Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 301)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 301 is to establish a Green Procurement Program for all departments, bureaus, offices, and agencies of the executive branch of the government to promote environmentally-informed decisions in government purchases and to support environmentally-sound products and services.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is tasked to formulate and implement a coding system for packaging materials and products to facilitate waste recycling and reuse, as provided under Article 4 Section 27 of Republic Act 9003.
The main purposes include promoting environmentally-informed decision-making in government procurement, including environmental criteria in public tenders, establishing environmental specifications and requirements for products and services, and developing incentive programs for suppliers of environmentally advantageous products.
All government departments and agencies must submit their respective Green Procurement Programs to the National Ecolabelling Program Board (ELPB) within six months from the effectivity of the order.
The program targets full implementation within eighteen (18) months from the effectivity of Executive Order No. 301.
The ELPB serves as a competent third-party verifier of claims regarding the environmental soundness of products and services. It also provides and updates a list of certified environmentally sound products based on established criteria.
Funding shall be taken from the respective available funds of each department or agency. Additionally, the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for ensuring the allocation of funds for the operations of the Ecolabelling Program as mandated by Republic Act 9003.
The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon its issuance on March 29, 2004.
Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provides the legal basis for the coding system of packaging materials and grants DTI the responsibility to support environmental sustainability efforts, which aligns with the objectives of the Green Procurement Program.