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 including ecosystems, species, and genes.
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), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and all concerned government agencies and local government units.
The private sector and civil society are recognized as shared responsibilities for the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity, and are actively engaged and collaborated with by government agencies to incorporate biodiversity goals into their programs, institutionalizing biodiversity as a principal corporate environmental responsibility.
The DENR, through public consultations and in accordance with law, shall promulgate rules and regulations for establishing critical habitats within key biodiversity areas, provide management guidelines, and integrate biodiversity impact assessments into Environmental Impact and Risk Assessments following guidelines under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem (SSME) and the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor are specifically highlighted for targeted conservation and sustainable use efforts.
The Commission is tasked to review and update the SSME conservation plan, organize an Ad Hoc Task Force on Verde Island Passage, identify other marine biodiversity corridors needing urgent attention, and formulate appropriate conservation and management strategies.
The Task Force is composed of representatives from DENR, DOT, DOST, DA, DOH, DOE, DOTC, DFA, DTI, DND, DILG, NEDA, and all local government units.
Starting in 2008 and thereafter, funding requirements shall be included in the General Appropriations Bill to Congress, and all member-departments of the Commission and Task Force must support activities through agreements and sharing financial and technical resources.
All executive orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
It took effect fifteen days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation following its signing on November 8, 2006.