DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

 Leading the ENR Sector towards
Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Development
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

 4 SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Contents 5
6
ABOUT THE DENR
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
8 ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE 8-POINT SOCIOECONOMIC AGENDA OF PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS, JR.
NEAR TERM
8 I. Protect Purchasing Power of Families
8 A. Ensure Food Security
9 1. Enhanced National Greening Program
10 2. Community-Based Forest Management
13 3. Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program
15 II. Reduce Vulnerability and Mitigate Scarring from the COVID-19 Pandemic
15 III. Ensure Sound Macroeconomic Fundamentals
15 A. Improving Bureaucratic Efficiency
17 B. Ensuring Sound Fiscal management

MEDIUM TERM
18 IV. Create More Jobs
18 A. Promote and Support Investments
19 1. Creation of Partnerships Under the Multi-Stakeholder Forum
19 2. Delineation of Protection and Production Forests for Potential Investment Areas
20 3. Mineral Investment Promotion Program
22 V. Create Green Jobs
22 A. Pursue a Blue and Green Economy
22 1. Blue Economy
24 2. Green Economy
26 B. Establish Livable and Sustainable Communities
27 1. Water Security Program
28 1.1 Sustainability of Listahang Tubig (Water Register) Database
31 2. Clean Water Program
31 2.1 Continuous Monitoring of Status of Water Quality
32 2.2 Classification of Waterbodies
32 2.3 Designation of Water Quality Management Area (WQMA)
33 2.4 Continuous Implementation of Adopt-an-Estero Waterbody Program
34 2.5 Compliance Monitoring of Firms (Water Quality)
34 2.6 Cleanup Activities in Manila Bay
35 2.7 Continuous Cleanup of Major River Systems and Tributaries in Laguna De Bay Region
36 2.8 Intensification of rehabilitation works in Manila Bay and other priority tourist destinations namely:
El Nido, Coron, Puerto Galera, Panglao, and Siargao
37 3. Clean Air Program

Contents
37 3.1 Roadside Ambient and General Ambient Air Monitoring
38 3.1.1 Nationwide Air Quality Status
40 3.1.2 Metro Manila Air Quality Status
42 3.2 Adopt-an-Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station Program
43 3.3 Motor Vehicle Emission Monitoring Program (Bantay Tambutso)
44 3.3.1 Issuance of Certificate of Conformity (COC)
44 3.3.2 Issuance of Certificate of Non-Coverage from Emission Standards (CNCES)
45 3.4 Industrial Emission Monitoring Program (Bantay Tsimneya)
46 3.4.1 Sampling Assessment Team (SAT)
47 3.4.2 Status of Connection of Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS)
and Continuous Opacity Monitoring System (COMS)
47 3.4.3 Compliance Monitoring of Firms (Air Quality)
48 4. Solid Waste Management Program
49 4.1 Passage of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022
52 5. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RA 6969)
55 6. Land Disposition Program
55 6.1 National Land Titling Program
59 7. Geohazard Mapping, Vulnerability Assessment and Groundwater Resources Assessment
61 8. Actions and Initiatives on Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resiliency
62 8.1 Development of the Provincial Climate Risk Diagnostics (PCRD) Tool
63 8.2 Assistance to Highly Urbanized Cities in the implementation of
the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Component of the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
63 8.3 Development of Community and Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Manual
64 8.4 Development of the National Urban Green Spaces (UGS) Action Plan 2022-2030 Learning Collaboration Hub
65 9. Biodiversity Conservation
66 10. Establishment of baseline data on the environment and the country’s natural resources, formulation of policy on
natural capital accounting and continuous production of maps
66 10.1 Development of a National Natural Resource Geospatial Database
66 10.2 Formulation of policy on Natural Capital Accounting (NCA)
67 11. Implementation of foreign-assisted projects

69 HIGH-LEVEL LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS

82 PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO THE PEOPLE 2022-2023
 4 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Secretary’s Message
The Annual Report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources highlights some of the Department’s notable accomplishments from July
2022 to First Semester of 2023. These are anchored on President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.’s administration’s pursuit of sustainable, resilient
and inclusive department for all.

The Department’s priorities are aligned with the President’s pronouncement regarding the nexus between economic development, climate change, and
the environment. This administration’s 8-point agenda, particularly on “pursuing a green and blue economy and establishing livable and sustainable
communities” has guided the DENR in achieving effective pathways to 1) fulfill our mandate to conserve, protect, manage,
restore and regenerate our country’s environment and natural resources and 2) manage risk and build resilience
using an ecosystems-based ridge to reef approach.

These accomplishments were made possible by the commitment to integrity and excellence of the
Biodiversity Management Bureau, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Environmental
Management Bureau, Forest Management Bureau, Land Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences
Bureau, Laguna Lake Development Authority, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority,
National Water Resources Board, Natural Resources Development Corporation, and Palawan
Council for Sustainable Development.

We are likewise grateful to our development partners in the academe and scientific community,
civil society, private sector, as well as our international partners for their strategic investments and
scientific technical support.

The DENR remains committed to pursuing our mandate to protect, conserve, restore and regenerate
our country’s environment and natural resources while advancing economic and social progress.

These accomplishments represent the beginning of transformation in our mission. They will enable us to
chart and accelerate a new evidence-informed, inclusive, resilient and sustainable development
trajectory for our country.

