The poem “Shoulders” by Shane Koyczan has garnered over two million views on YouTube within a span of nine years. It stands as a poignant piece created under the Blue Dot Movement, aiming to raise environmental awareness by emphasizing the current crisis we face.
Shane metaphorically urges humans to emulate rain, where each drop bears equal responsibility in nurturing the earth. While this notion appears idealistic, it prompts critical questions regarding its practicality, particularly considering disparities in individuals’ capacities to shoulder equal responsibilities. As the poem puts it, it is not the word “crisis” that evokes fear, but rather the word “we,” as it carries the weight of responsibility.
In a journal article by Ehigiamusoe et al. (2022), the nexus between poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation is explored, particularly concerning carbon dioxide emissions. The study reveals poverty as a significant determinant of pollution, evident in consumer choices favoring cheaper, less eco-friendly products such as sachets over sustainable alternatives. While individuals must strive to mitigate their environmental impact, it is imperative for corporations, especially industry giants, to prioritize sustainability in their operations. This is underscored by the prevalent phenomenon of large corporations shifting blame onto consumers while being major contributors to pollution themselves.
Ultimately, assigning blame serves little purpose; rather, collective action is paramount in safeguarding our environment, upon which all life depends.
As the poem “Shoulders” aptly reminds us– Earth is not merely a dwelling but our shared home, intertwined with our stories and existence.
In light of this responsibility, it is crucial for ALL business-owners, including mSMEs to acquaint themselves with environmental regulations. By adhering to these guidelines, we get to collectively play a vital role in the broader effort toward environmental preservation and sustainability, thereby ensuring a healthier future for all.
As we commit ourselves to the endeavor of being your constant partners for sustainable growth, we have put together this table for you that shows all the permits issued by the DENR and other related agencies, vis-a-vis the list of activities that they cover, which may be part of your existing business operations. Full awareness of these policies and processes will save you and your mSME from all the trouble of being flagged, penalized or worst, closed-down.
Table of All Environmental Permits for mSMEs in the Philippines
| # | Environmental Certificate or Permit | You need this certificate or permit if your business covers or involves: | Link to Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applications to Reclaim | Reclamation Projects | https://www.pea.gov.ph/images/pra_images/pdf/laws/QPF-PEV-01-Sept-2019_redacted.pdf |
| 2 | Authority To Export Finished and Semi-finished Wood Products | Exporter of wood products | https://forestry.denr.gov.ph/index.php/12-fmb-services/103-securing-export-authority-for-finished-and-semi-finished-wood-products |
| 3 | Authority To Export Logs/Lumber from Plantation Species | Exporter of lumber,logs, poles or piles | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Wood-based-Permit.pdf |
| 4 | Certificate of Conformity | motor vehicle manufacturer, assembler, or importer certifying that a motor vehicle type complies with the numerical emission standards in this Rule, using the relevant ECE test procedures or their equivalent as approved by the Department | https://air.emb.gov.ph/services/certificate-of-conformity-coc-online/ |
| 5 | Certificate of Non-Coverage | Projects that are deemed unlikely to cause significant adverse impact on the quality of the environment according to the parameters set forth in the screening guidelines | https://ecac.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=270/#cnc |
| 6 | Certificate of Registration as Lumber and Other Wood Products Importer | Importer of lumber,logs, poles or piles | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Wood-based-Permit.pdf |
| 7 | Certificate of Registration as Lumber Dealer | Dealer of lumber,logs, poles or piles | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Wood-based-Permit.pdf |
| 8 | Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) | Breeding Wildlife in a Farm | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/REQUIREMENTS_FOR_CWR.pdf |
| 9 | Chainsaw Registration | Business operations involve the use of chainsaw | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Wood-based-Permit.pdf |
| 10 | Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) & Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) | Participating people's organizations that seeks to develop, utilize and manage specific portions of forest lands | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/CBFM_CSC_req.pdf |
| 11 | DENR Permit to Operate | Manufacturing plants, power generation units, and other operations that release pollutants into the atmosphere. This category specifically covers operating facilities with significant wastewater generation and discharge, or those involving substantial air pollution sources, such as Generator sets with more than 15 KW capacity; Fuel storage tanks with a capacity of 1000 liters and above (underground or above ground); Single-pass and Multi-pass Rice Mills; Stone Crushing Plant, Concrete Batching Plant, Asphalt Batching Plant; Biomass or fossil-fueled kilns, furnaces, and boilers; Waste-to-energy installations; and Other significant air pollution source installations. | https://opms.emb.gov.ph/accounts/login/ |
