Overview The Philippines was one of the first countries to adopt the Agenda 21 process, initiated at the Rio

Earth Summit in 1992, by formulating its own National Agenda 21, through a highly participatory process, in 1996. However, despite its governments good intentions, rapid population growth, urbanization and industrialization have far outstripped urban environment services and weak natural resource management systems have led to rapid degradation of those environments, too.

Natural Resource Degradation Rapid conversion of forestlands and grasslands to urban use is depleting these natural systems. Agricultural yields in lowland areas are stagnating, and population pressures are stimulating cultivation of fragile upland areas, causing serious soil erosion. While estimates of deforestation differ, forest cover in the Philippines has certainly been significantly reduced over the last forty years, due to increasing urbanization, illegal logging, and forest fires. Reforestation efforts by the government have been erratic, with low tree survival rates. Marine resources are heavily stressed by over-exploitation and pollution. Management is hampered by inconsistent laws, inadequate regulations, over-lapping institutional mandates, weak enforcement and funding shortages. The level and pace of socio-economic advancement in developing countries has important implications for the efficacy with which legislature and institutional regimes are developed and applied for the promotion of environmental management. In the first instance, the imperatives of rapid social and economic development could influence the political will to initiate, implement and enforce appropriate environmental policies and laws. Secondly, these development imperatives often circumscribe the limits of resources available for environmental protection. Thirdly, implementing agencies often operate under severe resource constraints and fourthly, the relatively low level of public awareness, particularly environmental awareness does little to trigger a sense of urgency and resolve for political and legislative action for environmental management for sustainable development.

It might also be remembered that environmental management in many countries, especially the developing countries, is achieved not only through environmental legislation, i.e. laws, regulations and rules which are enforceable in a court of law, but also through administrative provisions such as administrative orders, technical standards etc. which are applied through various administrative mechanisms. This is especially true in relation to the implementation of international environmental conventions.

Over the past decade, the Government of Philippines has tried to reverse environmental degradation by introducing innovative institutional and legal reforms. In addition, in recent years, many donors, including the World Bank, have supported efforts to improve overall environmental governance in the country by building the capacity of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Laguna Lake Development Authority, the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Land Bank of the Philippines, local governments, NGOs, and local communities, and by supporting innovative partnerships among them. In spite of all these efforts, capacity in environmental and natural resources governance still requires signficant improvement, particularly in local government units.

SOLlD WASTE THE SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES Rapid population growth and industrialization have turned the Philippines waste situation into a huge problem. With todays lifestyle, it is estimated that one person can generate as much as half a kilo of waste a day.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND POLICIES Bio 425/426/427 (Environmental Issues and Policies)
P.D. 984 Pollution Control Law P.D. 1151 Philippine Environmental Policy - defines the general policies on he pursuit of a better quality of life for the present and future generations and mandates the undertaking the environmental impact assessments for all projects, which may significantly affect the environment. P.D. 1152 Philippine Environmental Policy - defines the policy objectives and the strategies for the various aspects of environmental management, such as air and water quality management, natural source development, land management, and waste management. It launches a comprehensive national program of environmental protection and management, with reference to policies and standards of noise, air quality, water quality, classification of water and waste management. P.D. 1586 defines the framework for the implementation of the environmental impact assessment as the mechanism to reconcile the impacts of development projects on society and the physical environment. P.D. 389 (P.D. 705) The Forestry Reform Code - codifies, updates and raises forestry laws in the country. It emphasizes the sustainable utilization of forest resources. P.D. 330 & P.D. 953 laws on penalizing illegal cutting of trees P.D. 953 & 1153 laws on tree planting P.D. 331- laws requiring all public forests be developed on a sustained yield basis.