Mabuhay!

MARIA ANTONIA YULO LOYZAGA

Secretary
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 5

About the DENR

MISSION MANDATE
To mobilize our citizenry in The Department is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development,
protecting, conserving, and and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing
managing the environment lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public
and natural resources for the domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law
present and future generations. in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present
and future generations of Filipinos. (EO 192, S. 1987)

VISION To accomplish this mandate, the Department shall be guided by the following objectives:

A nation enjoying and sustaining • Assure the availability and sustainability of the country’s natural resources through judicious use
its natural resources and clean and systematic restoration or replacement, whenever possible;
and healthy environment.
• Increase the productivity of natural resources in order to meet the demands for forest, mineral,
and land resources of a growing population;

• 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

• Conserve specific terrestrial and marine areas representative of the Philippine natural and cultural
heritage for present and future generations.
 6 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Executive Summary
This Report strives to articulate the notable accomplishments of the DENR for CY 2022 as well as the plans for 2023, all of which are
anchored on the 8-point agenda of the President in the pursuit of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient society.

This administration’s 8-point agenda, particularly on the “creation of green jobs by pursuing a green and blue economy and establishing
livable and sustainable communities,” has guided the DENR in establishing better pathways to fulfill its mandate to conserve, protect, and
manage the country’s environment and natural resources; and manage risk and build resilience using a ridge-to-reef and ecosystems-
based approach.

As one of its more significant achievements in 2022, the DENR adopted a risk-based approach to address climate change by building a
national natural resource geospatial database. This platform supports strategic planning and actions and provides the physical basis for
the natural capital accounting system and the valuation of ecosystem services. Foreign assistance amounting to over PHP 6.3 Billion was
mobilized to implement environment-, nature-, and climate change-related programs and projects for the next six years. These include
programs on reforestation, protected area management, and nature-based solutions to strengthen climate actions. This was made
possible by the sustained partnership with and the department’s participation in multilateral and bilateral discussions with UN agencies
and countries such as the UK, France, USA, and Australia.

Intensive policy reviews and development were conducted for organizational streamlining and transformation, as well as process reviews
in large- and small-scale mining, reclamation, water security and resource management, and land management. Further, the DENR
continued to address emerging food security issues and to create green jobs. Enchancing environmental quality management of air,
water, and solid waste was pursued and international cooperation was promoted to access financing, knowledge, and technology
transfer between the department and other institutions around the globe.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 7

On Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas and Coastal and Marine Environment Management, 11,505 corners of PAs were
demarcated and nine (9) Marine Protected Area Networks were established for habitat conservation and fishery management. Under the
Enhanced National Greening Program, 45,997 hectares of plantations were established with 34,357,275 seedlings of various commodities
were distributed nationwide.

About 38,547 individuals were employed in reforestation programs and 2,373 estero and river rangers and Boracay Environmental Lawin
Patrollers were hired to monitor, protect, clean, and rehabilitate the rivers, esteros, and other various water bodies of Manila and Boracay.
Seventy-one (71) were assisted through Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFE), and 44,019 beneficiaries of residential and agricultural
patents were provided tenurial security.

Enforcement of environmental laws was intensified and compliance and monitoring were also improved through digital and satellite
data tools (LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection, Chainsaw Registration System, Forest Fire Danger Rating System). These helped
us reduce illegal logging hotspots by 11%. A total of 109 Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) were operationalized; additional 47
waterbodies were classified in terms of best usage and water quality to be maintained (DMC 2022-15) and solid wastes managed
through waste diversion (36,560 tons of solid waste per day).

These are among the many achievements of the DENR in 2022 which are vivid testaments to its broad support of the administration’s
priorities for economic recovery, climate resiliency, and inclusive development for the best interest of the Filipino people.
8 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Accomplishments on
the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda
of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
NEAR TERM

I. PROTECT PURCHASING POWER OF FAMILIES

A. ENSURE FOOD SECURITY

To help enhance the country’s national productivity and consecutively the overall production
of food and assist in providing opportunities for income generation, the DENR continued
to implement the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP), Community-Based Forest
Management Program-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CBFM-CARP), and the
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP).

The ENGP and CBFM-CARP seek to ensure that food security is attained by developing
forestland areas through agroforestry, which involves the planting of mixed commodities of
fruit trees, timber trees, and agricultural crops. These plantations provide immediate sources
of food in various forms, such as fruits and other forest products that can help our partner
communities in their daily needs. Under the CMEMP, Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFE)
continue to be established and sustained by our partner communities, with funding support
from the Department.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 9

1. ENHANCED NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM

The implementation of Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) is
pursuant to Executive Order No. 193, s. 2015 otherwise known as “Expanding
the Coverage of the National Greening Program,” which aims to cover all
the remaining and unproductive, denuded, and degraded forestlands,
with its period of implementation extended from 2016 to 2028. All sectors,
particularly the private sector, are encouraged to actively participate in the
program.

In 2022, a total of 45,997 hectares of open, denuded and degraded

forestlands nationwide were rehabilitated and reforested. Also, 34,357,275
seedlings were planted, and 225,588 jobs and 38,547 persons have been
generated and employed, respectively to conduct various activities in the
given time period.