| 12 | DENR-EMB Company Registration System | all companies and/or businesses that would like to access the DENR's online permitting system | https://client.emb.gov.ph/crs/uploads/steps_crs_new.pdf |
| 13 | Environmental Compliance Certificate | Environmentally-critical Projects including Heavy Industries, mining and quarrying projects, dams, power plants, roads, bridges, golf course projects and other infrastructure | https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Citizens-Charter-EIAMD.pdf |
| 14 | Environmental Compliance Certificate for Tourism Projects | Resorts, villas, parks, mini zoo, hotels, tourism & leisure projects | https://r3.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Resort-and-other-Tourism-or-Leisure-Projects.pdf |
| 15 | Foreshore Lease Application | covering foreshore lands, marshy lands and other lands bordering bodies of water for commercial, industrial or other productive purposes other than agriculture. | https://lmb.gov.ph/index.php/land-disposition/foreshore-and-reclaimed/lease |
| 16 | Free Patent Application - Agricultural | natural-born Filipino citizens who is not the owner of more than 12 hectares of land, and has continuously occupied and cultivated, either by himself or through his predecessors-in-interest a tract or tracts of agricultural public lands subject to disposition | https://www.penroiloilo.com.ph/simplified-guide-how-to-apply-for-a-free-patent-in-the-philippines/#google_vignette |
| 17 | Hazardous Waste Manifest System | Business processes that handle or process hazardous waste | https://emb.gov.ph/hazardous-waste-manifest-system-users-guide/ |
| 18 | Importation Clearance for Recyclable Materials Containing Hazardous Substances | Importation of Recyclable Materials Containing Hazardous Substances | https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Importation-Clearance-for-Recyclable-Materials-Containing-Hazardous-Substances.pdf |
| 19 | Industrial Forest Management Agreement | Develop, manage, protect and utilize a specified area of forest land and resources, consistent with the principle of sustainable development and in accordance with the approved management plan | https://fmbdev.denr.gov.ph/FMB_POLICY/2021/10/19/121-integrated-forest-management-agreement/ |
| 20 | Miscellaneous Lease Application | covering either a combination of dry land(part of the shore), foreshore land or permanently underwater land depending on the limitations as certified by PPA, PEA (now PRA),DOT and DPWH | https://lmb.gov.ph/index.php/land-disposition/foreshore-and-reclaimed/lease |
| 21 | Permit to Operate Air Pollution Sources / Control Installations (POAPSCI) | Business Operators that which Operates Air Pollution Source Equipment/Air Pollution Control Facility | https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Permit-to-Operate-Air-Pollution-Sources-and-Corresponding-Air-Pollution-Control-Facilities-New.pdf |
| 22 | Pre-Manufacturing And Pre-Importation Notification (PMPIN) | Manufacturers and importers (proponents) of a new chemical | https://chemical.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=135 |
| 23 | Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA) | Tenured migrant communities or interested indigenous peoples in protected areas and buffer zones | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/PACBRMA_Chicklist_of_Requirements.pdf |
| 24 | Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement | Develop, utilize and manage a small tract of forestland consistent with the principle of sustainable development. | https://fmbdev.denr.gov.ph/FMB_POLICY/2021/11/18/122-socialized-industrial-forest-management-agreement-sifma/ |
| 25 | Tree-cutting permit (Private Land) | Cutting trees within private lots | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Private_Land.pdf |
| 26 | Tree-cutting permit (Public Land / Schools) | Cutting trees within public spaces | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Public_Land.pdf |
| 27 | Waste water Discharge Permit (WWDP) | Restaurants, resorts, hotels, pension and lodging houses, condominiums, gasoline station, hospitals, clinics, malls, schools, markets, terminals, ports, banks, service centers, showrooms, laboratories, piggeries, poultries, hatcheries, cold storage, and other business/trading establishments, power plants, mining industries, refinery plants, milling plants, stone crushing plants, concrete batching plants, asphalt batching plants, mineral processing plants, dressing plants, ice plants, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment plants, beverage plants, food processing plants, smelting plants, water treatment plants, and other manufacturing/processing industries, government offices, buildings, schools, laboratories, etc. | https://r8.emb.gov.ph/waste-water-discharge-permit/ |
| 28 | Wildlife Farm Permit (WFP) | Breeding Wildlife in a Farm | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Checklist_of_the_requirements_-_WFP.pdf |
| 29 | Wood Processing Plant Permit | Operations of sawmill, mini-sawmill, re-saw permit, plywood/veneer plants, blockboards/fiberboard/particle board and other wood-based panel plants and wood treating plants | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Wood-based-Permit.pdf |
| 30 | Wood Transport Permit | Logistics and transfer of forest products | https://r7.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR-7/CHECKLIST_REQUIREMENTS/Wood-based-Permit.pdf |
If you need professional help in preparing your requirements and ensuring your business’ full compliance with environmental regulations, we’d love to speak with you and see how we can serve you best.
