Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10587)
The official title is the "Environmental Planning Act of 2013."
It covers examination, registration and licensure of environmental planners; supervision, control and regulation of environmental planning practice; curriculum development for the profession; and professional competence improvement through continuing education.
Environmental planning is a multi-disciplinary art and science involving analyzing, harmonizing, managing and regulating the use and development of land and water resources for sustainable community and ecosystem development. It is also known as urban and regional planning, city planning, town and country planning, or human settlements planning.
An environmental planner is a person registered and licensed to practice environmental planning holding a valid Certificate of Registration and a Professional Identification Card from the Board of Environmental Planning and the Professional Regulation Commission.
Providing technical consultation, advice, plan preparation, capacity building, and monitoring related to development plans, zoning ordinances, planning for barangays to regions, special development zones; preparing studies like feasibility and environmental assessments; curriculum development and teaching; serving as expert witness; ensuring compliance with environmental laws; and other activities determined by the Board.
The Board consists of a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the President from a list of ranked nominees submitted by the Accredited Professional Organization and approved by the Professional Regulation Commission.
Must be a Filipino citizen and resident, of good moral character and sound mind, holder of a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning or equivalent, a registered and licensed environmental planner with at least seven years of practice, not affiliated with academic or review institutions, a member in good standing but not officer of the APO, and not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
Applicants must obtain a weighted average score of at least 70% and not less than 50% in any examination subject.
Philippine citizens or foreign citizens from countries with reciprocity policies who hold degrees in environmental planning or related fields, with required on-the-job training, good moral character, and no conviction involving moral turpitude are qualified.
Persons found guilty of unlawful practice face imprisonment from six months to five years, fines ranging from Php 100,000 to Php 500,000, or both. Penalties also apply for using another's registration, giving false evidence, using revoked or expired certificates, and other violations of the Act.