In support of the NGP, 41,992 seedlings and bamboo culms were also
planted in various locations in the Laguna de Bay Region (LDBR), covering
41.59 hectares. Bamboo propagation and management training were also
provided to 15 farmers and private lot owners in Brgy. Navotas, Cardona,
Rizal (June 9-10, 2022).

To ensure the sustainable supply of water for the effective management

and maintenance of established plantations, a total of 107 units of Small
Water Impounding System (SWIS) were constructed with 3,130.625 cubic
meters water-holding capacity.
10 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2-hectare of timber plantation in Pullaan, Lagawe, Ifugao

PO Name: Central Ambassador Women’s Association, Inc.

2. COMMUNITY-BASED FOREST MANAGEMENT

Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) is a national strategy that aims to ensure sustainable development of the
country’s forestlands and its resources through the issuance of Executive Order No. 263, Series of 1995. The program also
aims to improve the socio-economic condition of people in the uplands, whose livelihoods heavily depend on the forests.

For CY 2022, CBFM Agreements were issued to eight (8) People’s Organizations (POs) with a total of 402 members covering a
total of 6,529.21 hectares. To date, CBFMA was issued to a total of 1,968 CBFM POs with 170,240 members covering around
1.6 million hectares of forestlands. These CBFM POs are recognized as partners of the government in achieving sustainable
forest management. Hence, for the past 25 years, they have received technical and financial support from different National
Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and Developmental Organizations (DOs), through
various programs which include the Community-Based Forest Management−Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CBFM−CARP).

The DENR was instituted to improve the land tenure systems of the country and the socio-economic status of the program
beneficiaries in support of the Agrarian Reform initiative of the government. As provided in Section 15 of Executive Order no.
229 entitled “Providing the mechanisms for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program”, the DENR is
mandated to distribute all alienable and disposable lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture to qualified beneficiaries.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 11

Plantation established by CBFM PO Alasasin Community-Based Forest Management Association, Inc.

Upon the completion of the land distribution scope under DENR-CARP, the DENR had initiated the provision of support services
to agricultural workers which include land development and livelihood programs in CBFM areas. The provision of support
services in the upland started in CY 2007 under the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) of CARP. There were already
1,867 funded/implemented projects under the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD). Relative to this, the CBFM-CARP
beneficiaries are also acknowledged as the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) in the uplands.

For CY 2022, financial assistance amounting to PhP79,648,000.00 was provided for the implementation of 83 agroforestry
development projects, covering 2,591.50 hectares of upland and 49.50 hectares of mangrove areas benefitting 3,614 CBFM
PO members. In addition, 13 enterprise livelihood projects were implemented benefitting 1,253 CBFM PO members. As a result,
six (6) POs with 582 members gained income ranging from PhP6,000 to PhP30,000.00.
12 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Monitoring and inspection of planted mahogany (left) with fruit trees (calamansi and pineapple)
(right) of the Tagbisay Multi-Purpose Association on August 23, 2022

Plantation establishment of
Bamboo production of CBFM-PO Kauswagan nga Pederasyon San mga CBFM-PO Cahan Bagamanoc Tree Planters Asso., Inc., (CBTPAI)
Parag-uma sa Matuguinan (KPPM) with CY 2022 Agroforestry-Based in their Agroforestry Development Project located
with Bamboo Plantation located in Brgy. Nagpapacao, Matuguinao Samar. at Brgy. Cahan, Bagamanoc, Catanduanes
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 13

Capacity Building for CY 2022 CBFM-CARP Project beneficiaries under CENRO Palo
on the Leadership and Vermicomposting Training conducted on August 26, 2022 in Brgy. Rizal, Babatngon, Leyte

3. COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program (CMEMP) aims to comprehensively manage, address and effectively
reduce the drivers and threats of the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems to achieve and promote sustainability of
ecosystem services, food security, and climate change resiliency.

The development of Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprise (BDFE) is one of the seven (7) program components of the CMEMP.
BDFEs are micro, small, and medium enterprises that promote the sustainable use of biological resources, create wealth and
value, and open opportunities for the equitable sharing of benefits among stakeholders. The existing BDFEs of 71 People’s
Organizations were enhanced through providing technical assistance to increase their skills, knowledge, and resources in
putting up BDFEs. The following workshops and orientation were conducted in 2022: BDFE Financial Assistance Screening
Process Mainstreaming BDFE in the National Programs – Green Economic Development, and BDFE for Terrestrial PAs which
provided the participants basic knowledge and technical know-how on the implementation of the BDFEs.
14 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

PO Lumad Moro Christian Women’s Association (LCWA) located

in Brgy. Pangyan, Glan, Sarangani Province under the Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprise
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 15

II. REDUCE VULNERABILITY AND MITIGATE SCARRING FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
As the Philippines is still plagued by the COVID-19 in 2022, the Department continued its efforts to support the government in
mitigating institutional scarring from the COVID-19 Pandemic. It continually managed the wastes generated from the government’s
COVID-19 Vaccination Program with the monitoring of 208 Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) Facilities where hazardous wastes
are stored, treated, recycled, reprocessed, or disposed of. Of the 208 TSDs monitored, 32 were identified as TSD facilities handling
pathological or infectious wastes (M501). Notices of Violation (NOV) were issued to six (6) facilities found non-compliant with the
rules and regulations on Hazardous Waste Management.