Should you wish to simply send an inquiry about other services including environmental engineering, geotechnical studies, consulting, EIA report preparation etc, you may do so by clicking the button below and our account manager shall get back to you within two (2) business days:
The above permits and clearances encompass basic and proper reporting of your business’ status and its environmental impact, as well as strategies to adhere to established laws.
However, as you grow your operations to a larger scale, it is essential to also have a grasp of the following laws and regulations:
Given the Philippines’ classification as a third-world country, the prevalence of pollution across various environmental sectors is evident, as indicated in the aforementioned journal article highlighting the interconnectedness of pollution and poverty. To address this issue, the government has implemented measures such as the EPR Law.
The EPR Law, officially known as Republic Act No. 11898, mandates that large businesses with assets exceeding 1 million must comply with various environmental policies. These policies include initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, promoting the development of recyclable packaging, and encouraging the reuse of plastics.
Understanding the framework of the EPR Law not only provides crucial context for small businesses to comprehend the broader environmental landscape but also illuminates their pivotal role within it. By aligning their practices with these regulations, small businesses contribute significantly to mitigating environmental degradation and fostering sustainable practices in their operations.
Numerous examples abound of how different companies in the Philippines have embraced and complied with this law. Take Unilever, for instance, which ensures that all its plastic packaging can be reused, recycled, or decomposed. This commitment is evident in products like liquid soaps and shampoos, which are designed to be refillable. Similarly, Nestlé prioritizes recyclable and reusable packaging, while Coca-Cola, a ubiquitous brand in the country, repurposes bottles into new beverage containers, a practice mirrored by PepsiCo.
While these efforts represent commendable strides toward combatting pollution and addressing climate change, it’s essential to acknowledge that achieving sustainability isn’t solely the responsibility of businesses. Consumers play a crucial and significant role in this endeavor. Despite companies making their products reusable and recyclable, it ultimately falls upon consumers to actively participate in reusing and recycling these items. This requires both effort and consistency on the part of consumers to make meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts.
Thus, it becomes evident that everyone has a vital role to play in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Through collaborative efforts between businesses and consumers alike, meaningful progress can be made in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
This initiative aligns with the country’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through proper reporting, companies can offer a transparent depiction of their sustainable efforts in addressing environmental and social challenges.
ESG Reporting encompasses three key areas: the company’s economic contribution, environmental impact, and commitment to human rights and standards. By accurately documenting and disclosing information in these domains, companies provide stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of their sustainability practices.
The report must adhere to standard criteria to ensure its accuracy and reliability. This includes rigorous data collection methods, transparent disclosure practices, and adherence to internationally recognized reporting standards.
By embracing ESG Reporting, companies not only demonstrate their commitment to sustainability but also foster trust and accountability with stakeholders. Moreover, it serves as a valuable tool for benchmarking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and driving continuous innovation towards more sustainable business practices.
In essence, ESG Reporting serves as a cornerstone for companies in the Philippines to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies, thereby contributing to the country’s broader objectives of achieving sustainable development and fostering a more resilient and equitable society.
In the context of the Philippines, a developing country witnessing significant industrialization and urbanization in recent years, there is a pressing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to construction. Recognizing this imperative, the country has established regulatory frameworks such as the National Building Code and the Philippine Green Building Code.
The National Building Code, formally known as Presidential Decree No. 1096, serves as the cornerstone document governing construction practices in the Philippines. Its overarching objective is to ensure that urbanization progresses in a manner that fosters innovation and advancement while simultaneously preserving and protecting the environment. By setting forth guidelines and standards, the National Building Code aims to promote sustainable development practices within the construction industry.