P.D. 704 preservation of optimum productivity of fishery resources through conservation and protection. P.D. 1015 banning the operation of commercial fishing within a distance of 7 kilometers from the shoreline. P.D. 1058 increasing the penalties for illegal forms of fishing. P.D. 1219 providing for the protection of coral ecosystems. P.D. 1067 Water Code of the Philippines - adopts adequate measures to conserve and regulate the use of water in commercial, industrial and residential areas. It also provides other policy guidelines in water quality and management of water resources. P.D. 463 amended the Mining Act of 1936, requires all mining leaseholders to comply with Pollution Control Laws and regulations and provide for penalties for noncompliance. P.D. 1198 reinforces this provision for restoration of mined-out areas to this original condition to the extent possible. P.D. 1251 imposes fines on tailings and mine wastes and the fund generated is used to pay for the damages to land, agricultural crops, forests products, aquatic resources and infrastructures caused by pollution for mining operations. P.D. 984 The Pollution Control Law P.D. 1181 (supplements the provision of P.D. 984) providing for the abatement, control and prevention of vehicular pollution & establishing the maximum allowance emissions of specific air pollutants from all types of vehicle. P.D. 600 ( amended by P.D. 979) Water Pollution Control - prohibits the discharge of oil, noxious liquid substances, and other harmful substances into the countrys inland and territorial waters. P.D. 825 prohibits the improper disposal of garbage P.D. 856 Sanitation Code - places the responsibility in the local government units for he solid waste management in his area of production. P.D. 1144 Control of Pesticides R.A. 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 - provides for a comprehensive air pollution control policy R.A 3720 Food Additives R.A. 6425 Drugs R.A 280 Cosmetics R.A. 7160 Local Government Code of 1991 -provides that local government should share with the national government the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction subject to national policies and other pertinent provisions of the code. R.A. 6969 Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act - authorizes the DENR to establish a program to regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, destruction, use and disposal of chemical substances, and mixture that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to health or the environment. R.A. 8550 The Fisheries Code of the Philippines - defines the policies of the state in the protection, conservation and effective management of fisheries stock as well as identifying allowable fishing methods in Philippine coastal waters.

R.A. 9003 The Solid Waste Management Act of 2001- an act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes. R.A. 9275- also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 an act providing a comprehensive water quality management and for other purposes. R.A. 9729 also known as the Climate Change Act of 2009. - an act mainstreaming climate change into government policy formulations, establishing the framework strategy and program on climate change, creating for this purpose the climate change commission, and for other purposes.

By the time the 1935 Constitution was drafted, Article XII entitled, "Conservation and Utilization of Natural Resources" already discussed the basics of resource conservation, use and management, albeit in six short sections which occupied just one-and-a-half pages of a 31-page constitution Subsequently, the more notable laws promulgated during the Commonwealth were those dealing with land use management such as Commonwealth Act No. 141 of 1936, amending and compiling the laws relative to lands of the public domain;[i] and the Pasture Land Act.[ii]

Towards the end of the war in 1944, Osmea headed the Philippine government amidst a landscape of ruins. Among his plans for rebuilding the country was a solid platform of measures designed to save whatever is left of the war-ravaged environment.

ENVIRONMENT POLICIES OF THE POST-WAR PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTS

Roxas Administration (1946 - 1948) President Roxas, no doubt, has the countrys general well-being in mind. Capital was necessary to spur economic development and there is no harm per se if the countrys resources were tapped, either by the locals or the foreigners. He firmly believed that measures and laws were already in place and thus, abusive exploitation of the resources cannot possibly happen. He even cites laws pertaining to acquisition and ownership of land, mining, and oil exploration. Armed with these facts, Roxas believed that his greatest legacy to the future generation of the country would be a well-utilized natural resource base.[iii]

Quirino Administration (1948 - 1953) A closer look at laws passed during his term (RA 580, RA 758, RA 917, RA 926, RA 3046) however, do not say much about his concern for the environment, except for appropriating public funds for infrastructure and irrigation; and issuing guidelines for using lands for residential purposes.

Magsaysay Administration (1953 - 1957)

The saving grace of the Magsaysay Administration were the Forestry Bureau and the National Parks and Wildlife Commission. These two agencies were most aware of the need for the conservation of resources. ,[iv] The Republic Acts and Executive Orders issued during Magsaysays administration give insight into other significant legislation on the environment during his incumbency. Among these were the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority[v] (NAWASA, presently known as MWSS); the Tagaytay Development Commission[vi] and a commission to ascertain and study the conditions in the reclaimed areas and foreshore lands of Tondo, Manila.[vii]

Garcia Administration (1957 - 1961)

In the 1960s, there was increasing interest and concern regarding pollution in the world, notably air and water pollution, and these became a common topic in conferences, books, articles. The Philippines recognized the seriousness of the issue; some rivers were already dying in the late 1950s. During the Garcia administration, the Department of Health developed a long

range Environmental Sanitation Program. Pollution survey teams, to check on status of water, and mines among others. RA 4003 was passed, regulating pollution of Philippine waters, giving responsibility to Bureau of Fisheries.