III. ENSURE SOUND MACROECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS

In keeping with Secretary Yulo’s pronouncement during the 2023 DENR budget deliberation, the DENR is currently evaluating its
processes of procurement and work- and financial-planning systems to effectively utilize the Department’s budget. The DENR’s thrust
towards rightsizing and enhancing government efficiency was laid down through the formulation of the agency’s reorganization
policies. Further, several measures were adapted to achieve a sound fiscal management.

A. IMPROVING BUREAUCRATIC EFFICIENCY

The DENR vigorously pursued rightsizing and enhancing government efficiency as it accomplished the following:

• Reconstituted the Change Management Team (CMT) designating an Undersecretary to handle organizational transformation
of the Department. Initially, the working concept of the DENR’s Organizational Transformation Roadmap was developed and
organizational structures and functions of the DENR offices were reviewed.
16 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• Initiated the establishment of a national natural resource geospatial database for prioritizing programs and projects as guide
for future decision-making. DENR Administrative Order No. 2023-01 on the “Establishment of the National Environment and
Natural Resources Geospatial Database Under the Office of the Secretary” was signed by the Secretary on 04 January 2023.

• Enhanced digitalization for online issuance of permits and other paperwork processing of the Department such as the Frontline
Services Transaction Systems (FSTS). This System, which covers the entire cycle of permit issuance, from application to legal
instrument delivery, was developed by the DENR in 2018, which features a multi-user, multi-role web-based application that
keeps track of the application’s processing and acceptance at all Departmental level and provides online access to or browsing
of all the applications.

With the changes to the process flows and level of document approval through the latest DAO 2022-10 or the Revised DENR
Manual of Authority on Technical Matters, the enhancement of the FSTS with functions of improving the usability and user
experience of the system and covering and adapting to changes in management and authority is needed.

• Designed and conducted a Department-wide process review to streamline DENR services resulting in a more timely and more
efficient fulfillment of the Department’s mandate to manage the country’s environment and natural resources.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 17

B. ENSURING SOUND FISCAL MANAGEMENT

The following measures were adopted by the Department to achieve a sound fiscal management:

• Ensuring stronger connections between strategic, scientific, and operational planning and budgeting to meet organizational,
physical, and financial targets.

• Conducting early procurement activities short of the award upon arrival of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) authorized
under Sections 7.6 and 20.1 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government
Procurement Reform Act), and encouragement of creditors and suppliers for the timely submission of validated claims for
payment of pending obligations.

• Addressing observed bottlenecks in the system as part of the Full-Time Delivery Unit (FDU), and to continuously monitor
performance throughout the year. To undertake catch-up plan measures to recoup underperformance for the period covered.

• Sustaining the application of the Common Fund System to optimize the use of the available cash allocation for payment of
obligations both for current and prior year’s payables provided that mandatory items are fully-funded.

• Timely and accurate submission of reportorial requirements with due prudence, consistency, and accuracy on the information
provided for an effective reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of the agency’s performance as stated in Sections 98-99 of the
General Provisions of FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) or Republic Act No. 11639.

• Generate income from lands, biodiversity, and forestry fees, of which about PhP978.6 Million worth of revenues were collected
in 2022.
 18 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

MEDIUM TERM

IV. CREATE MORE JOBS

As the DENR’s contribution to the country’s economic recovery, it endeavored to create more jobs by encouraging the various sectors
of society to invest in ENR-related programs and projects. It has established partnerships with several organizations and networks,
LGUs, academe, civil society organizations and the private sector with the conduct of the First Multi-Stakeholder Forum. In addition,
it continued to delineate production forests for potential investment areas, issue mining permits and contracts to qualified individuals,
and identify priority mining projects.

A. PROMOTE AND SUPPORT INVESTMENTS

The Department actively engages with several organizations and networks, LGUs, academic institutions, civil society organizations,
private partner organizations, among others, in the implementation of the programs and projects of the DENR.

To make this materialize, the DENR conducted the First Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Quezon City for the Luzon cluster. The
Forum primarily aims to enable inclusive dialogue across all the DENR’s stakeholders, share knowledge and experiences on how
different stakeholders can work together with the DENR, foster and strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, and identify
multi-stakeholder initiatives and good practices. It also served as an avenue to bring investment opportunities to the attention of
potential investors in the ENR sector.

Further, two (2) of the sectors of the Department, the Forestry and Mines Sector, also implemented projects that aid the government
in promoting investments. These are the identification of potential areas for investment areas through ground delineation of
production forests and issuance of mining contracts and permits that is expected to produce direct and indirect employment
opportunities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 19

1. CREATION OF PARTNERSHIPS UNDER THE MULTI-STAKEHOLDER FORUM

The Multi-Stakeholder Forum aims to engage all sectors towards the fulfilment of the Department’s mission. Natural,
technological, and human-induced hazards due to climate change challenges us to be resilient and require whole-of-society
and transdisciplinary approaches toward evidence-informed policy and action for protection, preservation, conservation,
enhancement, and regeneration of the country’s ecosystems.

During the forum, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DENR and DOLE which will accelerate the creation
of more “green jobs” in the area of forest protection. This will cover the implementation of DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa
Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD) in identified areas in DENR’s improved national forest protection
program.

