparation and updating of the inventory of chemical
substances and mixtures. To conduct preliminary evaluation of the
characteristics of chemical substances and mixtures to determine
their toxicity and effects on health and the environment and make
the necessary recommendations to the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
 Signed on October 26, 1990
RA No. 7076 People’s Small-scale Mining Act of 1991
 Objective: to promote, develop, protect and rationalize viable small-
scale mining activities in order to generate more employment
opportunities and provide an equitable sharing of the nation’s
wealth and natural resources, giving due regard to existing rights.
 Signed in June 27, 1991
RA No. 7160 Local Government Code of 1991
 Law that devolves certain powers and responsibilities from the
national government to local government units (LGUs). While the
law primarily focuses on local governance, it does have provisions
related to environmental protection such as, empowers local
government units, particularly the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal
Council), Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), and
Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) given the authority to enact
ordinances to protect the environment and impose appropriate
penalties for acts which endanger the environment.
 Signed on October 10, 1991.
RA No. 7586 National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992
 Objectives to secure for the Filipino people of present and future
generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals
through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated
protected areas within the classification of national park as provided
for in the Constitution
 National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). The
classification and administration of all designated protected areas to
 maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources
found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the
greatest extent possible.
 Protected Area. Refers to identified portions of land and water set
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance,
managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against
destructive human exploitation.
 Categories of Protected Areas: Strict nature reserve, Natural park,
Natural
 Monument, Wildlife sanctuary, Protected landscapes and seascapes,
Resource reserve, and Natural biotic areas
 Approved: June 01 1992
RA No. 7611 Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act
 Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
protect, develop and conserve its natural resources. Towards this
end, it shall assist and support the implementation of plans,
programs and projects formulated to preserve and enhance the
environment, and at the same time pursue the socioeconomic
development goals of the country.
 Strategic Environmental Plan A comprehensive framework for the
sustainable development of Palawan compatible with protecting and
enhancing the natural resources and endangered environment of
the province. It serve to guide the local government of Palawan and
the government agencies concerned in the formulation and
implementation of plans, programs and
 Projects affecting said province Environmental Monitoring and
Evaluation System (EMES). To monitor
 Achievement of its goals of the SEP. To ensure a systematic and
reliable means of data generation for the various concerns of the
SEP. And to measure changes in environmental status, identify
adverse environmental trends and crisis areas, recommend
solutions, assess the implementation of the SEP, and suggest
 measures to make the SEP more responsible to the changing needs.
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. Administrative
Machinery for the Implementation of the SEP Function: governance,
implementation and policy direction of the Strategic Environmental
Plan Approved: June 19, 1992
RA No. 7942 Philippine Mining Act of 1995
 Designed to revive the mining industry and attract more foreign
investment by defining the agreements for mineral exploitation, and
provide the requirements for acquiring mining rights.
 Department of Environment and Natural Resources- primary
government agency responsible for the conservation, management,
development, and proper use of the State's mineral resources
including those in reservations, watershed areas, and lands of the
public domain.
 Mines and Geosciences Bureau-have direct charge in the
administration and disposition of mineral lands and mineral
resources and shall undertake geological, mining, metallurgical,
chemical, and other researches as well as geological and mineral
exploration surveys
 Signed on June 28, 2010.
RA No. 8485 The Animal Welfare Act of 1998
 It is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the welfare of all
animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the
establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding,
 maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as
objects of trade or as household pets
 No person shall start an animal business without first securing from
the Bureau of Animal Industry a certificate of registration therefor
(sect. 2).
 The certificate shall be issued upon proof that the facilities of such
establishment for animals are adequate, clean and sanitary and will
not be used for, nor cause pain and/or suffering to the animals.
 The certificate shall be valid for a period of one year.
 The Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry shall be charged with
supervision of the animals industry.
 There is hereby created a Committee on Animal Welfare attached to
the Department of Agriculture
 The Law declares torturing, neglecting to provide adequate care,
sustenance or shelter, or maltreating any animal to be an offence
(sect. 6)
 It shall be the duty of every person to protect the natural habitat of
the wildlife.
 The destruction of said habitat shall be considered as a form of
cruelty to animals and its preservation is a way of protecting the
animals (sect. 7).
 Signed on February 11, 1998
RA No. 8550 The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998
 The Code makes provision for the management and conservation of
fisheries and aquaculture in the Philippines and the reconstitution or
establishment of fisheries institutions both at the national and local
level.
 Chapter 1 declares the policy of the State with respect to fisheries
and contains a large definitions section. It is a declared policy to
limit access to the fishery and aquatic resources of the Philippines
for the exclusive use and enjoyment of all citizens, including women
and youth sectors. Another principle of policy is the protection of
municipal fishermen Fishery and aquatic resources shall be
managed in a manner consistent with the concept of integrated
coastal area management
 Chapter II contains the main body of rules relative to the
management and conservation of fisheries and to aquaculture.
Fisheries are classified in municipal fisheries, ie fishing in municipal
waters, and commercial fishing. Provisions of the Chapter also
regulate post-harvest facilities, activities and trade
 The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources is reconstituted and
Fisheries and Aquatic Management Councils are created under
provisions of Chapter III.
 The Bureau is a national policy advisory and policy implementation
body. A National Fisheries and Aquatic Management Council is
created under section 70 and municipal/city councils under section
73 These institutions shall assist in the formulation of national
polices and local policies respectively. The Department of Fisheries
may designate areas in Philippine waters beyond 15 kilometres of
the shoreline as fishery reservation or fish refuges and sanctuaries
in bays, foreshore lands, continental shelf or any fishing ground to
be set aside for the cultivation of mangroves to strengthen the
habitat and the spawning grounds of fish.
 Signed on February 25, 1998
RA No. 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
 This Act establishes a comprehensive air pollution control policy for
the country by preserving and protecting air quality, establishing an
air quality management system, prohibiting certain forms of waste
 disposal, and regulating emissions The Act consists of 7 Chapters
and 51 sections General Provisions (1); Air Quality Management
System (2), Fuels, Additives, Substances and Pollutants (3);
Institutional Mechanism (4), Actions (5), Fines and Penalties (6);
Final provisions (7)
 Signed on June 23, 1999
RA No. 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
 The act provides for a comprehensive ecological solid waste
management program by creating the necessary institutional
mechanisms and incentives, appropriating funds, declaring certain
acts prohibited, and providing penalties. It contains seven (7)
chapters, sub- divided into 66 sections setting out policy direction
for an effective solid waste management program in the country.
 Signed on January 26, 2001
RA No. 9072 National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection
Act
 The Act provides for the conservation, protection and management
of caves and cave resources as part of the country's natural wealth.
 Cave definition is given as "any naturally occurring void, cavity,
recess or system of interconnected passages beneath the surface of
the earth or within a cliff or ledge and which is large enough to
permit an individual to enter, whether or not the entrance, located
either in private or public land, is naturally formed or man-made. It
shall include any natural pit, sinkhole or other feature which is an
extension of the entrance.
 Cave resources is defined as "any material or substance occurring
naturally in caves, such as animal life, plant life, including
paleontological and archaeological deposits, cultural artifacts or
products of human activities, sediments, minerals, speleogems and
speleothems".
 The Cooperation and exchange of information between
governmental authorities and Academy for scientific, educational,
recreational, tourism and other purposes shall be implemented and
taken care of in order to better manage and protect the above
mentioned resources.
 Signed on April 8, 2001
RA No. 9147 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act
 The Act provides for the conservation, preservation and protection
of wildlife species and their habitats, in order to preserve and
encourage ecological balance and biological diversity, it provides,
furthermore, for the control and supervision of wildlife capture,
hunting and trade, finally it provides for supporting and promote
scientific research on the protection of biodiversity. The provisions of
this Act shall apply to all wildlife species overall, including those
living in the protected areas as per the Republic Act No. 7586,
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act and also to
exotic species that could be traded, live, and/or bred in captivity or
propagated in the country.
 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall
preside over all terrestrial plants and animals, turtles and tortoises
and wetland species, including also crocodiles, waterbirds and all
amphibians and dugong: while the Department of Agriculture (DA)
shall provide for all aquatic habitats deemed critical, all aquatic
resources including all fishes, aquatic plants, invertebrates and all
marine mammals, except dugong
 Signed on July 30, 2001
RA No. 9175 Chain Saw Act of 2002
  This Regulation pursue the policy of the state to conserve, develop
and protect the forest resources through sustainable forest
management (SFM).
 This Order is promulgated to regulate the purchase, ownership,
possession, sale, transfer, importation and/or use of chainsaws to
prevent them from being used in illegal logging or unauthorized
clearing of forest.
 The Regulation provides for persons authorized to purchase,
transfer the ownership, import, manufacture, distribute, and sell, re-
sell chainsaws.
 Registration of the chainsaws is required with the Community
Environment and Natural Resources Office and it is required to get
permit/authority for these actions.
 The regulation further establish penal provisions and judicial
confiscation for any actions without permit, unlawful importation,
manufacturing and use of chainsaw.
 Signed on November 7, 2002
RA No. 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
 This Act provides for the abatement and control of pollution from
land based sources, and lays down water quality standards and
regulations.
 The Act shall apply to water quality management in all water
bodies: fresh, brackish and marine waters.
 The Act among other things shall provide for the designation of
water quality management areas by the Department, in
coordination with the National Water Resources Board, the
designation of water bodies where specific pollutants from either
natural or man-made sources have already exceeded water quality
guidelines as non-attainment areas for the exceeded pollutants, a
national program on sewerage and septic management; domestic
sewage collection, treatment and disposal, water pollution permits
and charges, offences and
 Penalties, etc. Signed on March 22, 2004
RA No. 9512 National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008
 The National Environmental Awareness and Education Act promotes
national awareness of the importance of environmental education
for sustainable national development in the Philippines.
 This policy mandates that environmental education be integrated
into school curricula at all levels, and that students are provided
with a core curricular foundation in environmental issues and laws,
the state of international and local environmental policy, citizens’
responsibilities to participate in environmental behaviour, and
sustainable development.
 The Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education,
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the
Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the
Department of Science and Technology and other relevant agencies
shall be responsible for implementing public education and
awareness programs on environmental protection and conservation.
 Signed on December 12, 2008
RA No. 9729 Climate Change Act of 2009
 This Act aims to integrate disaster risk reduction measures into
climate change adaptation plans, development and poverty
reduction programs
 The Act provides for the establishment of a Climate Change
Commission to formulate and implement plans for the country to
 cushion the impact of natural disasters. The Commission shall be an
independent and autonomous body and shall have the same status
as that of a national government agency. The Commission shall be
the sole policy-making body of the government which shall be
tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the programs and action
plans of the government relating to climate change.
 The Commission shall formulate a Framework Strategy on Climate
Change to serve as a basis for a program for climate change
planning, research and development, extension, and monitoring of
activities to protect vulnerable communities from the adverse
effects of climate change.
 The Framework shall be formulated based on climate change
vulnerabilities, specific adaptation needs, and mitigation potential
and in accordance with international agreements.
 The Commission shall also formulate a National Climate Change
Action Plan in accordance with the Framework.
 The local government units shall be the frontline agencies in the
formulation planning and implementation of climate change actions
plans in their respective areas.
 Signed on October 23, 2009
RA No. 10121 Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010
 RA 10121 provides a comprehensive, all-hazard, multi-sectoral,
inter-agency, and community-based approach to disaster risk
management through the formulation of the National Disaster Risk
Management Framework.
 A National Disaster Risk Management Plan (NDRMP) is being
formulated, developed, and implemented as the master plan that
will provide the strategies, organization, tasks of concerned
agencies and local government units, and other guidelines in
dealing with disasters or emergencies
 The Act mandates the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Office (DRRMO) in every province, city and
municipality, and a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Committee (BDRRMC) in every barangay.
 The Strategic National Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction for
2009-2019 aims to enhance the capacities of Local Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Councils.
 It provides for the calamity fund to be used in support of disaster
risk reduction or mitigation, prevention, and preparedness activities
for the potential occurrence of disasters and not just for response,
relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
 Signed on May 27, 2010
RA No. 11038 Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS)
Act of 2018
 Encompass ecologically rich and unique areas and biologically
important public lands that are habitats of rare and threatened
species of plants and animals biogeographic zones and related
ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which
shall be designated as ‘protected areas”.
 The Law provides for the environmental and natural resources
offices and protected area management offices where protected
areas are located
 Signed on June 22, 2018
SB No. 668 Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act of 2019
 It shall make tree planting mandatory for every graduating
elementary, high school, and college student and include the ethical
use of our natural resources in the Philippine educational system.
 The trees planted by the graduating students shall be their living
 legacy to the environment and future generations of Filipinos.
 With over 12 million students graduating from elementary and
nearly five million students graduating from high school and almost
500,000 graduating from college each year, this initiative, if
properly implemented, will ensure that at least 175 million new
trees would be planted each year. In the course of one
 Generation, no less than 525 billion can be planted under this
initiative
 Pending in the Committee (8/13/2019)

CHAPTER 3-BROWN LAWS

1. Clean Air Act- RA No. 9275

2. Clean Water Act-RA No. 8749

3. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act- RA No. 9003

4 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8749-PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

Policy of the state to:

Protect and advance the right of people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature;

Attain and maintain a balance between development and environmental profection; and maintain a
quality of air that protects human health and welfare.

Air Quality Principles:

The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable development while
recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems

The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-
based and that air quality management and control is most effective at the level of airsheds.

The State recognizes the principle that “polluters must pay” and the important role of economic
instruments in air quality management and control

The State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should therefore
be a concern of all

✓ Recognition of Rights. The following rights of the citizens are hereby sought to be recognized and
the State shall seek to guarantee their enjoyment:

(a) The right to breathe clean air;

(b) The right to utilize and enjoy all natural resources according to the principles of sustainable
development,

(c) The right to participate in the formulation, planning, implementation and monitoring of
environmental policies and programs and in the decision-making process;
 (d) The right to participate in the decision-making process concerning development policies, plans
and programs projects or activities that may have adverse impact on the environment and
public health,

(e) The right to be informed of the nature and extent of the potential hazard of any activity,
undertaking or project and to be served timely notice of any significant rise in the level of
pollution and the accidental or deliberate release into the atmosphere of harmful or hazardous
substances;

(f) The right of access to public records which a citizen may need to exercise his or her rights
effectively under this Act,

(g) The right to bring action in court or quasi-judicial bodies to enjoin all activities in violation of
environmental laws and regulations, to compel the rehabilitation and cleanup of affected area,
and to seek the imposition of penal sanctions against violators of environmental laws; and

(h) The right to bring action in court for compensation of personal damages resulting from the
adverse environmental and public health impact of a project or activity.

✓ Regulation of all Motor Vehicles and Engine

Any imported new or locally-assembled new motor vehicle shall not be registered unless it complies
with the emission standards set pursuant to this Act, as evidenced by a Certificate of Conformity
(COC) issued by the Department.

Any imported new motor vehicle engine shall not be introduced into commerce, sold or used unless it
complies with emission standards set pursuant to this Act.

Any imported used motor vehicle or rebuilt motor vehicle using new or used engines, major parts or
components shall not be registered unless it complies with the emission standards In case of non-
compliance, the importer or consignee may be allowed to modify or rebuild the vehicular engine so it
will be in compliance with applicable emission standards.

No motor vehicle registration (MVR) shall be issued unless such motor vehicle passes the emission
testing requirement promulgated in accordance with this Act. Such testing shall be conducted by the
DOTC or its authorized inspection centers within sixty (60) days prior to date of registration

The DTI shall promulgate the necessary regulations prescribing the useful life of vehicles and engines
including devices in order to ensure that such vehicles will conform to the emissions which they were
certified to meet. These regulations shall include provisions for ensuring the

Durability of emission devices. Second-Hand Motor Vehicle Engines

Any imported second-hand motor vehicle engine shall not be introduced into commerce, sold or used
unless it complies with emission standards set pursuant to this Act.

✔ Pollution From Smoking

Smoking inside a public building or an enclosed public place including public vehicles and other
means of transport or in any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence, private place of work
or any duly designated smoking area is hereby prohibited under this Act. This provision shall be
implemented by the LGUs.

✓ Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives

The DOE, in coordination with the Department and the BPS, shall regulate the use of any fuel or fuel
additive. No manufacturer, processor or trader of any fuel or additive may import, sell, offer for sale,
or introduce into commerce such fuel for additive unless the same has been registered with the DOE.
Prior to registration, the manufacturer, processor or trader shall provide the DOE with the following
relevant information:

a) Product identity and composition to determine the potential health effects of such fuel
additives;

b) Description of the analytical technique that can be used to detect and measure the additive

In any fuel;

c) Recommended range of concentration; and

d) Purpose in the use of the fuel and additive.

✓ Misfueling

In order to prevent the disabling of any emission control device by lead contamination, no person
shall introduce or cause or allow the introduction of leaded gasoline into any motor vehicle equipped
with a gasoline tank filler inlet and labeled “unleaded gasoline only”. This prohibition shall also apply
to any person who knows or should know that such vehicle is designed solely for the use of unleaded
gasoline.

✔Prohibition on Manufacture, Import and Sale of leaded Gasoline and of Engines and/or

Components Requiring Leaded Gasoline

Effective not later than eighteen (18) months after the enactment of this Act, no person shall
manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, introduce into commerce, convey or otherwise dispose of, in
any manner, leaded gasoline and engines and components requiring the use of leaded gasoline.