Macapagal Administration (1961-1965) Another triumph for the environment in the Macapagal administration was the institution of agencies to monitor air quality and pollution in the rapidly-industrializing economy. It was during his term that RA 4136 (the Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and RA 3931, also known as the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission, (later renamed National Pollution Control Commission) were established (1964). This Act mandates the Government to maintain reasonable standards of purity for the water and air of this country with the utilization of domestic, agricultural, industrial and other legitimate purposes. Marcos Administration (1965 - 1986) In the 1973 Constitution, Article XIV (The National Economy and the Patrimony of the Nation), Section 8 11 states the governments policies on the environment and its natural resources. Presidential Decree No. 1151 dated June 6, 1977, otherwise known as the Philippine Environmental Policy Decree, recognizes the right of the people to a healthful environment. Republic Act No. 4850 creating the Laguna Lake Devt. Authority (1966) Republic Act No. 6234 creating the MWSS (1971) Executive Order No. 365, s. 1972 creating the Caliraya Devt. Commission. PD No. 281 creating a Pasig River Development Council (1973) PD No. 461 reorganizing the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources into two departments, namely, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources. (1974) RA No. 3601 creating the National Irrigation Administration (1974) PD No. 600 for the prevention and control of marine pollution (1974) PD No. 602 establishing Oil Pollution Operations Center under the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters (1974) LOI No. 198 detailing the Bicol River Basin Program (1976) PD No. 1041 creating the Natural Resources Management Center in the DNR. (1976) LOI No. 422 creating the Inter-Agency Committee for environmental protection programs (1976) PD 984: National Pollution Control Decree, creates National Pollution Control Commission. (1976) LOI No. 549 ordering the establishment of an administrative system for the evaluation of the environmental impact of projects and the creation of inter-agency task forces to conduct environmental researches (1977) LOI No. 553 creating an Inter-Agency Action Committee to enforce environmental protection and pollution control laws (1977). Aquino Administration (1986 - 1992)

In the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Article XII (National Economy and Patrimony), Sec. 2 reiterated that all natural resources in the country belongs to the State and is inalienable. The Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 prevents the entry and/or transit as well as the storage and disposal of hazardous and nuclear wastes in the Philippines. The National Integrated Protected Areas Systems Act of 1992 is primarily concerned with the protection of the country's diminishing natural resources, remarkable areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals biogeographic zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland, or marine, all of which shall be designated as 'protected areas'."

Ramos administration (1992 - 1998) Under President Ramos, the EIS was further refined. The policy of the state was to ensure that optimum economic development shall be achieved without delay and shall be pursued consistent with the principles of sustainable development. Its new thrust was economic development cognizant with environmental interest. [ExO 291,1996). Details were provided by the DENR in DENR Admin Order 96-37. On the other hand, it is to the credit of the Commonwealth government that they enshrined the use and protection of the environment in the country's 1935 Constitution. Section 1 of said Charter asserts the sole right of the Filipino people to use, exploit, develop, and dispose of the abundant natural resources of the country. A short-lived one, as we would later see, as the postwar government had to make the painful choice of sacrificing these to hasten the rebuilding of the economy. The environment was hardly given any thought in the course of policy-formulation of the post-war presidents from Roxas to Macapagal. As a matter of fact, the country's various natural resources were perceived as mere instruments to be utilized by the people for the greater goal of economic development: Roxas had to use the country's resources to obtain much-needed funds to rehabilitate the war-torn country. Quirino concentrated on infrastructure projects, including building up of more irrigation systems and power generation through hydroelectric plants. Magsaysay's record was worse with his conflicting policies on the environment. Garcia merely rehashed the irrigation and river systems projects of former administrations. Macapagal greatest legacy to the people was cleaner air and water through the National Air and Water Pollution Council. Marcos, for all his faults and shortcomings against the Filipino people, ironically was the environment's greatest champion. It was during his term that the fundamental policies of the government regarding the environment were laid down. Landmark legislation like the Philippine Environmental Policy and the Philippine Environmental Code changed the landscape of the country, opened up awareness of the importance of proper use, management, and conservation of

non-renewable natural resources, and halted the massive depletion and degradation of rainforests, minerals, land, and water resources. It was therefore almost inevitable that the subsequent administrations of Aquino and Ramos just build on from the achievements of the Marcosian environmental policies. Aquino, despite charges of deforestation brought about by unabated illegal logging, was able to put in place significant environmental policies and agencies further honing care for the fragile and endangered ecosystem, like the establishment of the Environmental Management Bureau, the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act, and the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. Ramos started his term with the environment as a major part of his platform. In conclusion, the environmental policies of the post-war Philippine presidents from Roxas to Ramos -- despite great strides attained within the last 50 years -- leaves much to be desired. A country as blessed environmentally as the Philippines should be at the forefront of the environment race with the sheer quantity and quality of resources at our disposal. Instead we are pitifully at the bottom of the "green landscape" -- even way behind a resource-scarce country like Singapore. What we need is a government who has the willpower to keep the country's resources at a sustainable level without unduly sacrificing its economic development if we ever hope to leave a home and prepare for the future of our children. What has to be done next is to identify other key dates and the actual implementation of the acts, decrees, and orders. This also involves the evolution of the NGOs, and their role. One should also note the economic pressure on environment/pollution issues Japanese demand for lumber, for example. Further study is needed which can contribute to the book.