2. DELINEATION OF PROTECTION AND PRODUCTION FORESTS FOR POTENTIAL INVESTMENT AREAS

The ground delineation of production forests in the country is in support of the targets set in the Philippine Development Plan
2017-2022. It determines the metes and bounds of forest lands suited for production purposes which will be made available
for investment purposes.

For CY 2022, a total of 4,788 kilometers of production forests were delineated on the ground. These can be accessed for
investments such as timber and agroforestry production, range lands for grazing, and other special forest land uses such as
ecotourism.
20 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

3. MINERAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAM

The Mineral Investment Promotion Program (MIPP) involves the issuance of mining permits and contracts to qualified persons
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The issuance of mining contracts and permits is
expected to produce direct and indirect employment opportunities in host and neighboring communities, investments and
revenue in terms of taxes and royalties and other local taxes and fees paid to host local government units (LGUs).

A total of 4,826 mining rights/contract/permits and other mining-related permits were issued/endorsed.

Mining Rights/Contract/Permits No. of Permits Issued

and other Mining-Related Permits Issued/ Endorsed
Exploration Permit 49
Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit 68
Mineral Processing Permit 24
Ore Transport Permit 2,618
Ore Transport Certification 858
Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility 7
Accreditation 180
Certificate of Exemption 101
Certificate of Environmental Management and Community 55
Relations Record
Mineral Ore Export Permit 866
TOTAL 4,826

On the development of Small-Scale Mining, six (6) Minahang Bayan (MB) sites were declared. Minahang Bayan sites are where
small-scale miners can operate lawfully which enables the government to monitor and regulate their extractive activities while
helping to promote the safety of the workers, protect the environment, and generate revenues for the government.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 21

No. Region Minahang Bayan Petitioner Commodity Area (has.) Location

Bagtayan, Guina-ang,
Guina-ang Tribe Indigenous People
1 CAR Gold, Copper 700 Galdang, Pugong, Malucsa
Cultural Community (GTIPCC) & Dagtalan, Pasil, Kalinga

2 CAR Reynaldo B. Bugnay Gold Manag, Conner, Apayao

Ayayao, Eva Garden,

3 CAR Roman T. Austodillo Gold 20 Calanasan, Apayao

Sitio Marbol, Bai

4 12 Dulaijan B. Nor Gold 20 Saripinang, Bagumbayan,
Sultan Kudarat

Impahanong-Amusig Higaonon Tribal Sitio Kagahuman, Brgy.

5 10 Community Gold 52.85 San Luis, Malitbog,
Organization (IAHTCO), Inc. Bukidnon
Bukidnon Higa-onon Tribal Guitaan, Maligaya,
6 10 Gold 81
Association (BUHITA) Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Further, to contribute to the economic recovery of the country, the DENR, through the MGB, continues to identify several
priority mining projects under three phases which are expected to significantly contribute to employment generation as well
as investments and revenues to the government.

For Phase 1 Priority Projects, these are comprised of 29 mining projects which are ready to commence development or
commercial operations and are expected to generate a revenue of Php3.57 Billion and 10,241 employees. Phase 2 projects on
the other hand, include 50 mining projects which are expected to file the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility (DMPF) or
those with DMPF application or under the advanced exploration stage and are expected to generate a revenue of Php11.953
Billion and 17,657 employees. Phase 3 includes 37 mining projects which are still under exploration.
22 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

V. CREATE GREEN JOBS

The Department underscores the need for sustainable economic growth
through the creation of jobs that will promote the sustainable management,
conservation, development, and protection of our natural resources while
preserving the quality of environment for future generations.

A. PURSUE A BLUE AND GREEN ECONOMY

1. BLUE ECONOMY
In promoting blue economy, a number of individuals were hired/employed
for the management of our coastal and marine ecosystems, rehabilitation
of Boracay Island, Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay, and priority beaches.
These include the following:

• 2,373 estero/river rangers to monitor, protect, clean up, and rehabilitate

the rivers/esteros/water bodies draining to the Manila Bay;

• 406 personnel, including river patrollers/environmental aides and trash

boat operators, to facilitate the restoration and sustainable development
of the Pasig River System making it conducive for propagation of aquatic
life, transportation of people and goods, and tourism;

• 82 Boracay Environmental Lawin Patrollers (BELPS) for the

implementation of the Boracay Action Plan (BAP);
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 23

(from left to right) Coastal Extension Officers in Region 8 conducted Protected Area and
Suitability Assessment in Palompon Watershed Forest Reserve on August 2-5, 2022.

• 69 Coastal Extension Officers to support the Regional Offices/PENROs/CENROs in managing and implementing coastal
and marine resources activities;

• 35 watch patrollers to ensure protection of the beaches in Puerto Galera, Coron, El Nido, Panglao, and Siargao (GEM sites),
and to install signage for no build zones, and conduct easement clearing;

• 36 Environmental Armies during river cleanups in the Laguna de Bay Region.

