Guidelines on DENR Endorsement of Water Projects

Guide Environmental Management Bureau Regional Offices (EMB-ROs) in evaluating Water Quality Management Projects.
Integrate as part of the requirements for obtaining incentives under RA 9275 and DAO 2005-10, managed by the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Applies to local government units, water districts, enterprises, private entities, and individuals pursuing water quality management projects.
Covered projects/technologies include:
- Industrial wastewater treatment and water pollution control technologies.
- Cleaner production and waste minimization technologies.
- Equipment related to water pollution control and monitoring (including testing devices and kits).
- Technology and domestic innovations like gray and black water recycling systems.
- Constructed wetlands.
DENR endorsements serve as proof of eligibility for these projects.
Coverage, descriptions, and incentive entitlements are subject to implementing rules of concerned agencies.

Cleaner Production: Integrated preventive environmental strategies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental/human risks.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Methods altering waste/wastewater characteristics to reduce pollution.
Managing Head: Highest executive officer of a specific establishment (e.g., President, CEO, Local Chief Executive).
Project Proponent: Any individual or entity intending to implement a water project.
Waste Minimization: Strategic actions to reduce waste generation at the source by improved manufacturing or procedures.
Water Pollution Control Technology: Devices or methods preventing or reducing water pollution from effluents to meet water standards.

Submission of a notarized application by project proponents to EMB-RO.
EMB-RO reviews application data; incomplete applications are returned.
Use of the Review and Approval Form by EMB-RO.
Site validation required for projects involving expansion, improvement, or rehabilitation.
Assessment to be completed within 15 working days.
Favorable assessments result in issuance of an Endorsement Letter by EMB Regional Director.
Unfavorable results are communicated to the proponent.
Endorsement Letters are forwarded to concerned agencies and copied to DENR Central Office.

Invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect remaining provisions' validity or effectivity.

All previous orders or circulars inconsistent with this Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

The Order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after acknowledgment by the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).