MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, classification of every

ENVIRONMENTALISM, AND ENVIRONMENTAL development project as either
ETHICS environmentally critical or
environmentally non-critical. All
Environmental Law
projects that can potentially cause
• Environmental law is seen as the body any form of significant impact to
of laws concerned with the protection the environment are regarded as
of living things (human beings environmentally critical and are
inclusive) from the harm that human therefore required to secure an
activity may immediately or eventually Environmental Compliance
cause to them or their species, either Certificate (ECC)
directly or to the media and the habits 3. STRATEGICENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
on which they depend. FOR PALAWAN ACTOF1992
• The Presidential Decrees No. 1151 • Republic ActNo.
was established on June 6, 1977 and 7611:TheStrategicEnvironmentalP
declared the Philippine Environmental lan(SEP) is “ a comprehensive
Policy framework for the sustainable
development of Palawan.” All
PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT LAWS projects of government
General Environmental Laws & Policies agencies,from
planningtoimplementation,inthep
1. PHILIPPINEENVIRONMENTAL POLICY rovince
• Itis called Presidential Degree No. shouldbecoordinatedandalignedt
1151 done on June 6, 1977 by othis framework.The main strategy
President Ferdinand E. Marcos here is to establish an
• It has 7 Sections in the Philippine “Environmentally
Environmental Policy CriticalAreasNetwork”
a) Policy orECANwhichisagradedsystemof
b) Goal protective control over all
c) Right to a Healthy terrestrial and marine natural
Environment resources, as well as the tribal
d) Environmental Impact ancestral lands in Palawan.
Statements ThePalawanCouncilfor Sustainable
e) Agency Guidelines Development(PCSD)
f) Repeating Clause wascreatedpursuanttothispolicy.
g) Effectivity 4. CLIMATECHANGE ACTOF 2009
2. PHILIPPINEENVIRONMENTAL • Republic Act No. 9729: In light of
IMPACTSTATEMENTSYSTEM (MAJOR) the climate vulnerability of the
• Presidential Decree No. 1586 (11 Philippines and its people, the
June 1978): This policy established Climate Change Act of 2009
the Philippine Environmental integrates climate change
Impact Statement System (PEISS) adaptation and mitigation
as the framework for all strategies into policy formulation
environmental impact assessment and development activities of all
activities nationwide. In government agencies. It also
consonance with the Philippine created the Climate Change
Environmental Policy (PD 1151), Commission, chaired by the
the PEISS includes the President of the Republic of the
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

Philippines, as the central entity and other business

for all climate change related plans establishments, industrial hygiene,
and programs in the country schools, health services, markets,
5. WRIT OF KALIKASAN slaughterhouses, transport
• Rules of Procedure for vehicles, terminals and other
Environmental Cases (A.M. No. 09- service stations, and lodging areas
6-8-SC, 29 April 2010): The Writ of and infrastructures among many
Kalikasan (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC Rule others.
7) is one ofthe two (2) special civil 2. MARINE POLLUTION DECREE OF1976
actions that any person or entity • Presidential Decree No. 979 (18
can avail of whenever their August 1976): Pursuant to this
constitutional rightto a balanced policy, dumping of wastes and
and healthy environment is other hazardous matter into the
violated or threatened. The other ocean and inland waters of the
civil action that can be availed of is Philippines is considered unlawful
the Writ for Continuing Mandamus unless due to unavoidable
(A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC Rule 8) which accidents or otherwise prescribed
applies when a government by the National Pollution Control
agency or officer violates an Commission or the Philippine
environmental policy. Coast Guard.
6. PHILIPPINE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION 3. WATER CODEOFTHE PHILIPPINES
AND MANAGEMENT ACTOF2010 • Presidential Decree No. 1067 (31
• Republic ActNo. December 1976): The Water Code
10121:MakingthethenNational of the Philippines governs the
Disaster Coordinating Council ownership, allocation, utilization,
(NDCC) into what we know today control, conservation, and the
as the National Disaster Risk overall administration of all waters
ReductionandManagementCounci and water resources in the country
l(NDRRMC)to serve as the lead through the National Water
agency for disaster-related Resources Board.
programs in the Philippines such 4. TOXICSUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS
as but not limited to the AND NUCLEAR WASTESCONTROL
development of the ACTOF1990 (MAJOR)
comprehensive guides for DRR • Republic Act No.
efforts nationwide (referred to as 6969:Importation, manufacturing,
the National Disaster Risk processing, sale,
Reduction and Management distribution,use,and
Framework [NDRRMF] and disposalofsubstancesthatposean
National Disaster Risk Reduction unreasonableriskand/orinjurytoth
and Management Plan[NDRRMP] ehealthofthepeopleand the
environment are prohibited under
Environmental Laws & Policies on Waste &
this Act. All chemicals
Pollution
beingpresentlyimported,manufact
1. PHILIPPINESANITATION CODE ured,orusedinthecountry
• Presidential Decree No. 856 (23 arelistedinaninventorywithfulldet
December 1975): The Philippine ailsandanynewsubstances must
Sanitation Code sets sanitary undergo pre-manufacturing or
standards for drinking water, food pre-importation regulations.
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

5. PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF1999 both freshwater and marine. This
(MAJOR) Act requires the acquisition of
• Republic Act No. 8749: One of the water pollution permits through
salient features of this Act is the the “Wastewater Charge System ”
establishment of a multi-sectoral which ensures that there are no
Integrated Air Quality unauthorized, undocumented,
Improvement Framework and Air and unregulated discharges in any
Quality Control Action Plan which water body in the Philippines.
will serve as the primary guide for
ENVIRONMENTALISM
air pollution management and
control in the country. Adopting a Environmentalism or environmental
multisectoral or participatory rights is a broad philosophy, ideology, and
approach (also called “ partnership social movement regarding concerns for
approach to healthy air ” or “ environmental protection and improvement of
peopledriven approach”) means the health of the environment, particularly as
that ideas and comments should the measure for this health seeks to
be gathered from all stakeholders, incorporate the impact of changes to the
and information is largely environment on humans, animals, plants and
disclosed to the public. non-living matter. While environmentalism
6. ECOLOGICALSOLID WASTE focuses more on the environmental and
MANAGEMENT ACTOF2000 (MAJOR) nature-related aspects of green ideology and
• Republic Act No. 9003: Aimed at politics, ecology combines the ideology of
establishing a nationwide social ecology and environmentalism.
ecological solid waste
IS SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTALISM
management program, this Act
THE SAME?
provides for the
furtheranceofproper segregation, WHATPROBLEMS DOESOUR PLANETFACE?
collection and transport, recycling,
and composting of wastes in the Earth can seem an enormous place—
Philippines.Article6ofRA9003pro it' s a giant ball almost13,000km (8000 miles)
mulgatestheguidelinesfora in diameter. Walking constantly at a steady
comprehensive waste speed, it would take you atleast a couple of
management strategy including years to go in a complete circle from where you
but notlimited to: Prohibition of are now, right around the globe, back to your
open dumps, Requiring a permit starting point (assuming it were physically
for solid waste management possible).
facility construction and 1. RESOURCES
expansion, Guidelines for We live by consuming—buying things
controlled dumps, and Criteria for and throwing them away, sometimes
siting,establishment,andoperation without even using them. Elsewhere
sofsanitarylandfillsinthe country on the planet, millions of people live in
7. PHILIPPINECLEAN WATER ACT dire poverty with too little food, no
OF2004(MAJOR) proper water supply or sanitation, and
• Republic Act No. 9275: The horrible health problems. Earth is a
Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 finite place with limited resources, yet
is the comprehensive strategy for we live as though our supply of raw
the protection and conservation of materials will never end. Modern
the country ’ s water resources,
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

humans have successfully lived on 4. HABITAT AND SPECIES

planet Earth for something like Humans have become dominant on
200,000 years, but some of the Earth through the luck of evolution,
materials we now critically depend but we tend to regard ourselves as
on— metals, minerals, and so on—will though we are the only species on the
last only a few more decades and many planet—and certainly the only one
more will be gone in a few hundred that matters. With the exception of the
years, at best. We ' ve become very pets we keep for amusement, we give
shortsighted all of a sudden! little or no thought to other species—
2. ENERGY SUPPLY plants or animals—or their habitats
Though a small amount of our energy (the places where they ' re most suited
is renewable (things like solar power, to living). We happily build homes,
wind power, and tidal power will factories, and highways for ourselves
theoretically never run out), most by obliterating the homes of other
comes from burning fossil fuels such as species. Mostly we consider animals
coal, oil, and natural gas. The planetary have no rights at all, though contrary
"fossil-fuel tank" inside Earth took views don 't trouble us much: we
hundreds of millions of years to fill up, abhor cruelty and sometimes oppose
but humans have emptied the vast things like laboratory experimentation
majority of it in just the couple of on animals, but we turn a blind eye to
hundred years or so since the the billions of creatures raised in
beginning of the Industrial Revolution. appalling conditions and slaughtered
How are we going to meet our energy in food factories to put cheap,
needs in future when most of the fossil convenient meals on our tables.
fuels have gone, especially with more
SOLUTIONS
people living on the planet(and in
greater affluence)than ever before? 1. ECONOMICS
3. WASTE AND POLLUTION
There ' s almost nothing we do that Like it or not, money makes our world go
doesn 't create some form of waste as round. One reason the environment is
a byproduct. These days things are often degraded or destroyed is that parts
very different because we use a far of it have little or no financial value. If a
greater variety of materials, including new highway is planned, it' s usually
plastics, which are harder to recycle or cheaper to route it through a park or
dispose of. Even though most plastics wilderness area (which has no value,
are made from petroleum, still we tend because no-one could build homes there)
to throw them away rather than than through urban wasteland (because
recycle them. Some of the gases we that has a market value); in other words,
hurl into the air stay in the there ' s often an economic incentive to
atmosphere,trapping heat around our destroy rather than preserve the natural
planetlike a blanket. This is known as world. In much the same way, it can make
the " greenhouse effect" and it' s giving sense for a farmer in a developing country
rise to probably the biggest to burn down rainforest to grow a cash
environmental challenge of all, climate crop such as coffee, even though the forest
change, which could have a may be home to a dazzling diversity of
devastating effect on many of our important species. One solution is to put
planet' s lifeforms in the coming prices on harmful activities.
decades and centuries.
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

