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.