QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1151)
The continuing policy of the State is: (a) to create, develop, maintain and improve conditions where man and nature can thrive in productive and enjoyable harmony; (b) to fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations; and (c) to ensure an environmental quality conducive to a life of dignity and well-being.
The Government, in cooperation with concerned private organizations and entities, must use all practicable means to promote the general welfare so the Nation may: (a) recognize, discharge and fulfill intergenerational responsibilities as trustee and guardian of the environment; (b) assure a safe, decent, healthful, productive and aesthetic environment; (c) encourage widest exploitation of the environment without degrading it or endangering life, health, safety, or adverse effects to agriculture, commerce and industry; (d) preserve important historic and cultural aspects of Philippine heritage; (e) attain a rational and orderly balance between population and resource use; and (f) improve utilization of renewable and non-renewable resources.
It recognizes the right of the people to a healthful (healthy) environment, and declares it the duty and responsibility of each individual to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Philippine environment.
All agencies and instrumentalities of the national government (including GOCCs), as well as private corporations, firms and entities, must prepare, file and include in every action, project or undertaking which significantly affects environmental quality a detailed statement (EIS) covering the requirements listed in Section 4.
The EIS must include: (a) the environmental impact of the proposed action/project/undertaking; (b) any adverse environmental effect that cannot be avoided if the proposal is implemented; (c) alternatives to the proposed action; (d) a determination that short-term resource uses are consistent with long-term productivity; and (e) if depletable or non-renewable resources are involved, a finding that such use and commitment are warranted.
Before an EIS is issued by the lead agency, all agencies having jurisdiction over or special expertise on the subject matter must comment on the draft EIS within 30 days from receipt.
It is the deadline for other agencies (with jurisdiction or special expertise) to comment on the draft EIS submitted by the lead agency.
Yes. Each individual has the duty and responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Philippine environment.
To ensure that the proposed use of environmental resources for short-term purposes is consistent with maintaining and enhancing the long-term productivity of the environment.
It requires that when a proposal involves the use of depletable or non-renewable resources, a finding must be made that such use and commitment are warranted.
It compels the proponent and lead agency to evaluate other possible approaches, supporting decision-making that can reduce or avoid adverse environmental effects.
The agencies charged with environmental protection (enumerated in LOI No. 422) must, within 60 days from the effectivity of the Decree, submit their respective guidelines, rules and regulations to the National Environmental Protection Council (NEPC) to carry out Section 4 on environmental impact assessments and statements.
It takes effect immediately.
All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with PD 1151 are repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
It states that population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion, natural resource utilization, and technology have led to piecemeal environmental protection; such a tunnel-vision approach is not conducive to harmony between man and nature, so there is an urgent need for an intensive, integrated program requiring EIS.