2. LAWS their survival. Now, there are two further

divisions of anthropocentrism:
Laws and other regulations have become
an important means of solving • Weak anthropocentrism
environmental problems over the last few • Strong anthropocentrism
decades. We now have laws to protect 2. NON-ANTHROPOCENTRISM
species, prevent pollution, mandate
recycling, ban the use of harmful As opposed to anthropocentrism, non-
chemicals, and much more besides. Since anthropocentrism is a principle that gives
environmental problems are often value to every object and animal in nature.
international or global, international laws It emphasizes the interconnectedness and
and agreements have a large part to play value of all life forms and seeks to
as well. challenge the idea of human superiority or
dominance over nature.
3. PERSONAL CHANGE
3. PSYCHOCENTRISM
A central part of environmentalism is
recognizing the damage you inflict on the Psychocentrism is the principle that
planet yourself and doing what you can to believes that human beings hold more
minimize it. That means buying things value in the environment since their
more wisely (choosing organic food that mental capacities are better developed
doesn 't pollute the soil, for example); and far more complex than any other
reducing, reusing, and recycling things element in the environment.
before you buy new ones; using public 4. BIOCENTRISM
transportation instead of cars and taking
trains instead of planes; insulating your It is a term that holds not only an ecological
home; and opting for renewable energy but also a political value. Itis a philosophy
over fossil fuels. that imparts importance to all living
beings. Regarding environmental ethics,
ENVIROMENTAL ETHICS biocentrism is the principle that ensures
Environmental ethics is a philosophical the proper balance of ecology on the
discipline focused on the moral principles planet.
guiding human interactions with nature and 5. HOLISM
the environment, exploring responsible
stewardship, preservation, and the intrinsic Jan Smuts coined the term holism in his
value of ecosystems and living beings. book Holism and Evolution. Holism
considers environmental systems as a
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND ITS PRINCIPLES whole rather than being individual parts of
There are several approaches or something. It considers these
principles to determine how we are to value environmental systems to be valuable.
our environment. Itis such a huge and vast field 6. RESOURCISM
that it is difficult for one principal to cover all
the ground. The principle of resourcism says that
nature is considered valuable only because
1. ANTHROPROCENTISM it has resources to provide. Thus, nature
It suggests that human beings are the most ought to be exploited. This principle calls
important beings. All other living beings for ethical decision making to safeguard
are only accessories that would assistin the environment’ s health, fostering
harmony between society and nature
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

while mitigating the negative impacts of c tivitie s n a tio n wid e. I n c o n s o n

resource extraction and consumption. a n c e wit h t h e P hilip pin e E n vir o
n m e n t al P olic y ( P D 1 1 5 1 ), t h e
TYPES OF ENVIROMENTAL ETHICS
P E I S S includes the classification of
With the emergence of several theories, every development project as either
several environmental ethics have emerged. environmentally critical or
While some protect human beings, others environmentally non-critical. All
protect plants, animals, and other elements of projects that can potentially cause any
nature. form of significant impact to the
environment are regarded as
1. Social Ecology environmentally critical and are
2. Deep Ecology therefore required to secure an
3. Ecofeminism Environmental Compliance Certificate
THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL LAW OF THE (ECC)
PHILIPPINES • STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
FOR PALAWAN ACT OF 1992
Environmental law is a collective term (REPUBLIC ACT 7611)
encompassing aspects of the law that provide The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP)
protection to the environment. A related but is “a comprehensive framework for the
distinct set of regulatory regimes, now strongly sustainable development of Palawan.”
influenced by environmental legal principles, All projects of government agencies,
focus on the management of specific natural from planning to implementation, in
resources, such as forests, minerals, or the province should be coordinated
fisheries. Other areas, such as environmental and aligned to this framework. The
impact assessment, may not fit neatly into main strategy here is to establish an
either category, but are nonetheless important “Environmentally Critical Areas
components of environmental law.” Network” or ECAN which is a graded
• PRESIDENTIAL DECREE system of protective control over
NO.1151,S.1977 allterrestrial and marine natural
In the pursuit of advancing both the resources, as well as the tribal
productive and harmonious ancestral lands in Palawan. The
relationship of nature and the Filipino Palawan Council for Sustainable
people of today and the future, the Development (PCSD) was created
Philippine Environmental Policy pursuant to this policy
mandates an intensive and integrated • CLIMATE CHANGE ACT OF 2009
national environmental protection (REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9729)
program mainly by requiring In light of the climate vulnerability of
environmental impact assessments the Philippines and its people, the
and statements Climate Change Act of 2009 integrates
• PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT climate change adaptation and
STATEMENT SYSTEM (PRESIDENTIAL mitigation strategies into policy
DECREE NO. 1586) formulation and development
T his p olic y e s t a blis h e d t h e P hilip activities of all government agencies. It
pin e E n vir o n m e n t al I m p a c t S t also created the Climate Change
atementSystem(PEISS)ast Commission, chaired by the President
h e f r a m e w o r k f o r all e n vir o n of the Republic of the Philippines, as
m e n t al im p a c t a s s e s s m e n t a the central entity for all climate change
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

