The document discusses the government agencies responsible for the environment in the Philippines. It outlines the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the primary agency, created by Executive Order 192 in 1987. It consolidates several departments under one organization. The DENR oversees bureaus related to forestry, lands, mines, environmental management, ecosystems research, and biodiversity. It describes the objectives, powers, and functions of these various bureaus. The summary also mentions some key Philippine environmental, forestry, and mining laws, including Presidential Decree 1151 which established the country's environmental policy.

1. Government Agencies on
the Environment
Prepared by: Evanie R. Flores, RCrim

2. Executive Order No. 192 of 1987
 The Reorganization Act of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources.
 It provides for the Dept of Natural Resources
 It renamed the Department of Environment,
Energy and Natural Resources as the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR)

3. DENR
The primary government agency responsible for the
conservation, management, development and proper
use of the country’s environment and natural
resources, specifically forest and grazing lands,
mineral resources, including those in reservation and
watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as
well as the licensing and regulation of all natural
resources as may be provided for by law in order to
ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived
therefrom for the welfare of the present and future
generations of Filipinos (EO 192, Sec. 4, 1987).

4. Objectives of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.4)
 Assure the availability and sustainability of the
country’s natural resources through judicious use
and systematic restoration or replacement,
whenever possible;
 Increase the productivity of natural resources in
order to meet the demands for forest, mineral,
and land resources of a growing population

5. Objectives of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.4)
 Enhance the contribution of natural resources
for achieving national economic and social
development;
 Promote equitable access to natural resources
by the different sectors of the population; and

6. Objectives of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.4)
 Conserve specific terrestrial and marine areas
representative of the Philippine natural and
cultural heritage for present and future
generations.

7. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Advise the President on the enactment of laws
relative to the development, use, regulation, and
conservation of the country’s natural resources and
the control of pollution;
 Formulate, implement, and supervise the
government’s policies, plans and programs
pertaining to the management, conservation,
development, use and replenishment of the
country’s natural resources;

8. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Promulgate rules and regulations in accordance
with law governing the exploration,
development, conservation, extraction,
disposition, use and such other commercial
activities tending to cause the depletion and
degradation of our natural resources;

9. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Exercise supervision and control over forest
lands, alienable and disposable lands, and
mineral resources and in the process of
exercising such control the Department shall
impose appropriate payments, fees, charges,
rentals and any such form of levy and collect
such revenues for the exploration, development,
utilization or gathering of such resources;

10. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Undertake exploration, assessment,
classification and inventory of the country’s
natural resources using ground surveys, remote
sensing and complementary technologies;
 Promote proper and mutual consultation with
the private sector involving natural resources
development, use and conservation;

11. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Undertake geological surveys of the whole
country including its territorial waters;
 Regulate the development, disposition,
extraction, exploration and use of the country’s
forest, land and mineral resources;
 Promulgate rules and regulations for the control
of water, air and land pollution;

12. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Promulgate ambient and effluent standards for
water and air quality including the allowable
levels of other pollutants and radiations;
 Promulgate policies, rules and regulations for
the conservation of the country’s genetic
resources and biological diversity, and
endangered habitats;

13. Powers and Functions of DENR
(E.O. 192, Sec.5)
 Formulate an integrated, multi-sectoral, and
multi-disciplinary National Conservation
Strategy, which will be presented to the Cabinet
for the President’s approval;

14. STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF DENR
It shall be headed by the Secretary of
Environmental and Natural Resources, who is
appointed by the Pres. of the Republic of the
Philippines.

15. Functions of Sec of DENR
(EO 192, Sec.7)
1. Advise the President on the promulgation of rules,
regulations and other issuances relative to the
conservation, management, development and
proper use of the country’s natural resources;
2. Establish policies and standards for the efficient
and effective operations of the Department in
accordance with the programs of the government;

16. Functions of Sec of DENR
(EO 192, Sec.7)
3. Promulgate rules, regulations and other
issuances necessary in carrying out the
Department’s mandate, objectives, policies,
plans, programs and projects;
4. Exercise supervision over all functions and
activities of the Department;

17. Functions of Sec of DENR
(EO 192, Sec.7)
5. Delegate authority for the performance of any
administrative or substantive function to
subordinate officials of the Department;

18. Undersecretaries of DENR
The Secretary of Environment and Natural
Resources is assisted by 5 Undersecretaries who
are appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the DENR Secretary.