Complementing the National Building Code is the Philippine Green Building Code, designated as Presidential Decree No. 1565. This code is specifically tailored to address environmental concerns pertinent to building construction. Its primary focus is on integrating sustainable practices throughout the building lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
Key considerations outlined in the Philippine Green Building Code encompass a wide range of environmental factors, including sustainable site development, energy efficiency, water conservation, resource efficiency, and environmental quality. By incorporating these principles into building design and construction, the code aims to minimize the environmental footprint of buildings while enhancing their overall sustainability and resilience.
Through the implementation of both the National Building Code and the Philippine Green Building Code, the Philippines endeavors to promote environmentally responsible construction practices that align with global sustainability goals. By prioritizing sustainability in urban development and construction projects, the country seeks to mitigate the environmental impact of rapid industrialization and urbanization while fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment for future generations.
Firstly, during the exploration stage, conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is imperative. This comprehensive evaluation assesses the potential environmental effects of the project. Subsequently, upon satisfactory evaluation, the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is obtained. This certificate serves as official approval from regulatory bodies, indicating that the project complies with environmental standards and regulations.
Following this, the construction and operational phases commence, wherein strict adherence to environmental protocols is maintained to mitigate any adverse impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. Throughout these stages, ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures are implemented to ensure minimal environmental disturbance.
Finally, as the project reaches the end of its operational life cycle, the decommissioning stage ensues. During this phase, careful planning and execution are essential to minimize environmental risks and facilitate the safe removal of infrastructure, ensuring the restoration of affected areas to their natural state.
In essence, the Offshore Wind Energy Project exemplifies the meticulous process by which projects navigate environmental considerations, underscoring the importance of sustainable development practices and responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Through adherence to stringent environmental requirements, such projects not only contribute to renewable energy goals but also prioritize the protection and preservation of our environment for future generations.
Also known as RA 9003, this aims to curb pollution stemming from solid waste. In response, businesses are implementing measures to minimize their solid waste output, particularly by revising packaging practices to reduce environmental impact.
This law outlines stringent regulations regarding air quality management. The implementing rules and regulations of this act ensure that equipment utilized in different factories or production sites is designed to prevent the unrestricted release of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Compliance with these guidelines is imperative for businesses to mitigate their contribution to air pollution and uphold environmental standards.
RA 9275 imposes requirements on businesses to uphold water quality standards. One of its provisions mandates that businesses connect to the sewerage system to prevent the indiscriminate discharge of pollutants into water bodies. By adhering to these regulations, businesses play a crucial role in safeguarding water resources and preserving aquatic ecosystems.
Overall, these environmental laws and regulations serve as pillars of sustainability, guiding businesses towards responsible practices that prioritize environmental conservation and public health. Through compliance with such measures, businesses not only fulfil legal obligations but also contribute to the collective effort to address environmental challenges and foster a more sustainable future.
By embracing these responsibilities and working towards sustainable practices, businesses not only fulfil their duty to society but also contribute to a future where prosperity is harmonized with environmental stewardship. In this narrative, the burden becomes a shared endeavour, a collective journey towards a more sustainable and resilient world.
Sources, Citations and References:
Ehigiamusoe, K. U., Majeed, M. T., & Dogan, E. (2022). The nexus between poverty, inequality and environmental pollution: Evidence across different income groups of countries. Journal of Cleaner Production, 341, 130863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130863
GreenDev Solutions. (2023, August 14). What you need to know about the extended producer responsibility EPR Law of the Philippines. https://greendevsolutions.com/epr-law-philippines/
GreenDev Solutions. (2024a, January 15). Your Handbook for Environmental Compliance in ph: How to navigate the National Building Code and the Philippine Green Building Code [2024]. https://greendevsolutions.com/national-building-code-and-the-philippine-green-building-code-2024/
GreenDev Solutions. (2024b, March 4). Full guide for ESG reporting in the Philippines. https://greendevsolutions.com/esg-sustainability-reporting-ph/
GreenDev Solutions. (2024c, March 4). What you need to know about the Philippines’ offshore wind energy guidelines according to dao2024-02. https://greendevsolutions.com/offshore-wind-osw-energy-project-in-the-philippines-latest-denr-guideline/
Maynilad Water Services. (2020, February 11). Attention, business owners: Here are the environmental laws and regulations you need to know. Esquiremag.ph. https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/attention-business-owners-here-are-the-environmental-laws-and-regulations-you-need-to-know-adv-con