related plans and programs in the training for public sector employees
country. (Section 14).
• WRIT OF KALIKASAN RULES OF • PHILIPPINE SANITATION CODE
PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 856
CASES (A.M. NO. 09-6-8-SC, 29 APRIL The Philippine Sanitation Code sets
2010) sanitary standards for drinking water,
The Writ of Kalikasan (A.M. No. 09-6-8- food and other business
SC Rule 7) is one of the two (2) special establishments, industrial hygiene,
civil actions that any person or entity schools, health services, markets,
can avail of whenever their slaughterhouses, transport vehicles,
constitutional right to a balanced and terminals and other service stations,
healthy environment is violated or and lodging areas and infrastructures
threatened. The other civil action that among many others. It regulates
can be availed of is the Writ for nuisances (anything that injures
Continuing Mandamus (A.M. No. 09-6- health, endangers life, offends senses,
8-SC Rule 8) which applies when a or produces discomfort to the
government agency or officer violates community), and activities concerning
an environmental policy. dead persons, their funeral, and
• PHILIPPINE DISASTER RISK remains. Importantly, it regulates
REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ACT other forms of pollution not covered in
OF 2010 the above-mentioned places like that
Making the then National Disaster caused by certain substances,
Coordinating Council (NDCC) into what radiation, noise, and biological
we know today as the National pollutants among others. It also sets
Disaster Risk Reduction and the requirements for the collection of
Management Council (NDRRMC) to sewage, operation of sewerage works
serve as the lead agency for disaster- and sewage treatment plants,
related programs in the Philippines construction of septic tanks, and
such as but not limited to the disposal of septic tank effluents
development of the comprehensive (Chapter XVII).
guides for DRR efforts nationwide • MARINE POLLUTION DECREE OF 1976
(referred to as the National Disaster (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 979)
Risk Reduction and Management Pursuant to this policy, dumping of
Framework [NDRRMF] and National wastes and other hazardous matter
Disaster Risk Reduction and into the ocean and inland waters of the
Management Plan [NDRRMP]). Here is Philippines is considered unlawful
the NDRRMP for 2011 to 2028. unless due to unavoidable accidents or
Pursuant to this Act, regional, otherwise prescribed by the National
provincial, city, and municipal Disaster Pollution Control Commission or the
Risk Reduction and Management Philippine Coast Guard.
(DRRM) councils and barangay DRRM • WATER CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
committees were also created. Among (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1067)
other provisions, RA 10121 also The Water Code of the Philippines
mandated DRRM Education in governs the ownership, allocation,
secondary and tertiary education as utilization, control, conservation, and
well as in the Sangguniang Kabataan the overall administration of all waters
along with the Mandatory DRRM and water resources in the country
through the National Water Resources
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

Board. Filipinos of legal age and management and control in the

entities, including government country. Adopting a multi-sectoral or
agencies, must acquire a water permit participatory approach (also called “
(the written evidence of having a water partnership approach to healthy air ”
right) in order to be able to or “ people-driven approach”) means
appropriate and use water. Any that ideas and comments should be
activities affecting water resources gathered from all stakeholders, and
shall likewise acquire a permitfirst. The information is largely disclosed to the
water permit specifies among others public. Alongside many other
the: regulatory measures, all sources of air
(1) maximum amount and rate as well pollutant emissions are also mandated
as the schedule of water diversion or by this Act to secure a permit to
withdrawal, operate apart from the Environmental
(2) location of wells, Compliance Certificate (ECC).
(3) place of use, and Importantly, this Act sets the emission
(4) purpose/s of water use limits for various types of pollutants
both stationary and mobile, including
The streambank easement zones of smoking, fuel and fuel additives,
three meters for urban areas, twenty ozone-depleting substances,
meters for agricultural areas, and forty greenhouse gases, and organic
meters for forest areas along the entire pollutants among many others.
length of the rivers and streams are • ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE
also mandated under Article 51 ofthis MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000
Code. (REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9003)
• TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS Aimed at establishing a nationwide
AND NUCLEAR WASTES CONTROL ACT ecological solid waste management
OF 1990 (REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6969) program, this Act provides for the
Importation, manufacturing, furtherance of proper segregation,
processing, sale, distribution, use, and collection and transport, recycling, and
disposal of substances that pose an composting of wastes in the
unreasonable risk and/or injury to the Philippines. Article 6 of RA 9003
health of the people and the promulgates the guidelines for a
environment are prohibited under this comprehensive waste management
Act. All chemicals being presently strategy including but not limited to:
imported, manufactured, or used in Prohibition of open dumps, Requiring
the country are listed in an inventory a permit for solid waste management
with full details and any new facility construction and expansion,
substances must undergo pre- Guidelines for controlled dumps, and
manufacturing or pre-importation Criteria for siting, establishment, and
regulations. operations of sanitary landfills in the
• PHILIPPINES CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999 country.
(REPUBLIC ACT NO, 8749) • PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF
One of the salient features of this Act 2004 (REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9275)
is the establishment of a multi-sectoral The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
Integrated Air Quality Improvement is the comprehensive strategy for the
Framework and Air Quality Control protection and conservation of the
Action Plan which will serve as the country ’ s water resources, both
primary guide for air pollution freshwater and marine. This Act
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