24 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2. GREEN ECONOMY
To enhance economic development in the “green” sector, the Department hired personnel to protect our forest ecosystem and
biodiversity, minimize and avoid generation of wastes, and abate pollution. These included the following:

• 777 Forest Extension Officers (FEOs) and 202 Technical Support Staff for the implementation of the National Greening
Program;

• 4,163 patrollers, which include Forest Protection Officers and PAMANA Forest Guards, to protect the forest and implement
the LAWIN Forest Protection and Biodiversity System. They have conducted patrols covering 132,556 kilometers, where they
have observed 8,622 threats such as kaingin, annual and perennial farming, presence of houses and other infrastructures,
charcoal production, among others;

• 359 Environmental Monitoring Officers (EnMOs) to monitor and facilitate the cleanup of unclean sites, conduct monitoring
and collect waste diversion data from Solid Waste Management (SWM) facilities, monitor compliance with RA 9003 and
conduct IEC campaign on SWM;

Apprehension of illegally sourced 40 pieces of Tanguile (Shorea polysperma)

lumber, equivalent to 416 board feet, with an estimated market value of Php 24,
960.00 laden on one (1) unit Mitsubishi L300 Van in Brgy. Tugatog, Bongabon, Apprehension of 25 pieces of Narra and 7 Teak lumber in
Nueva Ecija on July 25, 2022 Brgy. Uso, Suyo, Ilocos Sur on July 1, 2022
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 25

Apprehended 67 pieces of Mahogany, Gmelina and Santol logs with an estimated total volume of 970.96 bd ft. and 1 unit 3-Phase Seco induction motor 5-HP, blade
and 2-ply wheel in Brgy. Caputol, Aloran, Misamis Occidental on August 10, 2022

• 23,430 persons to support the implementation of various foreign-assisted projects. Among their activities were to upcycle
plastic wastes; monitor activities along mangrove rivers; implement biodiversity-friendly livelihood activities; operate
and manage TSD facilities; collect electronic wastes; and implement site development contracts with different People’s
Organizations;

• 93 Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialists/Geodetic Engineers to support Digital Cadastral Database Cleansing
(DCDB).
26 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

B. ESTABLISH LIVABLE
AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
As we aspire to achieve economic development in the
environmental and natural resources sectors, we vigorously
pursued programs and projects that seek to improve the
economic well-being and quality of life of communities in
the sectors within our purview. These include programs to
address the scarcity of potable water in the country, improve
air and water quality, manage the increasing volume of
solid wastes, including toxic and hazardous wastes, provide
security of land tenure, identify and map areas susceptible
to geologic hazards, assess vulnerabilities and risks of
communities, mitigate the effects of climate change and
enhance resiliency, and effectively manage protected areas.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 27

1. WATER SECURITY PROGRAM

Presentations to the President and the Cabinet have been conducted. As a
result, the DENR Water Committee has so far reviewed the water security
road map of 2021, the NEDA Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master
Plan, and the NIA Irrigation Master Plan. The Water Committee also drafted
Administrative Orders (AOs) and action plans related to water conservation
and institutional reorganization of agencies. It is also currently reviewing a
draft EO from the DOJ on the institutional reorganization of agencies with
related functions.

Also, under this Program, the Department, through the NWRB, was able to
complete the Comprehensive Water Resources Assessment (CWRA) of the
seven (7) major river basins, namely, Agno Riverbasin, Panay Riverbasin, Davao
Riverbasin, Jalaur Riverbasin, Bicol Riverbasin, Cagayan de Oro Riverbasin,
and Tagoloan Riverbasin.

Pursuant to the urgency of protecting the groundwater resource of the

groundwater constraint areas and recognizing groundwater as a reserve
resource that may be tapped during extreme drought and disasters, the
development of groundwater management plan (GMP) in groundwater
constraints areas or highly urbanized water constraint cities was proposed in collaboration with LGUs, NGAs, private and
academic institutions. It will provide a comprehensive picture of the groundwater aquifer not only in terms of defining their
locations and areal extent, but also in terms of their hydraulic properties and internal characteristics.

As of 2022, 12 GMPs were developed for Cagayan de Oro City, Angeles City in Pampanga, Bacolod City, Iloilo, Baguio City,
Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Cavite, Zamboanga, Batangas, Tagbilaran City, and Masbate.
28 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

1.1 SUSTAINABILITY OF LISTAHANG TUBIG (WATER REGISTER) DATABASE

In ensuring the increased access to improved drinking water supply, the Department, also through the National Water
Resources Board (NWRB), conducted Listahang Tubig or Water Register. This activity is a national survey of all water
service providers covering all service levels - Level I or Point Source, Level II or Communal Faucets, and Level III or Piped
Connections. The data collected from the survey can be used as bases to increase access to improved drinking water
supply, particularly for the poor, to improve the performance of water utilities, and to also improve regulation of water
resources in the country.

Based on the survey, a total of 28,334 water utilities were registered in the Listahang Tubig, Level I having 15,624, Level II
with 6,285 and Level III with 6,425.