For existing vehicles, the DTI shall formulate standards and procedures that will allow non-conforming
engines to comply with the use of unleaded fuel within five(5) years after the effectivity of this Act

Ozone-Depleting Substances.

Consistent with the terms and conditions of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer and other international agreements and protocols to which the Philippines is signatory,
the Department shall phase out ozone-depleting substances

A Within sixty (60) days after the enactment of this Act, the Department shall publish a list of
substances which are known to cause harmful effects on the stratospheric ozone layer.

✓ Greenhouse Gases.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) shall
regularly monitor meteorological factors affecting environmental conditions including ozone depletion
and greenhouse gases and coordinate with the Department in order to effectively guide air pollution
monitoring and standard-setting activities
The Department, together with concerned agencies and local government units, shall prepare and
fully implement a national plan consistent with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change and other international agreements, conventions and protocols on the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in the country

✓ Radioactive Emissions.

All projects which will involve the use of atomic and/or nuclear energy, and will entail release and
emission of radioactive substances into the environment, incident to the establishment or possession
of nuclear energy facilities and radioactive materials, handling, transport, production, storage, and
use of radioactive materials, shall be regulated in the interest of public health and welfare by the
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), in coordination with Department and other appropriate
government agencies.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9275-PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275) aims to protect the country’s water
bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture
and community/household activities). It provides for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to
prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the
stakeholders.

✓ Policy of the state to:

To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of pollution

Of the country’s water resources;

To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of control

Mechanisms for the protection of water resources:

To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that recognizes that water
quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns about water sources and ecological
protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;

To formulate an integrated water quality management framework through proper delegation

And effective coordination of functions and activities;

To promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment friendly and
energy efficient,

To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through the application of
incentives and market-based instruments and to promote the role of private Industrial enterprises in
shaping its regulatory profile within the acceptable boundaries of public health and environment,

To provide for a comprehensive management program for water pollution focusing on pollution
prevention;

To promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of an informed and
active public in water quality management and monitoring,

To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse environmental
impact of a project, program or activity, and
To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and business
undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate and motivate the
people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the local and national levels

How will water quality be managed? Water Quality Management System

Management of water quality will either be based on watershed, river basin or water resources
region. Water quality management areas with similar hydrological, meteorological or geographic
conditions which affect the reaction and diffusion of pollutants in water bodies are to be designated
by the DENR in coordination with the National Water Resources Board.

How will water quality be managed?

All owners or operators of facilities that discharge wastewater are required to get permit from the
DENR or the Laguna Lake Development Authority. Existing industries without any permit are given 12
months from the effectivity of the IRR promulgated pursuant to this Act to secure

✓ permit to discharge How will water quality be managed?

The DPWH, in coordination with LGUs will prepare a national program on sewage and septage
management not later than 12 months from effectivity of this Act. A priority list will likewise be
prepared which will be the basis by the national government for the construction and rehabilitation of
required facilities.

The LGUs are to provide the land including road right of the way for the construction of sewage and/or
septage treatment facilities and raise funds for the operations and maintenance of said facilities.

The DOH will formulate guidelines and standards for the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage
as well as the guidelines for the establishment and operation of centralized sewage treatment
system. The MWSS and other agencies mandated to provide water supply and sewerage facilities are
required to connect existing sewage lines, subject to the payment of sewerage service charges/fees
within five years following effectivity of this act.

✓ Prohibited Acts

Discharging, depositing or causing to be deposited material of any kind directly or indirectly into the
water bodies or along the margins of any surface water, where, the same shall be liable to be washed
into such surface water, either by tide action or by storm, floods or otherwise, which could cause
water pollution or impede natural flow in the water body;

Discharging, injecting or allowing to seep into the soil or sub-soil any substance in any form that
would pollute groundwater. In the case of geothermal projects, and subject to the approval of the
Department, regulated discharge for short-term activities (e.g. well testing, flushing,
Commissioning, venting) and deep re-injection of geothermal liquids may be allowed Provided, That
safety measures are adopted to prevent the contamination of the groundwater, Operating facilities
that discharge regulated water pollutants without the valid required permits or after the permit was
revoked for any violation of any condition therein,

Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea water by vessels unless the health or

Safety of individuals on board the vessel is threatened by a great and imminent peril, Unauthorized
transport or dumping into sea waters of sewage sludge or solid waste as defined under Republic Act
No. 9003,

Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances or pollutants listed

Under Republic Act No. 6969,

Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep, willfully or through gross negligence, prohibited
chemicals, substances or pollutants listed under Republic Act No. 6969, into water bodies or wherein
the same shall be liable to be washed into such surface, ground, coastal, and marine water,

Undertaking activities or development and expansion of projects, or operating wastewater/sewerage

facilities in violation of Presidential Decree No 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations,

Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required discharge permit pursuant to this
Act or after the permit was revoked or any violation of any condition therein;

Noncompliance of the LGU with the Water Quality Framework and Management Area Action Plan. In
such a case, sanctions shall be imposed on the local government officials concerned, Refusal to allow
entry, Inspection and monitoring by the Department in accordance with this

Act, Refusal to allow access by the Department to relevant reports and records in accordance with
this Act,

Refusal or failure to submit reports whenever required by the Department in accordance with this Act,

Refusal or failure to designate pollution control officers whenever required by the Department in
accordance with this Act, and

Directly using booster pumps in the distribution system or tampering with the water supply in such a
way as to alter or impair the water quality

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9003-ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000

✓ Policy of the state to:

Ensure the protection of public health and environment,

Utilize environmentally-sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and
encourage resource conservation and recovery,

Set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction
and waste minimization measures, including composting, recycling, re-use, recovery, green charcoal
process, and others, before collection, treatment and disposal in appropriate and environmentally
sound solid waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable development
principles;

Ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste
through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practice in ecological waste
management excluding incineration;

Promote national research and development programs for improved solid waste management and
resource conservation techniques, more effective institutional arrangernent and indigenous and
improved methods of waste reduction, collection, separation and recovery, Encourage greater private
sector participation in solid waste management:

Retain primary enforcement and responsibility of solid waste management with local government
units while establishing a cooperative effort among the national government, other local government
units, non-government organizations, and the private sector;

Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among waste generators through the application of
market-based instruments;
Institutionalize public participation in the development and implementation of national and local
integrated, comprehensive and ecological waste management programs, and

Strengthen the integration of ecological solid waste management and resource conservation and
recovery topics into the academic curricula of formal and non-formal education in order to promote
environmental awareness and action among the citizenry.

Definition of Terms

Agricultural waste shall refer to waste generated from planting or harvesting of crops, trimming or
pruning of plants and wastes or run-off materials from farms or fields:

Bulky wastes shall refer to waste materials which cannot be appropriately placed in separate
containers because of either its bulky size, shape or other physical attributes. These include large
worn-out or broken household, commercial, and industrial items such as furniture, lamps, bookcases,
filing cabinets, and other similar items,

Buy-back center shall refer to a recycling center that purchases or otherwise accepts recyclable
materials from the public for the purpose of recycling such materials;

Composting shall refer to the controlled decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms, mainly
bacteria and fungi, into a humus-like product,

Consumer electronics shall refer to special wastes that include worn-out, broken, and other discarded
items such as radios, stereos, and TV sets,

Controlled dump shall refer to a disposal site at which solid waste is deposited in accordance with the
minimum prescribed standards of site operation;

Disposal shall refer to the discharge, deposit, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of any solid

Waste into or in any land;

Disposal site shall refer to a site where solid waste is finally discharged and deposited;

Ecological solid waste management shall refer to the systematic administration of activities which
provide for segregation at source, segregated transportation, storage, transfer, processing,
treatment, and disposal of solid waste and all other waste management activities which do not harm
the environment:

Environmentally acceptable shall refer to the quality of being re-usable, biodegradable or

compostable, recyclable and not toxic or hazardous to the environment;

Generation shall refer to the act or process of producing solid waste;

Hazardous waste shall refer to solid waste or combination of solid waste which because of its
quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may: cause, or significantly
contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating
reversible, illness; or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human
Health of the environment when improperty treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise
managed;

Leachate shall refer to the liquid produced when waste undergo decomposition, and when water
percolate through solid waste undergoing decomposition. It is contaminated liquid that contains
dissolved and suspended materials;
Materials recovery facility includes a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center, a
composting facility, and a recycling facility,

Municipal waste shall refer to wastes produced from activities within local government units which
include a combination of domestic, commercial, institutional and industrial wastes and street litters;

Open dump shall refer to a disposal area wherein the solid wastes are indiscriminately thrown or
disposed of without due planning and consideration for environmental and health standards:

Opportunity to recycle shall refer to the act of providing a place for collecting source separated
recyclable material, located either at a disposal site or at another location more convenient to the
population being served, and collection at least once a month of source-separated recyclable material
from collection service customers and to providing a public education and promotion program that
gives notice to each person of the opportunity to recycle and encourage source separation of
recyclable material;

Post-consumer material shall refer only to those materials or products generated by a business or
consumer which have served their intended end use, and which have been separated or diverted
from solid waste for the purpose of being collected, processed and used as a raw material in the
manufacturing of a recycled product, excluding materials and by-products generated from, and
commonly used within an original manufacturing process, such as mill scrap;

Recyclable material shall refer to any waste material retrieved from the waste stream and free from
contamination that can still be converted into suitable beneficial use or for other purposes, including,
but not limited to, newspaper, ferrous scrap metal, non-ferrous scrap metal, used oil, corrugated
cardboard, aluminum, glass, office paper, tin cans and other materials as may be determined by the
Commission;

Recycled material shall refer to post-consumer material that has been recycled and returned to the
economy.