requires the acquisition of water records related to control equipment

pollution permits through the parameters and production details.
“Wastewater Charge System ” which They must also submit reports to
ensures that there are no government agencies, providing
unauthorized, undocumented, and necessary data when direct pollution
unregulated discharges in any water monitoring is not feasible.
body in the Philippines. Project and • ASBESTOS
program proponents are also required In the Philippines,there have been no
to establish an environmental known cases where asbestos has been
guarantee fund (EGF) in order to the central environmental case.
finance the preservation and/or However,the country ' s labor laws
rehabilitation of the health of the establish safety and health standards
affected ecosystems, especially that of for asbestos in the workplace.
the watersheds and aquifers among • ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS
others. All persons or organizations In the Philippines, certain projects fall
that cause pollution are likewise under Environmentally Critical Projects
required to clean-up any pollution they (ECPs) or are located in
have caused at their own expense Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs).
These projects need Environmental
CHAPTERS OF ENVIRONMENT & Compliance Certificates (ECCs). Other
CLIMATE CHANGE LAW projects with significant
environmental impact may require a
• ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND ITS Certificate of Non Coverage (CNC)
ENFORCEMENT instead, exempting them from the
The basis of environmental policy in Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
the Philippines comes from Article II, system.
Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, • CONTAMINATED LAND
which recognizes people ' s right to a
balanced and healthy environment in In the Philippines,there isn 't a specific
harmony with nature. law governing liability for soil or
o The Department of groundwater contamination.
Environment and Natural However,the Clean Water Act prohibits
Resources (DENR) the discharge of substances that may
o Local Government Units (LGU) pollute groundwater, and the Pollution
Control Law makes itillegalto dispose
• LIABILITIES
of any matter causing pollution.
In the Philippines, violating
environmental laws or permits can • GENERAL
lead to various punishments. In the Philippines, environmental
Administrative consequences may insurance is offered, butit does not
involve permit suspension or exempt polluters from legal liability as
cancellation, fines, and the need to defined by laws and regulations. Even
cease operations. Criminal liability can if indemnification or compensation is
resultin fines, imprisonment, or both. provided to affected parties,the
• REPORTING/DISCLOSURE indemnifier may still be held
OBLIGATION accountable, especially regarding
In the Philippines, owners of sites public rights.
causing pollution or affecting other
areas have a legal duty to maintain
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

• ENVIRONMENTAL INSURANCE In recenttimes,the Philippines has

LIABILITIES witnessed significant advancements in
In the Philippines,there have been no environmental law. Courts have
known cases where asbestos has been become more proactive in enforcing
the central environmental case. environmental laws. Notably, courts
However,the country ' s labor laws have ordered continuous clean-up
establish safety and health standards efforts for Manila Bay through
for asbestos in the workplace. Continuing Mandamus and issued
• WASTE injunctions against bio-engineered
In the Philippines,the meaning of " eggplant field testing based on the
waste " varies depending on the precautionary principle.
context, according to the Clean Air Act.
THE CODE ON SANITATION OF THE
The Ecological Solid Waste
PHILIPPINES PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 856
Management Act(ESWMA) defines "
solid waste " more broadly, A comprehensive law that addresses
encompassing non-toxic types like various public health and environmental
household, commercial, institutional, concerns in the Philippines. The primary
and industrial waste. Specific waste objective of this law is to Promote and Protect
categories, such as hazardous and Public Heath by ensuring proper sanitation
healthcare waste, have additional practices, waste management, and
regulations, including registration environmental protection.
requirements and prescribed
AREAS ADDRESSED BY PD 856
procedures for transportation and
disposal. 1. Food Sanitation
• POWERS OF REGULATORS 2. Water Supply and Quality
In the Philippines,there isn 't a specific 3. Waste Management
law governing liability for soil or 4. Control of Communicable Disease
groundwater contamination. 5. Environmental Pollution Control
However,the Clean Water Act prohibits 6. Occupational Health and Safety
the discharge of substances that may 7. Housing and Community
pollute groundwater, and the Pollution 8. Control of Vectors
Control Law makes itillegalto dispose
of any matter causing pollution. CHAPTER XX – POLLUTION OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
• EMISSION TRADING AND CLIMATE
CHANGE • Section 87
In the Philippines, emissions trading o Republic Act No. 3931: This
schemes are currently notin place. law provides the framework
However, the Environmental for regulating pollution
Management Bureau (EMB) actively sources, setting pollution
monitors air quality as part of its standards, and establishing
efforts under the Clean Air Act. In penalties for noncompliance.
2020,the country reported a per capita o Rules and Regulations of the
GHG emission of 1.98 metric tonnes of National Water and Air
carbon dioxide equivalent, which is Pollution Control
below the global average. Commission: The rules and
• UPDATES regulations formulated by
NWAPCC provide specific
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

