Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 192)
The Executive Order is officially known as the Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EO No. 192, June 10, 1987).
The policy of the State is to ensure the sustainable use, development, management, renewal, and conservation of the country's natural resources, including environmental protection and equitable access for present and future generations.
The Department is the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the environment and natural resources, including forest lands, mineral resources, and public domain lands, ensuring equitable sharing of benefits for present and future Filipino generations.
(1) Advising the President on laws related to natural resources and pollution control. (2) Formulating and enforcing policies and regulations on natural resources management and conservation. (3) Supervising and controlling forest lands, mineral resources, and lands of the public domain, including imposition and collection of fees and charges.
It consists of the Department Proper (Office of the Secretary, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Public Affairs Office, Special Concerns Office, Pollution Adjudication Board), staff bureaus (such as Forest Management Bureau, Lands Management Bureau, Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau), and field offices (regional, provincial, and community natural resources offices).
The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources heads the Department and is appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Pollution Adjudication Board adjudicates pollution cases under Republic Act 3931 and Presidential Decree 984, overseeing pollution adjudication and can delegate powers to regional officers, serving as a quasi-judicial body for pollution-related cases.
(1) Forest Management Bureau: Advises on forest protection, development, and conservation including watershed areas. (2) Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau: Oversees the development, exploration, and conservation of mineral resources and geological surveys. (3) Environmental Management Bureau: Responsible for environmental management, pollution control, and formulation of environmental quality standards.
Attached agencies include the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
Such personnel shall be deemed separated from the service and shall be entitled to retirement benefits under existing laws or be paid separation pay equivalent to one month basic salary for every year of service, but not exceeding 12 months' salary.
No change in the reorganization shall be valid without prior approval of the President, intended to promote efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery.
NAMRIA serves as the central mapping agency providing comprehensive mapping, geographic data, remote sensing services, and research essential for natural resources management and other governmental and private sector needs.
Appropriations and funds revert to the General Fund unless transferred with the function. Assets and liabilities are allocated or disposed as determined by the Secretary or under applicable laws. Personnel continue in hold-over capacity unless separated as provided.
The Secretary advises the President on related laws and regulations; establishes policies and standards for the Department; promulgates necessary orders and rules; supervises Department functions; delegates authority; and performs other legally assigned functions.
They implement policies and programs, coordinate with other agencies and local governments, conduct resource inventories, recommend programs, supervise natural resource product processing and monitoring, and perform research and other functions as assigned.