Environmental laws:

Here are just some environmental laws that supports in implementing environmental
programs
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

WHEREAS, Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall protect and
advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature.

WHEREAS, further to Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes the small-scale
utilization of resources by Filipino citizens, small-scale mining shall be recognized as a formal sector of
the industry.

WHEREAS, Section 2 of RA No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, provides
that it shall be the responsibility of the State to promote the rational exploration, development,
utilization, and conservation of the country’s mineral resources 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 protects the rights of affected communities.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7942 - AN ACT INSTITUTING A NEW SYSTEM OF MINERAL RESOURCES
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT, UTILIZATION, AND CONSERVATION Section 2

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.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8749

PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

SEC. 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.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)
primary government agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
pursuant to Executive Order No. 192 on June 1987. The MGB is responsible for the conservation,
management, development and proper use of the country’s mineral resources including those in
reservations and lands of public domains. It absorbed the functions of the Bureau of Mines and
Geosciences with the exception of line functions that were transferred mainly to the DENR regional
offices. It also absorbed the functions of the abolished Mineral Resources Development Board (MRDB),
and the Gold Mining Industry Assistance Board (GMIAB).
Environmental Management Bureau
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is a line bureau of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources who is mainly responsible for the implementation and enforcement of RA 8749,
otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
Its primary goal is to come out with a comprehensive national program to achieve and maintain air
quality that meets the National Ambient Air Quality Guidelines for Criteria Pollutants and their emission
standards, while minimizing the possible associated negative impacts on the country’s economy. Its
implementing rules and regulations contain specific requirements that prohibit vehicular and industrial
sources from emitting pollutants in amounts that cause significant deterioration of air quality.
PROGRAMS:
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM will be undertaken to facilitate the efficient implementation of
environmental activities that will address the EMB’s identified aspects and impacts.
POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM will substantiate EMB’s commitment to abate emission coming from motor
vehicles and to save fuel cost by 2% per annum, through regular emission testing and vehicle maintenance.
The program covers all vehicles of EMB and its employees and other potential sources of pollution at the EMB.
CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM intends to properly handle, control and dispose the chemicals used
in the EMB to mitigate accidents and spillages, including the upgrading of the wastewater tank.
PAPER CONSERVATION PROGRAM monitors and controls paper consumption and works towards maximum
reuse/recycling of paper resources, particularly for internal office communication and use.
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM monitors physical facilities relative to water and water usage by the
EMB employees, including regular maintenance of faucets to prevent leaks, and the like.
WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM will be undertaken to have proper control and management over the
various types of wastes generated by the EMB employees . It shall also cover identification, segregation,
collection, monitoring and measurement of solid wastes generated at the EMB. A mini Materials Recovery
Facility for EMB is planned to be established soon.

Philippine mine safety and environment association

MISSION
: To promote the advancement of the Philippine Minerals Industry in the fields of occupational safety
and health, environmental protection and social development consciousness through collaborative
efforts of the industry, government, non-government organizations and other agencies.

KEY OBJECTIVES:
The Association is committed to assist its members and the Philippine Minerals Industry to achieve
the following:
- excellent environmental, safety and health performance;
- a well informed community that appreciates the advantages and significance of the minerals sector
to economic growth;
- a self-regulated minerals industry through the establishment of safety culture, environmental
responsibility and social responsibility; and
- a profitable and internationally competitive minerals industry.

Greenpeace
- Is a non governmental