guidelines for controlling the Rules and Regulations of the National

water and air pollution, Water and Air Pollution Control Commission,
including emission standards the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 480
and discharge limits for and the rules and regulations of the Radiation
various industries and sectors. Health Office of the Department of Health
o Presidential Decree No. 480: which is likely to affect community Health
Presidential Decree No. 480 adversely
was issued to address noise
CHAPTER XX – TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
pollution in the Philippines. It
aims to control and regulate Pesticides - Chemical substances used to
noise levels in industrial, control or eliminate pests such as insects,
commercial, and residential rodents, and weeds.
areas to protect public health
and wellbeing. Heavy Metals: Metallic elements with high
o Rules and Regulations of the atomic weights that can be toxic to living
Radiation Health Office of the organisms when present in excessive amounts,
Department of Health: The such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
Radiation Health Office, under Food Contamination: The presence of harmful
the Department of Health, is substances or microorganisms in food that can
responsible for regulating and pose health risks to consumers.
controlling the use of radiation
sources to ensure public safety Chemicals: Substances with defined molecular
and protect individuals from structures that may contaminate food through
potential harm caused by various means, such as agricultural chemicals
exposure to ionizing radiation or industrial byproducts.
• Section 88 Biological Agents: Microorganisms or
Prevention of the following pollution: biological substances that can contaminate
food and cause foodborne illnesses.
(a) Pollution of pesticides and heavy metals;
Radioactive Materials: Substances that emit
(b) Pollution of food caused by chemicals, ionizing radiation, which can contaminate food
biological agents, radioactive materials, and and lead to radiation exposure.
excessive or improper use of food additives;
Food Additives: Substances added to food to
(c) Non-ionizing radiation caused by electronic preserve, enhance flavor, or improve texture.
products such as laser beams or microwaves; Excessive or improper use of additives can be
(d) Noise pollution caused by industry, land and harmful.
air transport and building construction;
Non-Ionizing Radiation: Electromagnetic
(e) Biological pollutants including the causative radiation that does not have enough energy to
agents of intestinal infections; remove tightly bound electrons from atoms,
unlike ionizing radiation. Examples include
(f) Pollution of agricultural products through
microwaves, radio waves, and laser beams
the use of chemical fertilizers and plant
pesticides containing toxic chemical Noise Pollution: Excessive, disruptive, or
substances and unsanitary agricultural harmful noise that can impact human health,
practices; and well-being, or the environment.
(g) Any other type of pollution which is not Biological Pollutants: Microorganisms or
covered by the provisions of Republic Act 3931, biological substances that can contaminate air,
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

water, food, or surfaces and cause health

problems. Causative Agents of Intestinal
Infections: Microorganisms (e.g., bacteria,
viruses, parasites) that cause gastrointestinal
infections and related illnesses.

Agricultural Products: Crops and food items

produced through agricultural practices.

Chemical Fertilizers: Substances containing

essential nutrients for plant growth, which can
cause environmental pollution when misused.

Plant Pesticides: Substances used to control

pests affecting plants, which can be harmful if
not used properly.

Toxic Chemical Substances: Chemicals that can

cause harm to humans, animals, or the
environment
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GREEN • 1999: The global sustainability index is

BUILDING launched, tracking leading corporate
sustainability practices worldwide
Sustainable Development
• 2003: The United Nations General
It refers to a balanced approach that Assembly endorsed the United Nations
aims to meet the needs of the present Decade of Education for Sustainable
generation without compromising the ability of Development.
future generations to meet their own needs. • 2007: The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change publishes its fourth
• How did sustainable development
assessment report on climate change.
started?
• 2012: The United Nations Conference
o It is a concept that first
on Sustainable Development gathers
appeared in 1987 under the
in Rio de Janeiro focuses s on two
publication of the Brundtland
themes: a green economy in the
Report.
context of sustainable development
o It starts in the second half of
and poverty eradication, and the
the 19th century. Western
institutional framework for sustainable
societies discovered that
development.
industrial and economic
activities significantly SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG)
impacted the environment
1. No Poverty
and the social balance.
2. Zero Hunger
History of Sustainable Development
3. Good Health and Well-being
• 1987: First appeared under the
publication of the Brundtland Report 4. Quality Education
• 1988: The Intergovernmental Panel on
5. Gender Equality
Climate Change is established to assess
the most up-to-date scientific, 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
technical, and socioeconomic research
in the field. 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
• 1989: The Stockholm Environment 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Institute is established to carry out
global and regional environmental 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
research. 10. Reduced Inequalities
• 1990: The International Institute for
Sustainable Development is 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
established. 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
• 1992: The Business Council for
Sustainable Development publishes 13. Climate Action
"Changing Course
14. Life Below Water
• 1993: The United Nations Commission
on Sustainable Development is 15. Life on Land
established
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• 1995: The World Trade Organization is
established and gives formal 17. Partnerships for the Goals
recognition to trade, environment, and
development linkages.
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS • 1992, because the "United Nations

Conference on Environment and
• Climate Change Mitigation
Development" promoted the idea of
• Biodiversity Conservation
sustainable development, green
• Clean Water and Sanitation buildings gradually became the
• Sustainable Consumption and direction of development.
Production • In 1993, the United States created the
• Land Degradation and Desertification Green Building Association.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS • In 1996, Hong Kong introduced green
building standards.
• Poverty Reduction • In 1999, Taiwan introduced green
• Job Creation building standards.
• Innovation and Technological • In 2000, Canada introduced green
Advancement building standards.
• Market Opportunities • In 2005, Singapore initiated the "BCA
• resilience to External Shocks Green Building Mark"
SOCIAL BENEFITS • In 2015, China implemented the
"Green Building Evaluation Standards"
• Health and Well-Being • In 2021, the first, both low-cost and
• Quality Education sustainable 3D printed house made
• Gender Equality out of a clay-mixture was completed
• Reduced Inequalities
• Peaceful and Inclusive Societies
CONCEPTS OF GREEN BUILDING DESIGN AND
GREEN BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
It refers to the practice of designing,
• EXAMPLES OF GREEN BUILDING
constructing, and operating buildings in an
o ACROS Fukuoka Foundation
environmentally responsible and resource-
Building, Fukuoka, Japan
efficient manner.
o Phipps’ Center for Sustainable
HISTORY OF GREEN BUILDING Landscapes, Pittsburgh, USA

• In the 1960s, American architect Paul MAIN CONCEPTS OF GREEN BUILDING DESIGN
Soleri proposed a new concept of AND CONSTRUCTION
ecological architecture.
• Energy Efficiency
• In 1969, American architect Ian
• Water Conservation
McHarg wrote the book "Design
• Sustainable Materials
Integrates Nature" , which marked the
official birth of ecological architecture. • Site Selection and Land Use
• In the 1970s, the energy crisis caused • Indoor Environmental Quality
various building energy-saving • Waste Reduction
technologies such as solar energy, • Adaptability
geothermal energy, and wind energy • Biodiversity
to emerge, and energysaving buildings • Innovation
became the forerunner of building • Life Cycle Assessment
development.
GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONS
• In 1990, the world's first green building
standard was released in the UK. In
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

1. Leadership in Energy and • 5 Star Certified: 60 to 74 points

Environmental Design (LEED) - is a • 6 Star Certified: 75 to 100 points
globally recognized green building
rating system and certification GREEN BUILDING APPLICATIONS IN THE
program developed by the United WORLD
States Green Building Council (USGBC). • The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands -
LEED provides a framework for This innovative office building is one of
designing, constructing, operating, the most sustainable in the world. It
and certifying buildings that prioritize generates more energy than it
sustainability, energy efficiency, and consumes through an extensive array
environmental responsibility. of solar panels, and it utilizes smart
• Certified: 40-49 points technologies for lighting and climate
• Silver: 50-59 points control.
• Gold 60-79 points • One Angel Square, Manchester, UK-
• Platinum: 80 points The headquarters of the Co-operative
and above Group, One Angel Square, is one of the
2. Building Research Establishment highest-scoring BREEAM-rated
Environmental Assessment Method buildings in the world. It features
(BREEAM) - is a widely used and natural ventilation, rainwater
respected sustainability assessment harvesting, and a combined heat and
and certification system for buildings. power (CHP) system.
BREEAM was developed by the • Pixel Building, Melbourne, Australia-
Building Research Establishment This carbon-neutral commercial
(BRE), a leading research and building is covered with solar panels,
consultancy organization based in the uses rainwater harvesting and employs
United Kingdom. It aims to evaluate energy-efficient design principles to
and improve the environmental minimize its environmental impact.
performance of buildings across • Bullitt Center, Seattle, USA - Often
various categories. referred to as the "greenest
• Pass: 30% to 44% commercial building in the world, " the
• Good: 45% to 54% Bullitt Center is designed to be entirely
• Very Good: 55% to 69% selfsustaining, generating its energy
• Excellent: 70% to 84% from solar panels.
• Outstanding: 85% to • Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore -
100% This hospital prioritizes sustainability
3. Green Star Certification - is an and patient well-being, incorporating
environmental rating system for natural ventilation, extensive green
buildings and communities, developed spaces, and energy-efficient systems.
by the Green Building Council of • Powerhouse Brattorkaia, Trondheim,
Australia (GBCA). It is widely Norway - This energy-positive building
recognized as one of the leading green generates more energy than it
building certification programs in consumes over its lifetime using solar
Australia. Green Star aims to promote panels and a geothermal heat pump
sustainable design, construction, and system.
operation practices for buildings and • Pearl Academy, Jaipur, India - A
urban developments. sustainable educational institution
• 4 Star Certified: 45 to 59 points designed to achieve LEED Platinum
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

