Historical Development and Institutional Changes
- The PEA was established in 1977 to undertake reclamation and acquire reclaimed land.
- Executive Order No. 525 (1979) designated PEA to integrate and coordinate reclamation projects for the National Government.
- PEA was renamed Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in 2006.
- Presidential powers to approve reclamation projects were delegated to PRA by Executive Order No. 543 (2006).
- PRA issued Administrative Order No. 2007-2 to regulate reclamation project approval and implementation.
Roles and Responsibilities of DENR
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) supervises exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of natural resources.
- DENR exercises exclusive jurisdiction over management and disposition of public domain lands, including classification, surveying, and titling.
- DENR issued AO No. 2007-20, which mistakenly gave an impression DENR regulates reclamation projects, causing confusion.
Necessity for Clarification of Roles
- Confusion exists between PRAs regulatory role and DENRs permit requirements.
- To avoid conflict and promote efficiency, the Executive Order delineates the responsibilities of PRA and DENR concerning reclamation projects.
Approval Process for Reclamation Projects
- PRA shall approve all reclamation projects on behalf of the President after ensuring compliance with laws.
- Prior to project approval, PRA must coordinate with DENR to secure an area permit or site clearance.
- An Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) must be secured from DENR before project implementation; no works shall proceed without ECC.
Monitoring and Supervision
- PRA is tasked with monitoring and supervising the implementation of reclamation projects.
- DENR monitors and enforces compliance with the ECC conditions throughout project execution.
Post-Completion Procedures
- Upon project completion, PRA and DENR shall jointly conduct a land survey according to DENR rules.
- DENR, upon PRA clearance, endorses to the President the issuance of a proclamation declaring parts of the reclaimed land as alienable/disposable or reserved for public use.
Issuance of Titles and Patents
- DENR and the Land Registration Authority (LRA) shall issue Special Patents and Original Certificates of Title after the presidential proclamation.
- Public use areas shall be titled in the name of the Republic of the Philippines.
- Alienable/disposable reclaimed lands shall be titled initially in PRA’s name, which is authorized to transfer titles to qualified individuals or entities.
Effectivity and Repealing Clause
- All previous orders, rules, and other issuances inconsistent with this Executive Order are revoked or amended accordingly.
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.