19. Functions of the Undersecretary of DENR
(EO 192, Sec.9)
1. Advise the Secretary in the promulgation of
Department orders, administrative orders and
other issuances, with respect to his area of
responsibility;
2. Exercise supervision over the offices, services,
operating units and officers and employees
under his responsibility;

20. Functions of the Undersecretary of DENR
(EO 192, Sec.9)
3. Promulgate rules and regulations, consistent
with Department policies, that will efficiently
and effectively govern the activities of units
under his responsibility;
4. Coordinate the functions and activities of the
units under his responsibility with those of
other units under the responsibility of other
Undersecretaries;

21. Functions of the Undersecretary of DENR
(EO 192, Sec.9)
5. Exercise authority on substantive and
administrative matters related to the functions
and activities of units under his responsibility as
may be delegated by the Secretary;

22. Assistant Secretary
The Secretary and the Undersecretaries are
assisted by seven (7) Assistant Secretaries in the
formulation, management and implementation of
natural resources laws, policies, plans, and
programs and projects.
They shall oversee the day-to-day operations,
administration and supervision of the constituents
of the Department.

23. Responsibilities of Assistant Secretaries
(EO 192, Sec.10)
1. Policy and Planning Studies;
2. Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects;
3. Field Operations in Luzon;
4. Field Operations in Visayas;
5. Field Operations in Mindanao;
6. Legal Affairs, and
7. Management Services

24. FOREST MANAGEMENT BUREAU (FMB)
This is headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director.
The Bureau advises the DENR Secretary on matters
pertaining to forest development and conservation.
It provides technical guidance to the central and field
offices for the effective protection, development, and
conservation of forestlands and watersheds

25. Functions of the FMB
(EO 192, Sec. 13)
1. Recommend policies and/or programs for the effective
protection, development, occupancy, management and
conservation of forest lands and watersheds, including
grazing and mangrove areas, reforestation and
rehabilitation of critically denuded/degraded forest
reservations, improvement of water resource use and
development, ancestral lands, wilderness areas and
other natural preserves, development of forest
plantations including rattan, bamboo, and other valuable
non-timber forest resources, rationalization of the wood-
based industries, regulation of the utilization and
exploitation of forest resources including wildlife, to
ensure continued supply of forest goods and services.

26. Functions of the FMB
(EO 192, Sec. 13)
2. Advise the regional offices in the
implementation of the above policies and/or
programs.
3. Develop plans, programs, operating standards
and administrative measures to promote the
Bureau’s objectives and functions.

27. Functions of the FMB
(EO 192, Sec. 13)
4. Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of
forestry and watershed development projects
to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Undertake studies on the economics of forestry
and forest-based industries, including supply
and demand trends on the local, national and
international levels, identifying investment
problems and opportunities, in various areas.

28. LANDS MANAGEMENT BUREAU (LMB)
This is headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director.
The Bureau advises the DENR Secretary on matters
pertaining to rational land classification
management and disposition.

29. Functions of LMB
(EO 192, Sec 14)
1. Recommend policies and programs for the
efficient and effective administration, surveys,
management and disposition of alienable and
disposable lands of the public domain and other
lands outside the responsibilities of other
government agencies; such as reclaimed areas
and other areas not needed for or are not being
utilized for the purposes for which they have
been established;

30. Functions of LMB
(EO 192, Sec 14)
2. Advise the Regional Offices on the efficient and
effective implementation of policies, programs
and projects for more effective public lands
management;
3. Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of land
surveys, management and disposition of lands
to ensure efficiency and effectiveness thereof;

31. Functions of LMB
(EO 192, Sec 14)
3. Issue standards, guidelines, regulations and
orders to enforce policies for the maximization
of land use and development;
4. Develop operating standards and procedures to
enhance the Bureau’s objectives and functions;

32. Functions of LMB
(EO 192, Sec 14)
5. Assist the Secretary as Executive Officer
charged with carrying out the provisions of the
Public Land Act (C.A. 141, as amended), who
shall have direct executive control of the
survey, classification, lease, sale or any other
forms of concessions or disposition and
management of the lands of the public domain.

33. MINES & GEO-SCIENCES BUREAU (MGB)
This is headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director.
The Bureau advises the DENR Secretary on matters
pertaining to geology and mineral resources
exploration, development and conservation.

34. Functions of MGB
(EO 192, Sec 15)
1. Recommend policies, regulations and programs
pertaining to mineral resources development
and geology;
2. Recommend policies, regulations and oversee
the development and exploitation of mineral
resources of the sea within the country’s
jurisdiction such as silica sand, gold placer,
magnetite and chromite sand, etc.

35. Functions of MGB
(EO 192, Sec 15)
3. Advise the Secretary on the granting of mining
rights and contracts over areas containing
metallic and non-metallic mineral resources;
4. Advise the Regional Offices on the effective
implementation of mineral development and
conservation programs as well as geological
surveys;

36. Functions of MGB
(EO 192, Sec 15)
5. Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the
Bureau’s programs and projects to ensure
efficiency and effectiveness thereof;
6. Develop and promulgate standards and
operating procedures on mineral resources
development and geology;

37. Functions of MGB
(EO 192, Sec 15)
7. Supervise and control the development and
packaging of nationally applicable technologies
on geological survey, mineral resource
assessment, mining and metallurgy; the
provision of geological, metallurgical, chemical
and rock mechanics laboratory services; the
conduct of marine geological and geophysical
survey and natural exploration drilling
programs.

38. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
BUREAU (EMB)
This is headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director.
The Bureau advises the DENR Secretary on matters
relating to environmental management,
conservation, and pollution control.

39. Functions of EMB
(EO 192, Sec 16)
1. Recommend possible legislations, policies and
programs for environmental management and
pollution control;
2. Advise the Regional Offices in the efficient and
effective implementation of policies, programs,
and projects for the effective and efficient
environmental management and pollution
control;

40. Functions of EMB
(EO 192, Sec 16)
3. Formulate environmental quality standards such
as the quality standards for water, air, land,
noise and radiations;
4. Recommend rules and regulations for
environmental impact assessments and provide
technical assistance for their implementation
and monitoring;

41. Functions of EMB
(EO 192, Sec 16)
5. Formulate rules and regulations for the proper
disposition of solid wastes, toxic and hazardous
substances;
6. Advise the Secretary on the legal aspects of
environmental management and pollution
control and assist in the conduct of public
hearings in pollution cases;

42. Functions of EMB
(EO 192, Sec 16)
7. Provide secretariat assistance to the Pollution
Adjudication Board, created under Section 19
hereof;
8. Coordinate the inter-agency committees that
may be created for the preparation of the State
of the Philippine Environment Report and the
National Conservation Strategy;

43. Functions of EMB
(EO 192, Sec 16)
9. Provide assistance to the Regional Offices in the
formulation and dissemination of information
on environmental and pollution matters to the
general public;
10. Assist the Secretary and the Regional Officers
by providing technical assistance in the
implementation of environmental and pollution
laws;

44. Functions of EMB
(EO 192, Sec 16)
11. Provide scientific assistance to the Regional
Offices in the conduct of environmental
research programs.

45. ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT BUREAU (ERDB)
This is headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director.
This is the principal research and development (R &
D) unit of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
Its R & D and extension activities are focused on the
five major ecosystems of the Philippines which
include forests, upland farms, grassland and degraded
areas, coastal zone and freshwater, and urban areas.

46. Functions of ERDB
(EO 192, Sec 17)
1. Formulate and recommend an integrated
research program relating to Philippine
ecosystems and natural resources such as
minerals, lands, forests, as holistic and
interdisciplinary fields of inquiry;

47. Functions of ERDB
(EO 192, Sec 17)
2. Assist the Secretary in determining a system of
priorities for the allocation of resources to
various technological research programs of the
department;
3. Provide technical assistance in the
implementation and monitoring of the
aforementioned research programs;

48. Functions of ERDB
(EO 192, Sec 17)
4. Generate technologies and provide scientific
assistance in the research and development of
technologies relevant to the sustainable uses of
Philippine ecosystems and natural resources;
5. Assist the Secretary in the evaluation of the
effectiveness of the implementation of the
integrated research program.

49. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BUREAU
(BMB)
This is headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director.
Formerly known as the Protected Areas & Wildlife
Bureau.

50. Functions of BMB
(EO 192, Sec 18)
1. Formulate and recommend policies, guidelines,
rules and regulations for the establishment and
management of an Integrated Protected Areas
System such as national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and refuge, marine parks and
biospheric reserves;

51. Functions of BMB
(EO 192, Sec 18)
2. Formulate an up-to-date listing of endangered
Philippine flora and fauna and recommend a
program of conservation and propagation of the
same;
3. Formulate and recommend policies, guidelines and
rules for the conservation of the three (3)
components of biological diversity: genetic
resources, ecosystems and endangered species of
Philippine flora and fauna

52. Functions of BMB
(EO 192, Sec 18)
4. Assist the Secretary in the monitoring and
assessment of the management of the
Integrated Protected Areas System and provide
technical assistance to the Regional offices in
the implementation of programs for these
areas.

53. PHILIPPINE
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY,
FORESTRY, AND MINING
LAWS

54. P.D. No. 1151
Philippine Environmental Policy
Signed by former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. last
June 6, 1977.
This is due to the urgent need to formulate an
intensive, integrated program of environmental
protection that will bring about a concerted effort
towards the protection of the entire spectrum of the
environment through a requirement of environmental
impact assessments and statements in the Philippines.

55. P.D. No. 1151
It created a continuing policy for the Philippine
government to (P.D. No. 1151, Sec.1, 1977)
 Create, develop, maintain and improve
conditions under which man and nature can
thrive in productive and enjoyable harmony with
each other;
 Fulfill the social, economic and other
requirements of present and future generations
of Filipinos, and

56. P.D. No. 1151
It created a continuing policy for the Philippine
government to (P.D. No. 1151, Sec.1, 1977)
 Ensure the attainment of an environmental
quality that is conducive to a life of dignity and
well-being.