Recycling shall refer to the treating of used or waste materials through a process of making them
suitable for beneficial use and for other purposes, and includes any process by which solid waste
materials are transformed into new products in such a manner that the original products may lose
their identity, and which may be used as raw materials for the production of other goods or services:
Provided, That the collection, segregation and re-use of previously used packaging material shall be
deemed recycling under this Act;

Resource conservation shall refer to the reduction of the amount of solid waste that are generated or
the reduction of overall resource consumption, and utilization of recovered resources,

Resource recovery shall refer to the collection, extraction or recovery of recyclable materials from the
waste stream for the purpose of recycling, generating energy or producing a product suitable for
beneficial use: Provided, That, such resource recovery facilities exclude Incineration,

Re-use shall refer to the process of recovering materials intended for the same or different purpose
without the alteration of physical and chemical characteristics;

Sanitary landfill shall refer to a waste disposal site designed, constructed, operated and maintained in
a manner that exerts engineering control over significant potential environmental impacts arising
from the development and operation of the facility,

Schedule of Compliance shall refer to an enforceable sequence of actions or operations to be

accomplished within a stipulated time frame leading to compliance with a limitation, prohibition, or
standard set forth in this Act or any rule or regulation issued pursuant thereto,
Segregation shall refer to a solid waste management practice of separating different materials found
in solid waste in order to promote recycling and re-use of resources and to reduce the volume of
waste for collection and disposal;

Segregation at source shall refer to a solid waste management practice of separating, at the point of
origin, different materials found in solid waste in order to promote recycling and re-use of resources
and to reduce the volume of waste for collection and disposal;

Solid waste shall refer to all discarded household, commercial waste, non-hazardous institutional and
industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste, and other
non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste.

Solid waste management shall refer to the discipline associated with the control of generation,
storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that
is in accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation,
aesthetics, and other environmental considerations, and that is also responsive to public attitudes,

Special wastes shall refer to household hazardous wastes such as paints, thinners, household
batteries, lead-acid batteries, spray canisters and the like. These include wastes from residential and
commercial sources that comprise of bulky wastes, consumer electronics, white goods, yard wastes
that are collected separately, batteries, oil, and tires. These wastes are usually handled separately
from other residential and commercial wastes;

White goods shall refer to large worn-out or broken household, commercial, and industrial

Appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers

Collected separately. White goods are usually dismantled for the recovery of specific materials (e.g.,
copper, aluminum, etc.), and Yard waste shall refer to wood, small or chipped branches, leaves, grass
clippings, garden debris, vegetable residue that is recognizable as part of a plant or vegetable and
other materials identified by the Commission

National Solid Waste Management Commission.

Under the Office of the President, composed of 14 members from the government sector and

3 members from the private sector

The Commission shall oversee the implementation of solid waste management plans and

Prescribe policies to achieve the objectives of this Act

National Ecology Center

Shall provide consulting, information, training, and networking services for the implementation of the
provisions of this Act.

CHAPTER 4-GREEN LAWS

123456 6.

Revised Forestry Code- PD NO. 705

Chainsaw Act of 1990-RA NO. 9175

Wildlife Conservation Act- RA NO. 9147

Philippine Mining Act of 1995- RA NO. 7942

People’s Small Scale Mining Act-RA NO. 7076

Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System-RA NO. 11038

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 705-REVISED FORESTRY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Proper classification, management and utilization of lands to maximize productivity.

Lays down the basic principles of forest management and conservation, makes provision for the
administration of forestry.

Policy of the state to:

The multiple uses of forest lands shall be oriented to the development and progress requirements of
the country, the advancement of science and technology, and the public

Welfare;

Land classification and survey shall be systematized and hastened,

The establishment of wood-processing plants shall be encouraged and rationalized; and The
protection, development and rehabilitation of forest lands shall be emphasized so as to ensure their
continuity in productive condition.

✓ Definition of Terms:

Public forest is the mass of lands of the public domain which has not been the subject of the present
system of classification for the determination of which lands are needed for forest purposes and
which are not.

Permanent forest or forest reserves refer to those lands of the public domain which have been the
subject of the present system of classification and determined to be needed for forest purposes.

Alienable and disposable lands refer to those lands of the public domain which have been the subject
of the present system of classification and declared as not needed for forest purposes.

Forest lands include the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest
reservations.

Grazing land refers to that portion of the public domain which has been set aside, in view of the
suitability of its topography and vegetation, for the raising of livestock.

Mineral lands refer to those lands of the public domain which have been classified as such by the
Secretary of Natural Resources in accordance with prescribed and approved criteria, guidelines and
procedure.

Forest reservations refer to forest lands which have been reserved by the President of the Philippines
for any specific purpose or purposes.

National park refers to a forest land reservation essentially of primitive or wilderness character which
has been withdrawn from settlement or occupancy and set aside as such exclusively to preserve the
scenery.
Marine parks refers to any off-shore area inhabited by rare and unique species of marine flora and
fauna.

Seashore park refers to any public shore area delimited for outdoor recreation, sports fishing, water
skiing and related healthful activities.

Watershed reservation is a forest land reservation established to protect or improve the conditions of
the water yield thereof or reduce sedimentation.

Watershed is a land area drained by a stream or fixed body of water and its tributaries having

A common outlet for surface run-off.

Pine forest is a forest composed of the Benguet Pine in the Mountain Provinces or the Mindoro pine in
Mindoro and Zambales provinces.

Industrial tree plantation is any tract of forest land purposely and extensively planted to timber crops
primarily to supply the raw material requirements of existing or proposed processing plants and
related industries.

Bureau of Forest Development

Merger of all forestry agencies namely, Bureau of Forestry, Reforestation Administration, Southern
Cebu Reforestation Administration, and Parks and Wildlife Office

The primary govemment agency responsible for conservation, management, development and proper
use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral
resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of public domain.

✓ Executive Order No. 277

Amended Section 68. Penalizing possession of timber or other forest products without the legal
documents required by existing forest laws, authorizing the confiscation of illegally cut, gathered,
removed and possessed forest products, and granting rewards to informers of violations of forestry
laws, rules and regulations

✔ Establishment of Forestry Development Center

There shall be established in the College of Forestry, University of the Philippines at Los Baños, in
coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and the wood industry.

Tasks to conduct basic policy researches in forestry and develop or help develop an effective
machinery for forestry policy formulation and implementation.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9175-CHAINSAW ACT OF 1990

Policy of the state to:

Pursue an aggressive forest protection program geared towards eliminating illegal logging and other
forms of forest destruction which are being facilitated with the use of chain saws.

Regulate the ownership, possession, sale, transfer, importation and/or use of chain saws to prevent
them from being used in illegal logging or unauthorized clearing of forests.

Definition of Terms:
Chain saw refer to any portable power saw or similar cutting implement, rendered operative by an
electric or internal combustion engine or similar means, that may be used for, but is not limited to,
the felling of trees or the cutting of timber,

Chain saw dealer refer to a person, natural or juridical, engaged in the manufacture, importation,
distribution, purchase and/or sale of chain saws.

Chain saw user refer to any person, natural or juridical, who uses and/or operates a

Chainsaw for the purpose of telling, bucking, trimming and/or breakdown into suitable sizes of timber,
coconut, anahaw, and other palms and similar woody materials, as authorized by the DENR

Chainsaw owner/possessor refer to any person, natural or juridical, who owns/possesses a chainsaw,
as authorized by the DENR.

Forestland refers to the land of the public domain which have not been declared as alienable and
disposable land and includes the public forest, reserve, forest reservations, timber lands, grazing
lands, game refuge and bird sanctuaries.

Orchard refers to lands planted with fruit trees and other trees of economic value, including bamboo,
coconut, anahaw and othe palms.

✓ Persons authorized to own, possess and use chainsaws.

Holder’s of any of the following subsisting instruments: Timber License Agreement, Production
Sharing Agreement, Co-Production Sharing Agreement, Private Land Timber Permit, Special Private
Land Timber Permit, Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA), Integrated Forest
Management Agreement (IFMA), Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA), Other
similar tenurial instruments.

