QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 291)
EO 291 declares that optimum economic development shall be achieved without delay and pursued consistent with the principles of sustainable development, ensuring that the present generation meets its needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Project proponents are directed to simultaneously conduct the environmental impact study (EIS) and the feasibility study of the proposed project.
It is intended to maximize the use of resources and to use simultaneous conduct as a planning tool to minimize or manage adverse environmental impacts of the proposed activity.
National government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and government financial institutions (GFIs) are encouraged to create their respective environmental units, subject to approval by the Department of Budget and Management.
No. EO 291 makes it mandatory for agencies whose mandate includes the introduction of physical plants and infrastructure. Other agencies may be encouraged, but those with infrastructure-related mandates are required to create EUs.
The costs attendant to establishing the units must be within the respective approved budgetary ceilings of the concerned agencies, corporations, and institutions.
They assist in preparing the EIS; ensure their agencies/GOCCs meet the procedural requirements of the EIS System; facilitate securing Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs); and, after securing the ECC, ensure compliance with the ECC conditions.
They ensure that loan or related funding applications of government and private institutions comply with the EIS System.
The DENR and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) are tasked to monitor ECC compliance, formulate, disseminate, and enforce policies on environmental standards and compliance monitoring.
To upgrade DENR-EMB and DENR Regional Office capabilities to undertake fast and efficient review of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
Examples include expanding the membership of the EIA Review Committee and setting their honoraria within the limits and qualifications set by DBM National Compensation Circulars.
All orders, issuances, circulars, rules, and regulations or portions thereof that are inconsistent with EO 291 are repealed or amended.
It takes effect immediately.
It emphasizes integrating EIS early and using it as a planning tool to achieve sustainable development and to minimize/managing adverse environmental impacts while expediting delivery of vital infrastructure.
Because it enhances the EIS System’s function as a planning tool for sustainable economic development, environmental planning, and conservation, and helps expedite and align national development goals without delay.
EO 291 references PD 1151, specifically Section 4 on Environmental Impact Statements, to align the encouragement/requirement for environmental units with the EIS framework under PD 1151.
By strengthening DENR-EMB’s review capability for faster and more efficient EIS processing, integrating EIS early, encouraging simultaneous conduct of EIS and feasibility studies, and ensuring agencies/GOCCs/GFIs comply with procedural and ECC requirements through environmental units.