Moreover, the NWRB was able to issue 21 Certificates of Water Availability and Clearances as required by the Philippine
Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), as follows:

• Balibago Waterworks Inc. Bauan, Batangas

• Balibago Waterworks Inc. Tuy, Batangas
• Provincial Government of Bacolod in E. Magalona, Negros Occidental (Malogo River Basin)
• EB Properties Commercial and Leasing Corp. San Jose del Monte Bulacan
• Balibago Waterworks System, San Pablo, Laguna
• Province of Negros for Malisbog, Hinilan River and Imbang River Negros Occidental
• Murcia Water District for Caliban River, Pula River and Puncian River, Murcia Negros Occidental
• Balibago Waterworks Cabiao Branch for Pampanga River in Cabaiao, Nueva Ecija
• Visomil Inc. for Tanawan Falls in Dingala, Aurora
• Suntrust Properties, Brgy Santiago General Trias Cavite
• WHP Primne Master Holdings Inc., E Commerce Economic Park, Bo. Tigatto, Davao City, Davao del Sur
• Primewater Resources Inc. for Calinto River, Brgy Bugaan East, Laurel Batangas
• Primewater Resources Inc. for Dacanlao River, Brgy. Sumpagna, Balayan, Batangas
• Prime Water Resources Inc. for Lawaye River in Barangay Putting Kahoy, Rosario, Batangas
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 29

• Prime Water Resources Inc. (PWRI) for Lawaye River in Barangay Puting Kahoy, Rosario, Batangas
• Prime Water Resources Inc. (PWRI) for Malaking Tubig River in Barangay Pulo, San Antonio, Quezon
• Prime Water Resources Inc. (PWRI) for Lobo River in Barangay Pinaghawanan, Lobo, Batangas
• Prime Water Resources Inc. (PWRI) for Calumpang River in Barangay San Pedro, Batangas City, Batangas
• Prime Water Resources Inc. (PWRI) for Palsabangon River in Barangay Ilayang, Palsabangon, Quezon
• MLS-JC Construction for Manupali River in Barangay Lurugan, Valencia City, Bukidnon
• Megaworld Capital Town Inc. both in Barangay Sto. Nino, City of San Fernando

Eighteen (18) micro-water resources assessments on groundwater availability were conducted in the following cities,
municipalities, and provinces:

• Camarines Norte • Davao del Norte

• Catanduanes • Agusan del Sur
• Sorsogon • Agusan del Norte
• Masbate • Aklan
• Southern Leyte • Aurora
• Bukidnon • Ilocos Norte
• Mindoro Oriental • Ilocos Sur
• Eastern Samar • Palawan (Batang-bata River, Iwahig River,
• Abra Inagawan River, Aborlan River, and Malatgao River)
• Ifugao

On the monitoring of Major Dams in the country, the Department through NWRB established the Automated Real-Time
Monitoring System in Ambuklao Dam, Binga Dam, San Roque Dam, Magat Dam, and Pantabangan Dam. This activity is a
joint project between the Mapua Institute (MIT), Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research
and Development – Department of Science and Technology (PCIEERD-DOST) and the NWRB. The overall objective of the
project is to provide an automated real-time monitoring system of measured hydrological and operational parameters
at the dam/reservoir for an accurate assessment of the situation to make critical crisis management decisions during
emergencies.
30 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Actual discharge measurement of the

waterworks system of Wawa Libis
Multipurpose Cooperative located in Lastly, under the Water Security Program, the Department is currently completing
Binangonan, Rizal four (4) Groundwater Monitoring Wells in Zamboanga City and its surrounding
areas and three (3) in Batangas City and two (2) in Lipa City; enhancement of the
Water Permit Management Information System (WPMIS); and review and revision
of Dam Protocol in Angat Watershed in Bulacan.

Inspection of the waterworks system of Primewater

Infrastructure Corporation located in Tarlac City

Data collection in Bolbok National High School

located in Lipa, Batangas on June 6, 2022
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 31

2. CLEAN WATER PROGRAM

Clean Water Program aims to protect and improve the water quality of Priority Rivers and other critical water bodies against
pollution from land-based sources such as industries, commercial establishments, and community/household activities through
continuous massive cleanup pursuant to Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

Under this Program, the activities such as continuous monitoring of the status of water quality, Classification of Waterbodies,
Designation of Water Quality Management Area (WQMA), Implementation of Adopt-an-Estero Program, Compliance Monitoring
of Firms, and Clean-up of water bodies, rivers systems and tributaries were conducted continuously by the Department to
ensure and achieve the desired condition of water quality in the country. The following are the details of accomplishments
under the Program:

2.1 CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF STATUS OF WATER QUALITY WHICH INCLUDE THE PRIORITY RECREATIONAL WATERS
OR BATHING BEACHES, OTHER RECREATIONAL WATERS, PRIORITY AND OTHER WATERBODIES

Monitoring of Priority Recreational Waters (Bathing Beaches)

There are 44 Priority Recreational Waters monitored in CY 2022. 41 priority waterbodies were monitored for fecal coliform
and pH. 46% of the priority recreational waters conform to the water quality guidelines (WQG) value of 100 MPN/100 mL
for fecal coliform. For pH, all priority recreational waters monitored conform to the WQG value of 7.0−8.5.

Monitoring of Other Recreational Waters

A total of 107 bathing beaches were monitored throughout the Philippines. Out of the said number of waterbodies monitored,
42 beaches passed the water quality criteria for fecal coliform for Class SB waters (used for public bathing, swimming, skin
diving, etc.) while 95 beaches passed the water quality standard for pH.
32 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Monitoring of Priority Waterbodies

A total of 50 priority waterbodies were monitored. Based on the monitoring results, nine (9) waterbodies did not conform
to both DO and BOD WQG, i.e., Marikina River, Marilao River, Meycauayan River, Obando River, Pansipit River, Calumpang
River, Madugo River, Sagumayon River, and Guadalupe River. The Abra River, Salog River, Malihao River, Luyang River and
Mercedes River did not pass the WQG for Dissolved Oxygen (DO) but conformed to Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

Monitoring of Other Waterbodies

In CY 2022, 137 rivers were monitored throughout the Philippines, while only 97 and 100 waterbodies were monitored and
passed the WQG for Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand, respectively.