Orchard or fruit tree farmer

Industrial tree farmer

Licensed wood processor, in which the chainsaw shall be used for the cutting of timber that has been
legally sold to said applicant

Any entity, natural or juridical who shows satisfactory proof that the possession and/or use of

The chainsaw is for a legal purpose

Agencies of the government, such as but not limited to Local Government Units and Protected Area
Offices, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) that use chainsaws in some
aspects of their functions

✓ Registration of Chainsaws

The Certificate of Registration of a chainsaw used for legitimate purpose shall be valid for two (2)
years upon issuance, renewable for the same period, provided that Certificates of Registration issued
to non-commercial orchard and fruit tree farmers, and similar entities whose line of business or work
are not related to wood and/or timber production, processing and trade shall be valid for a period of
five (5) years upon issuance, renewable for the same period, unless otherwise revoked by the issuing
authority.

✓ Punishable Acts

Selling, Purchasing, Re-selling, Transferring, Distributing or Possessing a Chain Saw Without

A Proper Permit

Unlawful Importation or Manufacturing of Chain Saw

Tampering of Engine Serial Number

Actual Unlawful Use of Chain Saw

Chainsaws Subject to Confiscation

Chainsaws sold, purchased, resold, transferred, distributed, leased, rented, lent or possessed

Without proper permit or authority from DENR

Chainsaws possessed and actually used to cut trees and timber in forestland or elsewhere

Without valid certificate of Registration

Chainsaws used as tool or implement in cutting, gathering, collecting, removing and/or processing
timber or forest products without legal documents.

Rewards for any person who gives information.

Any person who voluntarily gives information leading to the recovery or confiscation of an illegally
possessed or unregistered chainsaw and the resultant conviction of persons charged thereof, shall be
entitled to a reward equivalent to twenty percent (20%) of the value of the chainsaw unit(s) so
confiscated.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9147-WILDLIFE RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION ACT

An Act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats,
appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.

Policy of the state to:

To conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and
enhance biological diversity,

To regulate the collection and trade of wildlife; to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the
Philippine commitment to international conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats; and

To initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity.

Definition of Terms

Bioprospecting means the research, collection and utilization of biological and genetic resources for
purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for commercial

Purposes: By-product or derivatives means any part taken or substance extracted from wildlife, in raw
or in processed form. This includes stuffed animals and herbarium specimens;

Captive-breeding/culture or propagation means the process of producing individuals under controlled

conditions or with human interventions;

Collection or collecting means the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife, its by-products or
derivatives;
Conservation means preservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife, and/or maintenance,
restoration and enhancement of the habitat,

Critically endangered species refers to a species or subspecies that is facing extremely high risk of
extinction in the wild in the immediate future;

Economically important species means species which have actual or potential value in trade or
utilization for commercial purpose;

Endangered species refers to species or subspecies that is not critically endangered but whose
survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. Endemic species means
species or subspecies which is naturally occurring and found only

Within specific areas in the country, Exotic species means species or subspecies which do not
naturally occur in the country;

Export permit refers to a permit authorizing an individual to bring out wildlife from the Philippines to
any other country;

Gratuitous permit means permit issued to any individual or entity engaged in noncommercial
scientific or educational undertaking to collect wildlife;

Habitat means a place or environment where a species or subspecies naturally occur or has naturally
established its population;

Import permit refers to a permit authorizing an individual to bring in wildlife from another country,

Indigenous wildlife means species or subspecies of wildlife naturally occurring or has naturally
established population in the country.

Introduction means bringing species into the wild that is outside its natural habitat:

Reexport permit refers to a permit authorizing an individual to bring out of the country a previously
imported wildlife;

Threatened species a general term to denote species or subspecies considered as critically

endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at
risk of extinction;

Trade means the act of engaging in the exchange, exportation or importation, purchase or sale of
wildlife, their derivatives or by-products, locally or internationally,

Traditional use means utilization of wildlife by indigenous people in accordance with written or
unwritten rules, usage, customs and practices traditionally observed, accepted and recognized by
them;

Transport permit means a permit issued authorizing an individual to bring wildlife from one place to
another within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines;

Vulnerable species refers to species or subspecies that is not critically endangered nor endangered
but is under threat from adverse factors throughout their range and is likely to move to the
endangered category in the near future,

Wildlife means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all developmental stages, including
those which are in captivity or are being bred or propagated;
Wildlife collector’s permit means a permit to take or collect from the wild certain species and
quantities of wildlife for commercial purpose, and Wildlife farm/culture permit means a permit to
develop, operate and maintain a wildlife

Breeding farm for conservation, trade and/or scientific purposes.

✓ Illegal Acts

Killing and destroying wildlife species

Inflicting injury which cripples and/or impairs the reproductive system of wildlife species

Effecting any of the following acts in critical habitat(s): (i) dumping of waste products

Detrimental to wildlife;

(ii) squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat; (iii) mineral exploration and/or
extraction, (iv) burning; (v) logging, and (vi) quarrying

Introduction, reintroduction or restocking of wildlife resources

Trading of wildlife

Collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives

Gathering or destroying of active nests, nest trees, host plants and the like

Maltreating and/or inflicting other injuries not covered by the preceding paragraph

Transporting of wildlife

Wildlife Management Fund

To be administered by the Department as a special account in the National Treasury. It shall finance
rehabilitation or restoration of habitats affected by acts committed in violation of this Act and support
scientific research, enforcement and monitoring activities, as well as enhancement of capabilities of
relevant agencies.

✓ National Wildlife Research Centers

Establish national wildlife research centers for terrestrial and aquatic species to lead in the conduct of
scientific researches on the proper strategies for the conservation and protection of wildlife, including
captive breeding or propagation.

✓ Wildlife Rescue Center

To take temporary custody and care of all confiscated, abandoned and/or donated wildlife to ensure
their welfare and well-being.

Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units

In strategic air and seaports all over the country to ensure the strict compliance and effective
implementation of all existing wildlife laws, rules and regulations, including pertinent international
agreements.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 7942-PHILIPPINE MINING ACT OF 1995

Policy of the state to:

All mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of
the Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State

It shall be the responsibility of the State to promote their rational exploration, development,
utilization and conservation through the combined efforts of government and the private sector in
order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protect
the rights of affected communities.

✓ Definition of Terms

Ancestral lands refers to all lands exclusively and actually possessed, occupied, or utilized by
indigenous cultural communities by themselves or through their ancestors in accordance with their
customs and traditions since time immemorial

Carrying capacity refers to the capacity of natural and human environments to accommodate and
absorb change without experiencing conditions of instability and attendant degradation Contiguous
zone refers to water, sea bottom and substratum measured twenty-four nautical miles (24 n.m.)
seaward from the base line of the Philippine archipelago

Contract area means land or body of water delineated for purposes of exploration, development, or
utilization of the minerals found therein

Contractor means a qualified person acting alone or in consortium who is a party to a mineral
agreement or to a financial or technical assistance agreement

Co-production agreement (CA) means an agreement entered into between the Government and one
or more contractors

Development means the work undertaken to explore and prepare an ore body or a mineral deposit for
mining, including the construction of necessary infrastructure and related facilities Environmental
compliance certificate (ECC) refers to the document issued by the government agency concerned
certifying that the project under consideration will not bring about an unacceptable environmental
impact and that the proponent has complied with the requirements of the environmental impact
statement system.

Environmental impact statement (EIS) is the document which aims to identify, predict, interpret, and
communicate information regarding changes in environmental quality associated with a proposed
project and which examines the range of alternatives for the objectives of the proposal and their
impact on the environment

Exclusive economic zone means the water, sea bottom and subsurface measured from the baseline of
the Philippine archipelago up to two hundred nautical miles (200 n.m.) offshore

Existing mining/quarrying right means a valid and subsisting mining claim or permit or quarry permit
or any mining lease contract or agreement covering a mineralized area granted/issued under
pertinent mining laws

Exploration means the searching or prospecting for mineral resources by geological, geochemical or
geophysical surveys, remote sensing, test pitting, trenching, drilling, shaft sinking, tunneling or any
other means for the purpose of determining the existence, extent, quantity and quality thereof and
the feasibility of mining them for profit

Mining area means a portion of the contract area identified by the contractor for purposes of
development, mining, utilization, and sites for support facilities or in the immediate vicinity of the
mining operations

Ownership of Mineral Resources

Mineral resources are owned by the State and the exploration, development, utilization, and
processing thereof shall be under its full control and supervision. The State may directly

Undertake such activities or it may enter into mineral agreements with contractors. The State shall
recognize and protect the rights of the indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands as
provided for by the Constitution.

