Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 578)
The policy of the State is to protect, conserve, and sustainably use biological diversity to ensure and secure the well-being of present and future generations of Filipinos, extending to all components of biodiversity - ecosystems, species, and genes.
The Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Tourism (DOT), Science and Technology (DOST), Agriculture (DA), Health (DOH), Energy (DOE), Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Foreign Affairs (DFA), Trade and Industry (DTI), National Defense (DND), Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and all concerned government agencies and local government units.
The private sector and civil society are to actively engage and collaborate with government agencies to incorporate biodiversity goals in their programs and activities, institutionalize biodiversity conservation as corporate environmental responsibility, and encourage public participation, especially at the local level.
DENR is tasked to develop and promulgate rules and regulations for establishing critical habitats within key biodiversity areas, including guidelines for their management and protection, subject to public consultations and existing laws.
Biodiversity impact assessment must be integrated into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Risk Assessment processes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity guidelines.
The Presidential Commission for Integrated Conservation and Development of the Sulu Celebes Seas, chaired by DENR, is responsible for reviewing and updating the Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem conservation plan, creating an Ad Hoc Task Force for the Verde Island Passage, and formulating conservation and management strategies for other marine biodiversity corridors.
The Task Force is to ensure protection, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor, formulate the Verde Island Passage Management Plan in consultation with stakeholders, and submit the plan to the Commission for approval.
Funding requirements will be included in the General Appropriations Bill submitted to Congress starting in 2008, with member departments obligated to support activities through agreements and sharing of financial and technical resources.
It took effect fifteen days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.