The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded local government units (LGUs) to secure an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before implementing projects, particularly in so-called environmentally critical areas.
In Memorandum Circular 2018-152, DILG Officer in Charge Secretary Eduardo M. Año said projects that pose possible environmental risk or impact are required to secure an ECC from the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
Among such projects are mining, agriculture projects and golf course construction.
“Sometimes there is a flip side to development, as unchecked development takes its toll on the environment. While we, therefore, encourage the influx of new businesses, local governments should always consider the potential impact of new projects on the environment and to nearby residents,” said Año.
The DILG chief noted the tragic environmental degradation of Boracay Island is a classic example of how unregulated development transformed the famous white-sand holiday destination into a “cesspool.”
“Let us not allow Boracay to happen again. Let us not take the short cut in the name of business. We should have an ECC first before starting any project that may adversely affect the environment,” he said.
Presidential Decree 1586 dated June 11, 1978 (Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System including other Environmental Management-Related Measures) states that “no person, partnership, or corporation shall undertake or operate any declared environmentally critical project or area without securing first an ECC.”
Applications for ECCs are reviewed and granted by the DENR through the EMB, as stated in Malacañang’s Administrative Order 42 issued on November 2, 2002.
An ECC is issued after a positive review of the project’s application by the DENR-EMB. It indicates that a proposed undertaking will not cause a significant negative impact on the environment. The project proponent must then fulfill the specific measures and conditions indicated in the ECC before and during the operation of the project and even after the project completion.
An ECC also certifies that the proponent has complied with all the requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement System and has committed to implement its approved environmental management plan.
In cases where the DENR-EMB finds that an ECC is not applicable, a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) shall be issued confirming that the proposed project is not part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and poses no environmental threat.