DENR clarifies STAR story on environment

This pertains to an article entitled “Duterte gets failing mark in environment issues” which appeared in the July 6 issue of the Philippine Star.

We would like to give updates on issues raised in the article, as follows: 1. On the country's waste-to-energy (WTE) policy • In 2016, the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) approved Resolution No. 669, adopting the guidelines on establishment and operation of WTE technologies for municipal solid wastes. The guidelines prescribe the strict adherence to existing relevant laws and policies such as the Environmental Impact Statement System (PD 1586), Ecological Solid Waste Management (RA 9003), the Clean Air Act (RA 8749), the Clean Water Act (RA 9275), and the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Act (RA 6969).

• The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is now equipped with air monitoring equipment and a laboratory to detect and analyze toxic gas emissions such as dioxins and furans.

• There is an ongoing technical cooperation project with the Japanese government on using advanced WTE technologies that comply with global emissions standard, through thermal processes that do not include incinerators. Davao, Cebu, and Quezon cities have been selected as pilot sites for the project.

The WTE policy, however, does not preclude provisions of RA 9003, particularly waste segregation and the closure of open and controlled dump sites. This is why our partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman has led to the filing of cases against 50 LGUs, and the evaluation of 100 more for failure to implement the law. The DENR also remains in close coordination with the legislative branch in revisiting provisions of the Clean Air Act for informed policy-making. 2. Ban on single-use plastics Our collaboration with LGUs particularly in Metro Manila on managing solid waste has resulted in local ordinances banning singleuse plastics, which have since been replicated in other LGUs nationwide. Further, some commercial establishments have taken the initiative to ban the use of plastic and polystyrene (Styrofoam) packaging.

We are also maintaining close coordination with Congress and Senate regarding the passage of HB 3577 authored by Rep. Estrellita Suansing, and SB 430 filed by Sen. Loren Legarda on the strict regulation of production, importation, sale, and use of plastic bags. 3. Garbage shipment from Canada Manila RTC Branch 47 has ordered for the return of 14 of the 50 container vans of mixed garbage shipped from Canada, the cost of which should be shouldered by the accused importer. A representative from

the Department of Foreign Affairs has stated that Canada has consented to accepting the waste.

Further, concerned agencies such as the DENR, the Bureau of Customs, and the DFA have agreed to intensify collaboration and improve regulations to prevent a repeat of this incident. 4. Fiscal reforms in mineral extraction The DENR is actively attending hearings on the two proposed mining bills: HB 171, or the People's Mining Bill, filed by Rep. Carlos Zarate, and HB 113, or the Philippine Mineral Resources Act, filed by Reps. Teddy Baguilat Jr. and Lawrence Fortun. These bills aim to regulate the mining industry as well as ensure a more equitable sharing of benefits for the government and affected communities. 5. Food security The DENR seeks to address issues on climate change mitigation, poverty reduction and food security basically through the National Greening Program (NGP) and its expanded version, prioritizing the planting of native as well as high value species particularly fruit-bearing, industrial crops and fuelwood that would provide farmers with lucrative returns.

May we also update you on the following actions we have taken on other environmental concerns: Anti-illegal wildlife trafficking For the period January-June 2017, the active operations of the DENR-led Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade, or Task Force POGI, which is also composed of law enforcement officers and other deputized personnel, has led to the confiscation of plant and animal wildlife specimens of illegally traded wildlife species worth almost P6 million and the filing of seven criminal cases against 15 suspected violators. Biodiversity Our Biodiversity Management Bureau launched in May the Philippine Biodiversity Action Plan (PBSAP) 2015-2028, which was developed through consultations with more than 800 individuals representing nearly 200 multisectoral agencies and organizations. The PBSAP sets directions on considering the environmental impacts of development while ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits to stakeholders. Improving water quality In our continuous efforts to improve the water quality in major water bodies, the EMB has (as of May 2017) signed 708 MOAs mobilizing partners from industries, academe, LGUs and communities to adopt 473 creeks/rivers and water bodies for sustained cleanup activities.

In all efforts and initiatives, we always consider collaboration and consultation with partners and experts from other government agencies, communities, civil society and other stakeholders.

We hope to have enlightened the public on some of the steps the DENR has taken as it continues to uphold its mandate in the conservation, management, development and proper use of our country‘s natural wealth. – Atty. JONAS

R. LEONES, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, DENR