certification, Pearl Academy integrates resources are used wisely and their
passive design strategies, rainwater depletion is minimized.
harvesting, and solar energy • Climate Change Adaptation - Effective
utilization. risk management can help
• Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan communities adapt to changing
• Parkview Green, Beijing, China climate patterns by implementing
strategies like climate-resilient
infrastructure, disaster preparedness
plans, and sustainable land-use
practices.
• Public Health Protection -
Environmental risks can have direct
implications for human health. For
example, air and water pollution can
lead to respiratory problems and
waterborne diseases.
MANAGING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT • Economic and Social Stability - The
RISKS environment and the economy are
RISK MANAGEMENT interconnected. Many industries rely
on natural resources and ecosystem
• the process of identifying, analyzing, services to function.
and mitigating potential risks that may
RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
impact an organization, project, or
individual 1. Risk Identification
• involves identifying potential threats • Brainstorming, conducting risk
and opportunities, evaluating their assessments, and reviewing
potential consequences, and taking historical data to capture all
appropriate actions to manage or possible risks.
minimize their impact on objectives • Different stakeholders,
and goals. including experts and team
IMPORTANCE OF RISK MANAGEMENT members, can contribute to
identifying various risks.
• Mitigation of Environmental Hazards - 2. Risk Assessment
Risk management helps identify and • Qualitative and quantitative
assess potential environmental risk analysis methods are used
hazards, such as pollution, to evaluate risks, such as
deforestation, habitat destruction, probability and severity
climate change, and natural disasters assessments.
• Protection of Biodiversity - • Prioritization of risks is often
Conservation efforts can be designed done based on their potential
and implemented to protect critical impact and the level of
habitats and restore ecosystems to urgency to address them
support diverse flora and fauna. 3. Risk Mitigation
• Sustainable Resource Management - • Risk mitigation measures aim
Proper risk management encourages to decrease the probability of
sustainable practices, ensuring risk occurrence or minimize its
consequences.
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

• These measures may involve Enterprise Risk Management - Risks from the
process changes, resource corporate SD Risk Register are mapped to
allocation, contingency relevant enterprise risks including market,
planning, or the use of risk reputational, operational and political.
transfer mechanisms like
Long-Range Plan - Long-Range Plan (LRP)
insurance
forecasts key data for corporate strategy
4. Risk Monitoring and Review
covering the proposed portfolio development
• Regular reviews and updates
and performance, production, costs and cash
of the risk management plan
flows.
are essential to adapt to
changing circumstances or Corporate Strategy - Defines the company’s
new risks that may arise. direction for exploration and development,
• Risk monitoring helps ensure including portfolio, capital allocation, and cost
that the organization remains structure.
prepared to respond to any
Key Sustainable Development Management
potential threats or
Processes - Operational risk helps ensure that
opportunities
business activities are conducted in a safe,
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM APPROACH TO healthy, and environmentally and socially
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT RISK responsible manner, aimed at preventing
incidents, injuries, occupational illnesses,
• Measure and Monitor – Track and
pollution, and damage to assets.
assess actions.
• Engage – Communicate risks to THE ROLE OF RISK MANAGEMENT IN
executives and Board of Directors, SUSTAINABILITY
input to Enterprise Risk Management
• Sustainability
• Identify and Map – Develop risk
o involves meeting the needs of
Register which ranks corporate-wide
the present without
and local risks.
compromising the ability of
• Address Risk – Collaborate on
future generations to meet
strategies and action plans to manage
their own needs.
ranked risks.
• Risk Management
ASSESSING AND MANAGING RISK o is the process of identifying,
assessing, and mitigating
• The assessment and management of potential risks that could
risks for operated assets and projects impact the achievement of
to ensure corporate oversight, organizational objectives
assurance, and consistent
implementation. WAYS IN WHICH RISK MANAGEMENT
• Consequences are evaluated based on CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABILITY:
potential impacts on employee and 1. Identifying Sustainability Risks - helps
public safety, sociocultural and in identifying risks that could pose
economic impacts to stakeholders, significant threats to the sustainability
environmental impacts, and of projects or organizations
reputational and financial implications 2. Assessing Potential Impacts - involves
Action Plan - The SD Risk Register and action assessing the potential consequences
plans are used to guide goal setting and track of identified risks.
performance.
 MODULE 3 – Reviewer (ESE150)

3. Developing Mitigation Strategies - to

minimize the likelihood and severity of
risks
4. Integrating Sustainability into
Decision-Making - can make more
informed choices that support long-
term sustainable development.
5. Addressing Systemic Risks - a
comprehensive understanding of
interconnected risks

1. No Poverty

2. Zero Hunger

3. Good Health and Well-being

4. Quality Education

5. Gender Equality

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

10. Reduced Inequalities

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

13. Climate Action

14. Life Below Water

15. Life on Land

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

17. Partnerships for the Goals