QuestionsQuestions (GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Resolution NO. 01-97)
The golf course should not be located within NIPAS or proclaimed protected areas, wetlands and other Presidential Proclamation–restricted areas; not in prime agricultural land (e.g., rice production areas); not in areas covered by CARP unless legally converted; not in areas with water shortage problems; not in incompatible existing land use areas; and it should avoid large-scale terrain modification.
The guidelines state a 40:60 ratio for forest/vegetation/wetlands to the golf course. It is intended to limit clearing and protect remaining vegetation and wetlands to support environmental conservation.
It requires minimal clearing of vegetation and states that the project should not unduly compete for, deplete, or pollute water resources. It must have an integrated water recycling system or an irrigation/drainage/retention design that enables efficient water use and water-quality protection.
It requires strategies to control sediment, minimize loss of topsoil, protect water resources, and reduce disruption to wildlife. It also prioritizes immediate revegetation of opened areas during construction and schedules works to optimize environmental conservation.
It requires that the design ensure social acceptability by closely working with the community from planning through development, providing opportunities for public participation during operation.
The guidelines require zero-waste management for all facilities, composting grass cuttings and other organic materials for agronomic use, ensuring chemical rinsate disposal does not increase point/non-point pollution potential, and adopting a system for proper disposal of other wastes such as used motor oil and unused solvents.
It requires nutrient products and practices that reduce contamination risk to ground and surface water, such as slow-release fertilizers and organic products, and proper warning to inform golfers and guests about chemical applications.
It requires adoption of integrated plant management (IPM) or practices that prevent and control pests through a combination of common-sense measures (e.g., weeds, diseases, insects).
It requires protection of habitat for wildlife and aquatic species that help control pests and the creation of additional habitat for beneficial species whenever feasible and environmentally desirable.
The project must have regular monitoring of environmental impacts and a quick response system to deter negative impacts and enhance positive ones.
The steps are: (1) submission of an Initial Golf Course Construction and Development Project Description (IPD); (2) review and evaluation by the Committee and its Technical Working Group; (3) issuance of a Notice to Conduct EIS; (4) conduct of the EIA process; and (5) issuance of the Committee’s final recommendation.
Before a full blown EIS, the proponent must submit an Initial Golf Course Construction and Development Project Description (IPD) in nine (9) copies to the Committee.
The IPD must include certifications such as: DENR that the land is not within NIPAS/Environmentally Critical Areas or areas restricted by Presidential Proclamation; DA that it is not prime agricultural land; DAR that it is not covered by CARL or is legally converted; DOT that it accords with the Tourism Master Plan; NWRB that adequate water supply exists; and locational clearance from HLURB or the City/Municipality Zoning Administrator, plus consistency with regional development plan priorities when required.
Within 15 days from submission, the Committee evaluates the IPD to determine whether the project is in an allowable area and whether major environmental, social, or political concerns require immediate denial.
The TWG assists in the review of the EIS to ascertain the standards for golf course design and construction are met, but the review should be limited to technical matters and should not deal with issues on siting/location already addressed by the Committee.
The final recommendation requires the concurrence of all members and is forwarded to the DENR Secretary as a Committee Resolution. If there is an objection, a favorable endorsement with reservation may still be issued upon majority vote, provided the objection is indicated in the endorsement.
They are effective immediately after publication in at least one newspaper of general circulation and govern future applications. They do not apply to those currently pending with EMB unless the proponent voluntarily invokes them.