144-23 DENR Administrative Order No. 37 of 1996

Summary

DAO 1996-37 aims to further strengthen the implementation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) system using the following objectives: ensure that environmental, considerations are incorporated at the earliest possible stage of project development; further streamline the current procedures in the conduct of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to improve its effectiveness as a planning, regulatory, and management tool; and enhance maximum participation in the EIA process to validate the social acceptability of the project or undertaking so as to ensure the fullest consideration of the environmental impact of such project or undertaking. The law covers the scope of the EIS system (coverage, non-coverage, EIS/IEE for Covered Projects or Undertakings, Environmental Safeguard for Projects or Undertakings Not Covered by EIS System), the procedural flow of the EIS System (Environmentally Critical Projects and Projects within Environmentally Critical Areas), Public Participation and Social Acceptability, Administrative Appeals, Roles and Responsibilities, schedule of fees, fines, penalties, and sanctions, transitory provisions, and the effectivity. The order tackles the topic of environmentally critical areas as well as the proper protocols in projects undertaken within said environmentally critical areas, such as the environmental impact statement or the initial environmental examination.

Thumbnail image for DAO 1996-37 aims to further strengthen the implementation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) system using the following objectives: ensure that environmental, considerations are incorporated at the earliest possible stage of project development; further streamline the current procedures in the conduct of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to improve its effectiveness as a planning, regulatory, and management tool; and enhance maximum participation in the EIA process to validate the social acceptability of the project or undertaking so as to ensure the fullest consideration of the environmental impact of such project or undertaking. The law covers the scope of the EIS system (coverage, non-coverage, EIS/IEE for Covered Projects or Undertakings, Environmental Safeguard for Projects or Undertakings Not Covered by EIS System), the procedural flow of the EIS System (Environmentally Critical Projects and Projects within Environmentally Critical Areas), Public Participation and Social Acceptability, Administrative Appeals, Roles and Responsibilities, schedule of fees, fines, penalties, and sanctions, transitory provisions, and the effectivity. The order tackles the topic of environmentally critical areas as well as the proper protocols in projects undertaken within said environmentally critical areas, such as the environmental impact statement or the initial environmental examination.

Issuer

Philippines

Year

2018

Region

Asia

Policy Type

Disclosure

Geographical scope

National

Mandatory or voluntary

Mandatory

Main industries targeted

Manufacturing
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction

Restrictiveness

Moderate

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions