EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.

79

INSTITUTIONALIZING AND IMPLEMENTING REFORMS IN THE PHILIPPINE MINING SECTOR PROVIDING

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES TO ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND RESPONSIBLE MINING IN
THE UTILIZATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

Section 2

Full Enforcement of Environmental Standards in Mining.

The Government in general, and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) in
particular, in coordination with concerned LGUs, shall ensure that environmental standards in mining, as
prescribed by the various mining and environmental laws, rules, and regulations, shall be fully and
strictly enforced, and appropriate sanctions meted out against violators thereof.

In line with the above, only those who are able to strictly comply with all the pertinent requirements
shall be eligible for the grant of mining rights, pursuant to the applicable provisions of RA No. 7942.

Chain Saw Act of 2002

Republic Act No. 9175

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is the policy of the State consistent with the Constitution, to conserve, develop and protect the forest
resources under sustainable management. Toward this end, the State shall pursue an aggressive forest
protection program geared towards eliminating illegal logging and other forms of forest destruction
which are being facilitated with the use of chain saws. The State shall therefore regulate the ownership,
possession, sale, transfer, importation and/or use of chain saws to prevent them from being used in
illegal logging or unauthorized clearing of forests.
 Philippine Plant Variety Protection Act of 2002

Republic Act No. 9168

Section 2

Statement of Policies.

a) The State recognizes that an effective intellectual property system in general and the development of
new plant variety in particular is vital in attaining food security for the country. To this end, it shall
protect and secure the exclusive rights of breeders with respect to their new plant variety particularly
when beneficial to the people for such periods as provided for in this Act.

b) The use of intellectual property bears a socioeconomic function. To this end, the State shall promote
the diffusion of technology and information for the promotion of national development and progress for
the common good.

c) The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages the participation of
private enterprises and provides incentives to needed investments in the development of new plant
varieties.

d) The State recognizes that science and technology are essential for national development and
promotes the adaptation of technology and knowledge from all sources for the national benefit. The
State also recognizes the need to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists and other gifted
citizens to their intellectual property and creations.

e) The State, while recognizing intellectual property rights in the field of agriculture, does so in a manner
supportive of and not inconsistent with its obligation to maintain a healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature.
 Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP) Act of 2001

Republic Act No. 9154

Section 2

Statement of Policy

Considering the diversity of Mt. Kanla-on's biological resources and its aesthetic, socio-cultural,
economic and ecological importance to the Island of Negros, it is hereby declared the policy of the State
to ensure its protection and conservation including its communities of people and their culture and way
of life insofar as they are in harmony with nature. The protection and conservation of MKNP shall be
pursued through sustainable and participatory development, advancing and protecting the interests of
its legitimate inhabitants, and honoring customary laws in accordance with Republic Act No. 7586 or the
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, Republic Act No. 8371 or the
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, and international conventions to which the Philippines is a
signatory.

Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act

Republic Act No. 9147

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It shall be the policy of the State to conserve the country's wildlife resources and their habitats for
sustainability. In the pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following objectives:

(a) to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and
enhance biological diversity;cralaw

(b) to regulate the collection and trade of wildlife;cralaw

(c) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to international
conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats; and
 (d) to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity.

National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act

Republic Act No. 9072

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to conserve, protect and manage caves and cave resources
as part of the country's natural wealth. Towards this end, the State shall strengthen cooperation and
exchange of information between governmental authorities and people who utilize caves and cave
resources for scientific, educational, recreational, tourism and other purposes.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

Republic Act No. 9003

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid
waste management program which shall:

(a) Ensure the protection of the public health and environment;

(b) Utilize environmentally-sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and
encourage resource conservation and recovery;

(c) Set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction
and waste minimization measures, including composting, recycling, re-use, recovery, green charcoal
process, and others, before collection, treatment and disposal in appropriate and environmentally
sound solid waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable development
principles;

(d) Ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste
through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practice in ecological waste
management excluding incineration;
(e) Promote national research and development programs for improved solid waste management and
resource conservation techniques, more effective institutional arrangement and indigenous and
improved methods of waste reduction, collection, separation and recovery;

(f) Encourage greater private sector participation in solid waste management;

(g) Retain primary enforcement and responsibility of solid waste management with local government
units while establishing a cooperative effort among the national government, other local government
units, non- government organizations, and the private sector;

(h) Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among waste generators through the application of
market-based instruments;

(i) Institutionalize public participation in the development and implementation of national and local
integrated, comprehensive, and ecological waste management programs; and

(j) Strength the integration of ecological solid waste management and resource conservation and
recovery topics into the academic curricula of formal and non-formal education in order to promote
environmental awareness and action among the citizenry.

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

Republic Act No. 8749

Section 2

Declaration of Principles

The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable development while
recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems.

The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-
based.

The State also recognizes the principle that “polluters must pay”.

Finally, the State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should,
therefore, be the concern of all.

Implementing Rules & Regulations of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
 Section 2

Purpose

The purpose of these Rules is to provide guidelines on the operationalization of the Philippine Clean Air
Act of 1999.

Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998

Republic Act No. 8550

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

it is hereby declared the policy of the State:

a. to achieve food security as the overriding consideration in the utilization, management, development
conservation and protection of fishery resources in order to provide the food needs of the population. A
flexible policy towards the attainment of food security shall be adopted in response to changes in
demographic trends for fish, emerging trends in the trade of fish and other aquatic products in domestic
and international markets, and the law of supply and demand;

b. to limit access to the fishery and aquatic resources of the Philippines for the exclusive use and
enjoyment of Filipino citizens;

c. to ensure the rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of the fishery and
aquatic resources in Philippine water including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in the adjacent
high seas, consistent with the primordial objective of maintaining a sound ecological balance, protecting
and enhancing the quality of the environment;

d. to protect the rights of fisherfolk, especially of the local communities with priority to municipal
fisherfolk, in the preferential use of the municipal waters. Such preferential use, shall be based on, but
not limited to, Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) or Total Allowable Catch (TAC) on the basis of
resources and ecological conditions, and shall be consistent with our commitments under international
treaties and agreement;

e. to provide support to the fishery sector, primarily to the municipal fisherfolk, including women and
youth sectors, through appropriate technology and research, adequate financial, production,
construction of post-harvest facilities, marketing assistance, and other services. The he protection of
municipal fisherfolk

against foreign intrusion shall extend to offshore fishing grounds. Fishworkers

shall receive a just share for their labor in the utilization of marine and fishery

resources;
 f. to manage fishery and aquatic resources, in a manner consistent with the concept of an integrated
coastal area management in specific natural fishery management areas, appropriately supported by
research, technical services and guidance provided by the State; and

g. to grant the private sector the privilege to utilize fishery resources under the basic concept that the
grantee, licensee or permittee thereof shall not only be a privileged beneficiary of the State but also an
active par participant and partner of the Government in the sustainable development, management,
conservation and protection of the l; fishery and aquatic resources of the country.

The State shall ensure the attainment of the following objectives of the fishery sector;

1. Conservation, protection and sustained management of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;

2. Poverty alleviation and the provision of supplementary livelihood among municipal fisherfolk;

3. Improvement of productivity of aquaculture within ecological limits;

4. Optimal utilization of offshore and deep-sea resources; and

5. Upgrading of post-harvest technology.

Animal Welfare Act of 1998

Republic Act No. 8485

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

No person, association, partnership, corporation, cooperative or any government agency or

instrumentality including slaughter houses shall establish, maintain and operate any pet shop, kennel,
veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, stockyard, corral, stud farm or stock farm or zoo for the breeding,
treatment, sale or trading, or training of animals without first securing from the Bureau of Animal
Industry a certificate of registration therefor.

The certificate shall be issued upon proof that the facilities of such establishment for animals are
adequate, clean and sanitary and will not be used for, nor cause pain and/or suffering to the animals.
The certificate shall be valid for a period of one (1) year unless earlier cancelled for just cause before the
expiration of its term by the Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry and may be renewed from year to
year upon compliance with the conditions imposed hereunder. The Bureau shall charge reasonable fees
for the issuance or renewal of such certificate.
The condition that such facilities be adequate, clean and sanitary, and that they will not be used for nor
cause pain and/or suffering to the animals is a continuing requirement for the operation of these
establishments. The Bureau may revoke or cancel such certificate of registration for failure to observe
these conditions and other just causes.

Agriculture & Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997

Republic Act No. 8435

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

The goals of the national economy are more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth;
a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the
people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the
underprivileged.

The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development
and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources,
and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. In pursuit of these goals, all sectors of
the economy and all regions of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private
enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall be
encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership.

Thus, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to enable those who belong to the agriculture and
fisheries sectors to participate and share in the fruits of development and growth in a manner that
utilizes the nations resources in the most efficient and sustainable way possible by establishing a more
equitable access to assets, income, basic and support services and infrastructure.

The State shall promote food security, including sufficiency in our staple food, namely rice and white
corn. The production of rice and white corn shall be optimized to meet our local consumption and shall
be given adequate support by the State.

The State shall adopt the market approach in assisting the agriculture and fisheries sectors while
recognizing the contribution of the said sector to food security, environmental protection, and balanced
urban and rural development, without neglecting the welfare of the consumers, especially the lower
income groups. The state shall promote market-oriented policies in agricultural production to encourage
farmers to shift to more profitable crops.

The state shall empower the agricultural and fisheries sector to develop and sustain themselves. Toward
this end,the State shall unsure the development of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in accordance
with the following principles:
a) Poverty Alleviation and Social Equity. - The State shall ensure that the poorer sectors of society have
equitable access to resources, income opportunities, basic and support services and infrastructure
especially in areas where productivity is low as a means of improving their quality of life compared with
other sectors of society;

b) Food Security. - The State shall assure the availability, adequacy, accessibility of food supplies to all at
all times;

c) Rational Use of Resources. - The State shall adopt a rational approach in the allocation of public
investments in agriculture and fisheries in order to assure efficiency and effectiveness in the use of
scarce resources and thus obtain optimal returns on its investments;

d) Global Competitiveness. - The State shall enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture and fisheries
sectors in both domestic and foreign markets;

e) Sustainable Development. - The State shall promote development that is compatible with the
preservation of the ecosystem in areas where agriculture and fisheries activities are carried out. The
State should exert care and judicious use of the country's natural resources in order to attain long-term
sustainability;

f) People Empowerment. - The State shall promote people empowerment by enabling all citizens
through direct participation or through their duly elected, chosen or designated representatives the
opportunity to participate in policy formulation and decision-making by establishing the appropriate
mechanisms and by giving them access to information; and

g) Protection from Unfair Competition. - The State shall protect small farmers and fisher folk from unfair
competition such as monopolistic and oligopolistic practices by promoting a policy environment that
provides them priority access to credit and strengthened cooperative-based marketing system.

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997

Republic Act No. 8371

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

The State shall recognize and promote all the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous
Peoples (ICCs/IPs) hereunder enumerated within the framework of the Constitution:

a) The State shall recognize and promote the rights of ICCs/IPs within the framework of national unity
and development;
 b)The State shall protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to their ancestral domains to ensure their economic,
social and cultural well being and shall recognize the applicability of customary laws governing property
rights or relations in determining the ownership and extent of ancestral domain;

c) The State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to preserve and develop their
cultures, traditions and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national laws and
policies;

d) The State shall guarantee that members of the ICCs/IPs regardless of sex, shall equally enjoy the full
measure of human rights and freedoms without distinctions or discriminations;

e) The State shall take measures, with the participation of the ICCs/IPs concerned, to protect their rights
and guarantee respect for their cultural integrity, and to ensure that members of the ICCs/IPs benefit on
an equal footing from the rights and opportunities which national laws and regulations grant to other
members of the population and

f) The State recognizes its obligations to respond to the strong expression of the ICCs/IPs for cultural
integrity by assuring maximum ICC/IP participation in the direction of education, health, as well as other
services of ICCs/IPs, in order to render such services more responsive to the needs and desires of these
communities.

Towards these ends, the State shall institute and establish the necessary mechanisms to enforce and
guarantee the realization of these rights, taking into consideration their customs, traditions, values,
beliefs, their rights to their ancestral domains.

An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN)

Republic Act No. 8172

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the health of the people, to maintain
an effective food regulatory system, and to provide the entire population especially women and children
with proper nutrition. For this purpose, the State shall promote the nutritional fortification of food to
combat micronutrient as a priority health program for the nation.
 Coconut Preservation Act of 1995

Republic Act No. 8048

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

Considering the importance of the coconut industry in nation building being one of the principal
industries and one of the largest income earners of the country, it becomes mandatory for the
Government to step-in and regulate the unabated and indiscriminate cutting of the coconut trees.For
reasons of national interest, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to provide for the growth of the
industry by embarking on a sustainable and efficient replanting program

The Water Crisis Act of 1995

Republic Act No. 8041

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to adopt urgent and effective measures to address the
nationwide water crisis which adversely allocate the health and well-being of the population , food
production and industrialization process.

Pursuant thereto the government shall address the issues relevant to the water crisis including, but not
limited to, supply, distribution, finance, privatization of state-run water facilities, the protection and
conservation of watersheds and the waste and pilferage of water, including the serious matter of graft
and corruption in all the water agencies.

Philippine Mining Act of 1995

Republic Act No. 7942

Section 2

Declaration of Policy
All mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the
Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State. It shall be the responsibility of the State to promote
their rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation through the combined efforts of
government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively
safeguards the environment and protect the rights of affected communities.

Amendment to the Agrarian Reform Code

Republic Act No. 7907

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

Section 78 of the same Act is hereby further amended by adding a new paragraph thereto to read as
follows:

"Apart from the foregoing which pertains to the twenty-five years bonds previously issued by the bank
and pursuant to its role as the financial intermediary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program,
mandated under Republic Act No. 6657, the National Government through the Presidential Agrarian
Reform Council (PARC), shall provided and/or allocate from the existing Agrarian Reform Fund or other
unappropriated funds of the National Treasury an amount sufficient to pay all maturing bonds,
debentures and all other obligations together with interest due thereon issued and/or incurred by the
bank as compensation to the landowners including expenses related thereto. In the apportionment and
distribution of funds from the Agrarian Reform Fund, the PARC shall give priority and preference to the
payment of landowner compensation in the chronological sequence or order at which the voluntary
offers of sale were made by the landowners."

High-Value Crops Development Act of 1995

Republic Act No. 7900

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to accelerate the growth and development of agriculture in
general, enhance productivity and incomes of farmers and the rural population, improve investment
climate, competencies and efficiency of agribusiness and develop high-value crops as export crops that
will significantly augment the foreign exchange earnings of the country, through an all-out promotion of
 the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high-value crops in suitable areas of the
country.

The State shall be guided by the principles that land has a social function and land ownership has a social
responsibility. As such, owners and lessees of agricultural land, being stewards, have the obligation to
cultivate the lands they own or lease and make the land economically productive on a sustainable and
environmentally friendly manner. The State has the right to expropriate lands not utilized for the benefit
of the community and the country as a whole.

The State shall effect an efficient use of land and other productive resources with due regard to
ecological balance and environmental protection, rural development, equity consideration, mobilization
of human resources, and increased agro-industrial production for the alleviation of poverty and
sustainable growth objectives.

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act

Republic Act No. 7611

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect, develop and conserve its natural resources.
Towards this end, it shall assist and support the implementation of plans, programs and projects
formulated to preserve and enhance the environment, and at the same time pursue the socioeconomic
development goals of the country.

It shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for the provinces through proper
conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to provide optimum yields on a
continuing basis. With specific reference to forest resources, the State shall pursue and implement
forest conservation and protection through the imposition of a total commercial logging ban as
hereinafter provided.

It shall also adopt the necessary measures leading to the creation of an institutional machinery
including, among others, fiscal and financial programs to ensure the effective and efficient
implementation of environmental plans, programs and projects.

It shall also promote and encourage the involvement of all sectors of society and maximize people
participation in natural resource management, conservation and protection.

National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992

Republic Act No. 7586

 Section 2

Declaration of Policy

Cognizant of the profound impact of man’s activities on all components of the natural environment
particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement and
recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological and physical
diversities of the environment notably on areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life
and development, as well as plant and animal life, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure
for the Filipino people of present and future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and
animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the
classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

It is hereby recognized that these areas, although distinct in features, possess common ecological values
that may be incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our natural heritage; that effective
administration of these areas is possible only through cooperation among national government, local
government and concerned private organizations; that the use and enjoyment of these protected areas
must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.

To this end, there is hereby established a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which
shall encompass outstanding 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.

Seed Industry Development Act of 1992

Republic Act No. 7308

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote and accelerate the development of the seed
industry and, for this purpose, the Government shall:

a. conserve, preserve and develop the plant genetic resources of the nation;

b. encourage and hasten the organization of all sectors engaged in the industry, integrate all their
activities, and provide assistance to them;
 c. consider the seed industry as a preferred area of investment;

d. encourage the private sector to engage in seed research and development and in mass production
and distribution of good quality seeds; and

e. provide the local seed industry protection against unfair competition from imported seeds.

Tax Laws Incorporated in the Revised Forestry Code

Republic Act No. 7161

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

The incorporated and numbered Sections 68 to 76 of Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended, are
hereby placed under a new subtitle of Chapter III (Utilization and Management) which shall be Subtitle
II.

People's Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991

Republic Act No. 7076

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared of the State to promote, develop, protect and rationalize viable small-scale mining
activities in order to generate more employment opportunities and provide an equitable sharing of the
nation's wealth and natural resources, giving due regard to existing rights as herein provided

Toxic Substances & Hazardous & Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990

Republic Act No. 6969

 Section 2

Declaration of Policy

It is the policy of the State to regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing,
sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk
and/or injury to health or the environment; to prohibit the entry, even in transit, of hazardous and
nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose; and to
provide advancement and facilitate research and studies on toxic chemicals.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 927

FURTHER DEFINING CERTAIN FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY.

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

Water Rights Over Laguna de Bay and Other Bodies of Water within the Lake Region . To effectively
regulate and monitor activities in the Laguna de Bay region, the Authority shall have exclusive
jurisdiction to issue permit for the use of all surface water for any projects or activities in or affecting the
said region including navigation, construction, and operation of fishpens, fish enclosures, fish corrals and
the like.cralaw

For the purpose of this Executive Order, the term "Laguna de Bay Region" shall refer to the Provinces of
Rizal and Laguna; the Cities of San Pablo, Pasay, Caloocan, Quezon, Manila and Tagaytay; the towns of
Tanauan, Sto. Tomas and Malvar in Batangas Province; the towns of Silang and Carmona in Cavite
Province; the town of Lucban in Quezon Province; and the towns of Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa,
and Pateros in Metro Manila.

Section 2

Declaration of Policy

Section 2
Declaration of Policy

Section 2

Declaration of Policy