57. P.D. No. 1151
Its objective is to (P.D. No. 1151, Sec.2, 1977)
 Recognizes, discharges and fulfills the
responsibilities of each generation as trustee
and guardian of the environment for succeeding
generations;
 Assures the people of a safe, decent, healthful,
productive and aesthetic environment;

58. P.D. No. 1151
Its objective is to (P.D. No. 1151, Sec.2, 1977)
 Encourages the widest exploitation of the
environment without degrading it, or
endangering human life, health and safety or
creating conditions adverse to agriculture,
commerce and industry;
 Preserves important historic and cultural aspects
of the Philippine heritage;

59. P.D. No. 1151
Its objective is to (P.D. No. 1151, Sec.2, 1977)
 Attains a rational and orderly balance between
population and resource use, and
 Improves the utilization of renewable and non-
renewable resources.

60. P.D. No. 1151
It promotes and recognizes the right of the Filipino
people to a healthful environment.
It stressed out the duty and responsibility of each
individual to contribute to the preservation and
enhancement of the Philippine environment (PD.
1151, Sec. 3, 1977).

61. P.D. No. 705
Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines
Signed by former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. last
May 19, 1975.
This is to revised P.D. No. 389 of the Forestry
Reform Code of the Philippines.

62. Philippine Policy on Forestlands
P.D. No. 705 lays down the ff policies (P.D. No.
705, Sec.2, 1975)
 The multiple uses of forest lands shall be
oriented to the development and progress
requirements of the country, the advancement
of science and technology, and the public
welfare;

63. Philippine Policy on Forestlands
P.D. No. 705 lays down the ff policies (P.D. No. 705,
Sec.2, 1975)
 Land classification and survey shall be systematized
and hastened;
 The establishment of wood-processing plants shall
be encouraged and rationalized; and
 The protection, development and rehabilitation of
forest lands shall be emphasized so as to ensure
their continuity in productive condition.

64. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
Alienable and Disposable Lands – lands of public
domain which have been the subject of the
present system of classification and declared as
not needed for forest purposes.
Forest Lands – includes the public forest, the
permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest
reservations.

65. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
Public Forest - the mass of lands of the public
domain which has NOT been the subject of the
present system of classification for the
determination of which lands are needed for
forest purposes and which are not.
Permanent forest or forest reserves - lands of
the public domain which have been the subject
of the present system of classification and
declared as not needed for forest purposes.

66. PUBLIC FOREST
MANGROVE
FOREST

67. PUBLIC FOREST
BEACH FOREST

68. PUBLIC FOREST
MOLAVE
FOREST

69. PUBLIC FOREST
DIPTEROCARP
FOREST

70. PUBLIC FOREST
PINE FOREST

71. PUBLIC FOREST
MOSSY FOREST

72. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
Mangrove - a term implied to the type of forest
occurring on tidal flat along the sea coast,
extending along stream where the water is
brackish.
Dipterocarp forest – a forest dominated by trees
of the dipterocarp species, such as red lauan,
tanguile, tiaong, white lauan, almon, bagtikan
and mayapis of the Philippine mahogany group,
apitong and the yakals

73. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
Pine forest - a forest type predominantly of pine
trees.
Forest Reservation - forest lands which have been
reserved by the President of the Philippines for
any specific purpose or purposes.

74. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
a. NATIONAL PARK - a forest land reservation
essentially of primitive or wilderness character
which has been withdrawn from settlement or
occupancy and set aside as such exclusively to
preserve the scenery, the natural and historic
objects and the wild animals or plants therein,
and to provide enjoyment of those features in
such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for
future generations.

75. NATIONAL PARK

76. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
b. GAME REFUGE OR BIRD SANCTUARY - a forest
land designated for the protection of game
animals, birds and fish and closed to hunting and
fishing in order that the excess population may
flow and restock surrounding areas.

77. GAME REFUGE OR BIRD SANCTUARY

78. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
c. WATERSHED RESERVATION - a forest land
reservation established to protect or improve the
conditions of the water yield thereof or reduce
sedimentation.

79. WATERSHED RESERVATION

80. Types of Lands (P.D. 705, Sec.3, 1975)
GRAZING LAND - refers to that portion of the
public domain which has been set aside, in view of
the suitability of its topography and vegetation,
for the raising of livestock.
MINERAL LANDS - refer to those lands of the
public domain which have been classified as such
by the Secretary of Natural Resources in
accordance with prescribed and approved criteria,
guidelines and procedure.

81. GRAZING LAND

82. MINERAL LAND