✓ Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and
proper use of the State’s mineral resources including those in reservations, watershed areas, and
lands of the public domain

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

Have direct charge in the administration and disposition of mineral lands and mineral resources and
shall undertake geological, mining, metallurgical, chemical, and other researches as well as
geological and mineral exploration surveys

✓ Opening of Ancestral Lands for Mining Operations

No ancestral land shall be opened for mining-operations without prior consent of the Indigenous
cultural community concerned.

✓ Royalty Payments for Indigenous Cultural Communities

In the event of an agreement with an indigenous cultural community pursuant to the preceding
section, the royalty payment, upon utilization of the minerals shall be agreed upon by the parties. The
said royalty shall form part of a trust fund for the socioeconomic well-being of the indigenous cultural
community.

Exploration Permit

An exploration permit grants the right to conduct exploration for all minerals in specified areas. The
Bureau shall have the authority to grant an exploration Permit to a qualified person.

Terms and Conditions of the Exploration Permit

An exploration permit shall be for a period of two (2) years, subject to annual review and
relinquishment or renewal upon the recommendation of the Director.

✓ Modes of Mineral Agreement

Mineral production sharing agreement is an agreement where the Government grants to the
contractor the exclusive right to conduct mining operations within a contract area and shares in the
gross output. The contractor shall provide the financing, technology, management and personnel
necessary for the implementation of this agreement.

Co-production agreement is an agreement between the Government and the contractor wherein the
Government shall provide inputs to the mining operations other than the mineral resource.

Joint venture agreement is an agreement where a joint-venture company is organized by the

Government and the contractor with both parties having equity shares. Aside from earnings in equity,
the Government shall be entitled to a share in the gross output.

Quarry Permit
Any qualified person may apply to the provincial/city mining regulatory board for a quarry permit on
privately-owned lands and/or public lands for building and construction materials such as marble,
basalt, andesite, conglomerate, tuff, adobe, granite, gabbro, serpentine, inset filling materials, clay
for ceramic tiles and building bricks, pumice, perlite and other similar materials that are extracted by
quarrying from the ground

The maximum area which a qualified person may hold at any one time shall be five hectares

(5 has.)

A quarry permit shall have a term of five (5) years, renewable for like periods but not to exceed

A total term of twenty-five (25) years.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7076-PEOPLE’S SMALL-SCALE MINING ACT OF 1991

✔ Objective:

To promote, develop, protect and rationalize viable small-scale mining activities in order to generate
more employment opportunities and provide an equitable sharing of the nation’s wealth and natural
resources, giving due regard to existing rights

✓ Definition of Terms

“Mineralized areas” refer to areas with naturally occurring mineral deposits of gold, silver, chromite,
kaolin, silica, marble, gravel, clay and like mineral resources

“Small-scale mining” refers to mining activities which rely heavily on manual labor using simple
implement and methods and do not use explosives or heavy mining equipment

“Small-scale miners” refer to Filipino citizens who, individually or in the company of other Filipino
citizens, voluntarily form a cooperative duly licensed by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources to engage, under the terms and conditions of a contract, in the extraction or removal of
minerals or ore-bearing materials from the ground

“Small-scale mining contract refers to co-production, joint venture or mineral production sharing
agreement between the State and a small-scale mining contractor for the small-scale utilization of a
plot of mineral land

“Small-scale mining contractor” refers to an individual or a cooperative of small-scale miners,

registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other appropriate government agency,
which has entered into an agreement with the State for the small-scale utilization of a plot of mineral
land within a people’s small-scale mining area

“Active mining area” refers to areas under actual exploration, development, exploitation or
commercial production as determined by the Secretary after the necessary field investigation or
verification including contiguous and geologically related areas belonging to the same claimowner
and/or under contract with an operator, but in no case to exceed the maximum area allowed by law

“Existing mining right refers to perfected and subsisting claim, lease, license or permit covering a
mineralized area prior to its declaration as a people’s small-scale mining area

“Claimowner” refers to a holder of an existing mining right

“Processor” refers to a person issued a license to engage in the treatment of minerals or ore-bearing
materials such as by gravity concentration, leaching benefication, cyanidation, cutting, sizing,
polishing and other similar activities
“License” refers to the privilege granted to a person to legitimately pursue his occupation as a small-
scale miner or processor under this Act

“Mining plan” refers to a two-year program of activities and methodologies employed in the
extraction and production of minerals or ore-bearing materials, including the financial plan and other
resources in support thereof

✓ People’s Small-scale Mining Program

To be implemented by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

in coordination with other concerned government agencies, designed to achieve an orderly.
systematic and rational scheme for the small-scale development and utilization of mineral resources
in certain mineral areas in order to address the social, economic, technical, and environmental
connected with small-scale mining activities

✓ Features of People's Small-scale Mining Program

(a) The identification, segregation and reservation of certain mineral lands as people's small-scale
mining areas,

(b) The recognition of prior existing rights and productivity,

(c) The encouragement of the formation of cooperatives;

(d) The extension of technical and financial assistance, and other social services;

(e) The extension of assistance in processing and marketing.

(1) The generation of ancillary livelihood activities;

(g) The regulation of the small-scale mining industry with the view to encourage growth and

productivity, and

(h) The efficient collection of government revenue

Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Board

Implementing agency of DENR

(a)Declare and segregate existing gold-rush areas for small-scale mining.

(b) Reserve future gold and other mining areas for small-scale mining:

(c) Award contracts to small-scale miners,

(d) Formulate and implement rules and regulations related to small-scale mining.

(e) Settle disputes, conflicts or litigations over conflicting claims within a people's small-scale mining
area, an area that is declared a small-mining; and

(f) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of this Act

✓ Ancestral Lands

No ancestral land may be declared as a people's small-scale mining area without the prior consent of
the cultural communities concerned provided, that, if ancestral lands are declared as people's small-
scale mining areas, the members of the cultural communities therein shall be given priority in the
awarding of small-scale mining contracts.

✓ Registration of Small-scale Miners

All persons undertaking small-scale mining activities shall register as miners with the Board and may
organize themselves into cooperatives in order to qualify for the awarding of a people's small-scale
mining contract

✓ Award of People's Small-scale Mining Contracts

awarded by the Board to small-scale miners who have voluntarily organized and have duly registered
with the appropriate government agency as an individual miner or cooperative Provided, that only
one (1) people's small-scale mining contract may be awarded at any one time to a small-scale mining
operations within one (1) year from the date of award provided, further, that priority shall be given or
city where the small-scale mining area is located.

Applications for a contract shall be subject to a reasonable fee to be paid to the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources regional office having jurisdiction over the area.

✓ Extent of Contract Area

The area shall not exceed twenty hectares (20 has.) per contractor

Terms and Conditions of the Contract

Shall have a term of two (2) years, renewable subject to verification by the Board for like periods as
long as the contractor complies with the provisions

✔Sale of Gold

All gold produced by small-scale miners in any mineral area shall be sold to the Central Bank, or its
duly authorized representatives, which shall buy it at prices competitive with those prevailing in the
world market regardless of volume or weight.

✔ People’s Small-scale Mining Protection Fund

Fifteen percent (15%) of the national government’s share

Used primarily for information dissemination and training of small-scale miners on safety. Health and
environmental protection, and the establishment of mine rescue and recovery teams including the
procurement of rescue equipment necessary in cases of emergencies such as landslides, tunnel
collapse, or the like

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11038 EXPANDED NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (E-NIPAS)
ACT OF 2018

✔ Declaration of Policy

Acknowledges the significant impact of human activities on the natural environment, including
population growth, resource exploitation, and industrial advancement

Recognizes the critical importance of protecting and maintaining natural, biological, and physical
diversities, especially in areas with biologically unique features

Declares the policy of the State to secure the perpetual existence of native plants and animals

For the present and future generations.

