Philippine initiatives to address environmental issues

More

recently,

R.A.

9729

(Climate

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Ambago, Butuan City

Change Act of 2009) which aims to systematically integrate the concept of climate change in the policy formulation and development plans of all government agencies and units, to the end that the government will be prepared for the impact of climate change was enacted also creating the Philippine Climate Change Commission (PCCC).

Philippine Initiatives to Address Environmental Issues

The PCCC, an independent and autonomous body attached to the Office of the President, shall be the sole policy making body of the government to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the programs and action plans relating to climate change.

The

PCCC

has

drafted

the

National

Framework Strategy on Climate Change 2010-2022 which is committed towards ensuring and strengthening the adaptation of our natural ecosystems and human communities to climate change.

REGIONAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE –13 http://www.pcw.gov.ph/focus-areas/environment/climate-change/initiatives

341-32-29 January 2015

The Philippine commitment to address global environmental issues was further manifested by its support to the United Na-

Also, the Philippines passed and implemented national measures that advance the international community’s agenda pertaining to environmental preser-

One of the earliest notable recognition by the Philippine

tions

government of the importance of sustainable develop-

(UNFCCC) ratified on August 2, 1994 and the Kyoto Protocol,

were R.A. 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) that moves

which was ratified on November 20, 2003. As a signatory to

for an effective air quality management program

ment taking into consideration the environment was set out in the 1987 Constitution which stipulates that “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to

Framework

Convention

on

Climate

Change

the UNFCCC, the Philippines expressed adherence to the

vation. Some of the major legislations enacted

that will mitigate the worsening problem of air pollution in the country, R.A. 8435 (Agriculture and Fish-

a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the

principles of sustainable development and environmental

rhythm and harmony of nature.”

preservation based on the notion of equity and the unique ca-

that the Department of Agriculture together with

pabilities of the participating countries. Article 3 of the Conven-

other appropriate agencies, should into account

In 1991, the Philippines began to address the issue of climate change in its thrust to achieve sustainable development with the formulation of the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development. As a result, the country officially adopted the Philippine Agenda 21 which serves asthe nation's blueprint for sustainable development.

During the same year, government agencies and the Philippine Network on Climate Change were convened to create the Inter-Agency Committee on Climate Change (IACCC) led by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Committee aimed at harnessing and synergizing the various activities undertaken by the national government and civil society in response to the

tion states that states who have aligned themselves with the mandates set forth “should protect the climate system for the

eries Modernization Act of 1997) that establishes

climate change, weather disturbances and annual productivity cycles in order to forecast and formulate appropriate

agricultural

and

fisheries

pro-

benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the

grams, R.A. 9003 (Solid Waste Management Act of

basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differ-

2000) that aimed at providing a comprehensive so-

entiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.” In 2000, the Philippines forwarded to the UNFCCC its Initial National Communication which enumerated the accomplishments of the country in meeting the objectives of the Convention. The report presented the gains made in the fields of greenhouse gas abatement and inventory. Also noted were significant achievements in strengthening institutions and processes in relation to the mitigation, prevention and adaptation initiatives in the country. Further, in adherence to the Kyoto Protocol,

lution to the country’s garbage problem and R.A. 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004) that moves for a comprehensive water quality management scheme.

In 2007, Administrative Order 171 was issued to create a Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC). The task force is mandated to address and mitigate the impact of climate change in the Philippines, paying special attention to adaptation, mitigation and technological solutions. In particular, the task force focuses on improving compliance to air emission standards and acts to com-