✓ Definition of Terms

Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the variability among the living organisms from all sources
including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of
which they are part, this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems,

Bioprospecting refers to the research, collection, and utilization of biological and genetic resources for
purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for commercial purposes;

Buffer zones refers to identified areas outside the boundaries of and immediately adjacent to
designated protected areas that need special development control in order to avoid or minimize harm
to the protected area,

By-products or Derivatives refers to parts taken or substances extracted from wildlife, in raw or in
processed form;

Collecting refers to the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife and its by-products or derivatives,

Conveyance refers to every kind of vessel, including motorized or nonmotorized vehicles,

nondisplacement crafts and seaplanes that are used or may be used as a means of transportation on
land or water. It shall include everything found therein except personal effects;

Delineation refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of protected areas and their buffer
zones and management and management zones using the global positioning system (GPS) or other
applicable survey instruments and technologies, with the intention of producing a map of the area;

Demarcation refers to the establishment of the boundaries of protected areas and their buffer zones
using visible markers, monuments, buoys in case of marine areas, and known natural features and
landmarks, among others, as a result of the actual ground delineation,

Ecosystem goods and services refers to the multitude of material and nonmaterial provisions and
benefits from healthy ecosystems necessary for human sustenance, well-being, and survival including
support processes, provisioning and environment regulating services, and cultural resource
preservation services;

Endemic species refers to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna which are naturally occurring
and found within specific areas in the country;

Exotic species refer to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna which do not naturally occur
within the protected area at present or in historical time,

Exploration refers to the act of searching or prospecting for mineral resources, as defines by law, by
geological, geochemical or geophysical surveys, remote sensing, test pitting. Trenching, drilling, shaft
sinking, tunneling, or any other means, for the purpose of determining the existence, extent,
quantity, and quality of resources in an area, and the feasibility of utilizing these resources for profit;

Gear refers to any instrument or device and its accessories utilized in taking, catching gathering,
killing, hunting, destroying, disturbing, removing, or possessing resources within the protected area;

Genitically modified organism (GMO) refers to any living organism that possesses a novel combination
of genetic material through the use of modern biotechnology:

Hunting refers to the killing or catching of wild fauna for food and recreational purposes, with

The use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spears, traps and snares, and the like;
Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC)/Indigenous People (IP) refers to a group of people sharing
common bonds of language, customs traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have,
since time immemorial occupied, possessed and utilized a territory,

Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) refers to the special account established for the purpose of
financing projects of the NIPAS and individual protected areas;

Invasive alien species refers to species introduced deliberately or unintentionally outside their natural
habitats where they have the ability to establish themselves, invade, outcompete native species, and
take over the new environment;

Kaingin refers to the slash-and-bum cultivation of vegetated land in a protected area, whether
occupied or not, shifting and permanent with little or no provision to prevent soil erosion;

Multiple-use zone refers to the area where settlement, traditional and sustainable land use including
agriculture, agroforestry, extraction activities, and income generating or livelihood activities, and may
be allowed to the extent prescribed in the protected area management plan;

National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) refers to the classification and administration of
all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain their
natural conditions to the greatest extent possible;

National park refers to the lands of the public domain classified as such in the Constitution which
include all areas under the NIPAS pursuant to this Act, primarily designated for the conservation of
native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity,

Natural biotic area refers to an area set aside to allow the way of life of societies living in harmony
with the environment to adapt to modem technology at their pace,

Natural monument refers to a relatively small area focused on the protection of small features to
protect or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special interest or
unique characteristics;

Natural park refers to a relatively large area not materially altered by human activity where extractive
resources uses not allowed and is maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of
national or international significance for scientific, educational, recreational use,

Occupying refers to a continuous stay of individuals or groups within a protected area, whether
residing or engaging in the cultivation of land or fishing for more that twenty-four (24) hours;

Poaching refers to gathering, collecting, or possessing products or natural resources from the
protected area by any individual person, corporation or entity whether local or foreign; in the case of
marine protected areas, operating any foreign fishing vessels by any person, corporation, or entity
without a permit,

Protected area refers to identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique
physical and biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation; Protected Area
Occupants refers to persons who are residing, utilizing, and cultivating areas within the protected
area. These include private owners, IPs, tenured migrants and informal settlers;

Protected Area Retained Income Account refers to the trust fund maintained by any protected area
and administered by the respective Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB) created pursuant to
this Act representing the seventy-five percent (75%) of revenues generated from the protected area
to support its operation and management;
Protected landscapes and/or seascapes refer to areas of national significance which are characterized
by the harmonious interaction of man and land and water while providing opportunities for public
enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities;

Protected species refers to plants or animals declared protected under Philippine laws, rules, and
regulations. These shall include all species listed under the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and all its Annexes, the Convention on the Conservation
of Migratory Species (CMS), those specified under the red-list categories of the International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (DENR), PAMB or any government agency may deem
necessary for conservation and preservation in the protected area;

Quarrying refers to the process of extracting, removing, and disposing sand gravel, guano, limestone,
and all other resources used as building and construction materials that are found within the
protected area,

- Resource reserve refers to an extensive, relatively isolated, and uninhabited area which is difficult to
access and is designated to protect the natural resources of the area for future use and prevent or
contain development activities that could affect the resources, pending the establishment of
sustainable resources utilization goals which are based upon appropriate information and planning:

Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF) refers to the trust fund deposited in the national treasury
representing the twenty-five percent (25%) of the revenues generated from the operation of
individual protected area and earmarked to support the NIPAS;

-Strict nature reserve refers to an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features, and
species of flora and fauna of national scientific importance that should be maintained to protect and
to preserve nature in its undisturbed state and to preserve nature in its undisturbed
State and to preserve ecologically representative examples of the natural environment to ensure their
availability for scientific study, environmental to ensure their availability for scientific study,
environmental monitoring, education, and for the for the maintenance of genetic resources in a
dynamic and evolutionary state,

Tenure migrants refer to protected area occupants who have been actually, continuously and
presently occupants who have been actually, continuously and presently occupying a portion of the
protected area for five (5) years before the proclamation or law establishing the same as a protected
area, and are solely dependent therein for subsistence,

Threatened species refer to species or subspecies considered critically endangered, vulnerable, or

other accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction; Wetlands refers to wide
variety of inland habitats such as marshes, peat lands, floodplains, rivers and lakes, and coastal areas
such as saltmarshes, mangroves, intertidal mud fats and sea grass beds, and also coral reefs and
other marine areas no deeper than six (6) meters at low, as well as human-made wetlands such as
dams, reservoirs, rice paddies and wastewater

Treatment ponds and lagoons, Wildlife refers to the wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all
developmental stages, including those who which are in capacity or are being bred, fed, or
propagated, and

Wildlife Sanctuary refers to an area which assures the natural conditions necessary to protect
nationally significant species, group of species, biotic communities or physical features of the
environment which may require specific human manipulations for their perpetuation.

✓ Categories of Protected Areas

Strict nature reserve

National park
Natural park

Wildlife Sanctuary

Protected landscapes and/or seascapes

Resource reserve

Natural biotic area

Other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the

Philippine Government is a signatory

Establishment of Protected Areas

Establishment of 94 protected areas in the country and provide for the management of these sites.

✓ Salient Provisions

The Law provides for the environmental and natural resources offices and protected area
management offices where protected areas are located.

The Environmental Management Bureau shall consider the environmental impact assessment.

The Act further provides for heritage preservation, develop, protected and conserve the biologically
significant areas with their indigenous knowledge systems and practices.

The exploration for energy resources may be allowed in protected areas only for the purpose of
gathering data and information and only if such activity is carried out with the least damage to
surrounding areas. Renewable energy projects may be allowed only by permission of the DENR
secretary.

The Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) is established for purposes of financing the projects and
sustaining the operation of protected areas and the System.

The Act provides for tax exemption on all grants and endowments made to the protected area fund.
Violation of laws, rules and regulations in the protected areas are investigated by the Department of
Justice.

In Section 20 the prohibited acts are nominated such as killing, destroying and disturbing any wildlife,
hunting, defacing boundary, damaging roads and trails, using blasting caps and occupying any public
land.

All property and private rights within the protected area and its buffer zones already existing and/or
vested upon the effectivity of this Act shall be protected and respected

The Act further provides for reporting responsibility by nominated authorities and monitoring
implementation of this Act by Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.

CHAPTER 5-BLUE LAWS

1. Republic Act No. 8550-Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998

2. Republic Act No. 4850-Laguna Lake Development Act

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550-PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE OF 1998

✓ Declaration of Policy

To limit access to the fishery and aquatic resources of the Philippines for the exclusive use and
enjoyment of all citizens, including women and youth sectors

Protection of municipal fishermen

Fishery and aquatic resources shall be managed in a manner consistent with the concept of

Integrated coastal area management. Definition of Terms (As amended by RA 10654)

Appropriate Fishing Technology adaptable technology, both in fishing and ancillary industries, that is
ecologically sound, locally source-based and labor intensive.

Aquaculture – fishery operations involving all forms of raising and culturing fish and other fishery
species in fresh, brackish and marine water areas.

Catch Ceilings-refer to the annual catch limits allowed to be taken, gathered or harvested from any
fishing area in consideration of the need to prevent overfishing and harmful depletion of breeding
stocks of aquatic organisms

Closed Season the period during which the taking of specified fishery species by a specified fishing
gear is prohibited in a specified area or areas in Philippine waters.

Coastal Area/Zone-is a band of dry land and adjacent ocean space (water and submerged land) in
which terrestrial processes and uses directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa; its
geographic extent may include areas within a landmark limit of one (1) kilometer from the shoreline
at high tide to include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers,
sandy beaches and other areas within a seaward limit of 200 meters isobath to include coral reefs,
algal flats, seagrass beds and other soft-bottom areas.

Commercial Fishing the taking of fishery species by passive or active gear for trade, business & profit
beyond subsistence or sports fishing, to be further classified as:

1. Small scale commercial fishing-fishing with passive or active gear utilizing fishing vessels of
3.1 gross tons (GT) up to twenty (20) GT;

2. Medium scale commercial fishing-fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of 20.1 GT

Up to one hundred fifty (150) GT; and

3. Large commercial fishing-fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of more than one hundred
fifty (150) GT

Demarcated Areas boundaries defined by markers and assigned exclusively to specific individuals or
organizations for certain specified and limited uses such as:

a. Aquaculture, sea ranching and sea farming,

b. Fish aggregating devices;

c. Fixed and passive fishing gears; and

 d. Fry and fingerlings gathering

Electrofishing-the use of electricity generated by batteries, electric generators and other source of
electric power to kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious fishery species, whether or not the same
are subsequently recovered.

Fine Mesh Net net with mesh size of less than three centimeters (3 cm) measured between two (2)
opposite knots of a full mesh when stretched or as otherwise determined by the appropriate
government agency.

Fishing gear-any instrument or device and its accessories utilized in taking fish and other

Fishery species.

a. Active fishing gear is a fishing device characterized by the pursuit of the target species by
towing, pushing the gears, surrounding, covering, dredging, and scaring the target species to
impoundments; such as, but not limited to, trawl, purse seines, Danish seines, paaling and drift
gill net.

b. Passive fishing gear is characterized by the absence of pursuit of the target species; such as,
but not limited to, hook and line, fishpots, traps and gill nets set across the path of the fish

Fishing with Explosives the use of the dynamite, other explosives or other chemical compounds that
contain combustible elements or ingredients which upon ignition by friction, concussion, percussion
or detonation of all or parts of the compound, will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious any
fishery species. It also refers to the use of any other substance and/or device which causes an
explosion that is capable of producing the said harmful effects on any fishery species and aquatic
resources and capable of damaging and altering the natural habitat

Fishing Light Attractor refers to a fishing aid which employs lights using, among others, mercury
vapor, high pressure sodium vapor, standard tungsten, tungsten halogen, fluorescent or light-emitting
diode, that are attached to a structure above water or suspended underwater to attract both fish and
members of their food chain to specific areas in order to harvest them. Fishing with Noxious or
Poisonous Substances-the use of any substance, plant extracts or juice thereof, sodium cyanide
and/or cyanide compounds or other chemicals either in a raw or processed form, harmful or harmless
to human beings, which will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious any fishery species and
aquatic resources and capable of damaging and

Altering the natural habitat.

Municipal fishing – refers to fishing within municipal waters using fishing vessels of three (3) gross
tons or less, or fishing not requiring the use of fishing vessels.

Municipal waters-include not only streams, lakes, inland bodies of water and tidal waters within the
municipality which are not included within the protected areas as defined under
Republic Act No. 7586 (The NIPAS Law), public forest, timber lands, forest reserves or fishery reserves,
but also marine waters included between two (2) lines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline
from points where the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low tide and a third line
parallel with the general coastline including offshore islands and fifteen (15) kilometers from such
coastline. Where two (2) municipalities are so situated on opposite shores that there is less than thirty
(30) kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be equally distant from opposite
shore of the respective municipalities.
Harvest Control Rules – refers to actions or set of actions to be taken to achieve a medium or long
term target reference point while avoiding reaching or breaching a limit reference point. Illegal
Fishing-means fishing activities conducted by Philippine fishing vessels operating in violation of
Philippine laws, Regional Fisheries Management Organization resolutions, and laws of other coastal
states

Reference Points-means benchmark values often based on indicators such as fishery stock size or the
level of fishing that serves as standard to compare estimates of a fishery stock size and fishing
mortality over time depending on the biological characteristics of the species. Reference points can
mark (a) a limit or a level that should be avoided; (b) a target, which should be achieved and
maintained; or (c) a trigger that signals the need to take prescribed

Actions. ✓ Serious Violation (As amended by RA 10654)

Fishing without a valid license, authorization or permit,

Fishing without reporting the catch or misreporting the catch;

Fishing in a closed area or during a closed season,

Fishing of prohibited species;

Fishing with the use of prohibited gear or methods;

Falsifying, concealing or tampering with vessel markings, identity or registration to conceal vessel
identity or lack of registration,

Concealing, tampering or disposing of evidence relating to an investigation of a violation;

Assaulting, resisting, intimidating, harassing, seriously interfering with, or unduly obstructing or

delaying a fisheries law enforcer, authorized inspector or observer or other duly authorized
government officer,

Intentionally tampering with or disabling the vessel monitoring system, and

Committing multiple violations which taken together constitute a serious disregard of this

Code.

Renewal of Commercial Fishing Vessel License (As amended by RA 10654) The commercial fishing
vessel license shall be renewed every three (3) years.

The owner/operator of a fishing vessel has a period of sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the
license within which to renew the same.

Prohibited Acts

Unauthorized Fishing

Engaging in Unauthorized Fisheries Activities

Failure to Secure Fishing Permit Prior to Engaging in Distant Water Fishing

Unreported Fishing

Unregulated Fishing

Poaching in Philippine Waters- for any foreign person, corporation or entity

Fishing Through Explosives, Noxious or Poisonous Substance, or Electricity

Use of Fine Mesh Net

Fishing in Overexploited Fishery Management Areas

Use of Active Gear in Municipal Waters, Bays and Other Fishery Management Areas

Ban on Coral Exploitation and Exportation

Ban on Muro-ami, Other Methods and Gear Destructive to Coral Reefs and Other Marine Habitat

Illegal Use of Superlights or Fishing Light Attractor

Conversion of Mangroves

Fishing During Closed Season

Fishing in Marine Protected Areas, Fishery Reserves, Refuge and Sanctuaries

Fishing or Taking of Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species

Capture of Sabalo and Other Breeders/Spawners

Exportation of Breeders, Spawners, Eggs or Fry

Importation or Exportation of Fish or Fishery Species

Violation of Harvest Control Rules

Aquatic Pollution

Failure to Comply with Minimum Safety Standards

Failure to Submit a Yearly Report on All Fishponds, Fish Pens and Fish Cages

Gathering and Marketing of Shell Fishes or Other Aquatic Species

Obstruction to Navigation or Flow or Ebb of Tide in any Stream, River, Lake or Bay

Noncompliance with Good Aquaculture Practices

Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators Employing Unlicensed Fisherfolk, Fishworker or Crew

Obstruction of Defined Migration Paths

Obstruction to Fishery Law Enforcement Officer

Noncompliance with Fisheries Observer Coverage

Noncompliance with Port State Measures

Failure to Comply with Rules and Regulations on Conservation and Management Measures

Noncompliance with Vessel Monitoring Measures

Constructing, Importing or Converting Fishing Vessels or Gears Without Permit from the
Department

Use of Unlicensed Gear

Falsifying, Concealing or Tampering with Vessel Markings, Identity or Registration

Concealing, Tampering or Disposing of Evidence Relating to an Investigation of a Violation

Noncompliance with the Requirements for the Introduction of Foreign or Exotic Aquatic Species

Failure to Comply with Standards and Trade-Related Measures

Possessing, Dealing in or Disposing Illegally Caught or Taken Fish

Unauthorized Disclosure of Sensitive Technical Information

I REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4850-LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT ACT

✓ Objective:

To be the national policy to promote, and accelerate the development and balanced growth of the
Laguna Lake area and the surrounding provinces, cities and towns

Laguna Lake Development Authority

The Authority shall execute the powers and functions herein vested and conferred upon it in such a
manner as will, in its judgment, aid to the fullest possible extent in carrying out the

Aims and purposes set forth Special Powers and Functions of Laguna Lake Development Authority

To make a comprehensive survey of the physical and natural resources and potentialities of the
Laguna Lake region particularly its social and economic conditions, hydrologic characteristics, power
potentials, scenic and tourist spots, regional problems

To draft a comprehensive and detailed plan designed to conserve and utilize optimally the resources
to promote the region’s rapid social and economic development

To provide the machinery for extending the necessary planning, management and technical
assistance to prospective and existing investors in the region

To make recommendation to the proper agencies on the peso or dollar financing, technical support,
physical assistance

To engage in agriculture, industry, commerce, or other activities within the region which may be
necessary or directly contributory to the socio-economic development of the region

To plan, program finance/or undertake infrastructure projects such as river, flood and tidal control
works, waste water and sewerage works, water supply, roads, portworks, irrigation, housing and
related works

To make an annual report to the stockholders regarding the operation of the Authority more
particularly a statement of its financial conditions, activities undertaken, progress of projects and
programs and plans of actions for the incoming years

To lend or facilitate the extension of financial assistance and/or act as surety or guarantor to
worthwhile agricultural, industrial and commercial enterprises
The Authority shall have exclusive jurisdiction to issue new permit for the use of the lake waters for
any projects or activities in or affecting the said lake including navigation, construction, and operation
of fishpens, fish enclosures, fish corrals and the like, and to impose necessary safeguards for lake
quality control and management and to collect necessary fees for said activities and projects