2.2 CLASSIFICATION OF WATERBODIES

Water classification is a very important component of water quality management since the application of effluent standards
are dependent on this classification. The classification of waterbodies helps water managers and planners to develop
proper water quality management programs and enables the establishing of standards to protect aquatic life and sustain
human use of specific water bodies.

For CY 2022, additional 49 waterbodies have been classified, two (2) of which were reclassified as Class C (for propagation
and growth of fish and other aquatic resources) through DMC 2022-15 which was signed on 20 December 2022. These are
the Butuanon River in Mandaue City, Cebu (Region 7) and Padada River in Davao del Sur (Region 11).

2.3 DESIGNATION OF WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA (WQMA)

There are 40 Designated WQMAs nationwide. The objective of the WQMA is to protect, through stakeholders’ collaboration,
the water body and its tributaries by keeping their water quality within the Water Quality Guidelines or Criteria conforming
to the water body’s classification (e.g. Class C or Class SC) or even improve the quality to higher classification (e.g. from
C to B or SC to SB).
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 33

2.4 CONTINUOUS IMPLEMENTATION OF ADOPT-AN-ESTERO WATERBODY PROGRAM

The program provides positive, measurable change to both the communities and the environment by bringing together the
Estero Community, Donor-Partner, Local Government Unit/s, other government agencies, and the DENR to clean the esteros
of wastes, debris, and silt until all have been drained from the waterbody. It also intends to mobilize estero communities in
cleaning the estero, to enlist their active participation in the actual cleanup, implementation, and preparing plans to sustain
a clean estero in the future years. The program has maintained continuing partnerships with existing 885 donor partners
for the maintenance and rehabilitation of adopted waterbodies and esteros.

In CY 2022, 293 esteros/waterbodies were monitored for Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Dissolved Oxygen. A total
of 154 waterbodies exhibited significant improvement in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand while 158 waterbodies
showed water quality improvement in terms of Dissolved Oxygen.

A total of 75,055 sacks or 103,333.66 kilograms of mixed solid waste were collected by the participants during the
community cleanup of esteros who are composed of 5,465 individuals from partner adopters, LGUs, and communities
within the adopted waterbodies.

In addition, the San Miguel Corporation adopted the Tullahan-Tinajeros River System under the Adopt-a-River Program and
collected a total of 1.12 Million metric tons of solid wastes, including silt.
34 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2.5 COMPLIANCE MONITORING OF FIRMS (WATER QUALITY)

In 2022, the compliance rate of firms to water quality standards markedly increased from 26% to 50%, as shown below.
This is attributed to the strengthened IEC campaign and virtual trainings resulting in the extensive awareness for both the
industries and LGUs on RA 9275 or the Clean Water Act of 2004.

Details CY 2021 CY 2022

Discharge Permit issued 7,720 10,108
Monitored Firms 8,934 10,648
Notices of Violation Issued 6,607 5,346
Percentage of Compliance 26% 50%

2.6 CLEANUP ACTIVITIES IN MANILA BAY

A total of 192,210.31 cu m of solid wastes have been collected by the DENR through trash traps, trash boats, and cleanup
activities done by volunteers and Estero Rangers as well as water hyacinth collection of the DENR-NCR and CALABARZON
Region.

Region Garbage Collected (in cu. m)

National Capital Region 65,019.95
Region 3 119,436.00
CALABARZON Region 7,754.36
TOTAL 192,210.31

Conducted cleanup activities on September 15-16, 2022

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 35

2.7 CONTINUOUS CLEANUP OF MAJOR RIVER SYSTEMS AND TRIBUTARIES IN LAGUNA DE BAY REGION
The DENR, through the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), supported different LGUs and public and private
sectors in the cleanup of major river systems and tributaries in the Laguna de Bay Region. Through this initiative, 9.63 tons
of various solid waste materials were collected and hauled from rivers and creeks by the 36 Environmental Armies during
river cleanups.

Date Location Volume of wastes in tons

January 6, 2022 Paete River 0.245
January 17, 2022 Sampaloc Lake, Brgy. Concepcion, San Pablo City 1
January 28, 2022 Mabitac River 0.700
March 12, 2022 Sampaloc Lake, Brgy. San Lucas 1, San Pablo City 1.5
April 20, 2022 San Nicolas River Bay 2
June 11, 2022 Kasinay Creek, Brgy. Ithan, Binangonan, Rizal 0.1
September 23, 2022 Alabang-Cupang River, Muntinlupa City 2.1
September 30, 2022 Brgy. Diezmo, Cabuyao City 1
October 25, 2022 Brgy. Biliran, Binangonan, Rizal 0.18
Sampaloc Lake
November 22, 2022 0.80
Brgy. 5A, San Pablo City
TOTAL 9.63

Fifteen water quality sampling stations in Laguna de Bay were continuously monitored in conformance with DAO 2016-08
(Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016) and DAO 2021-19 (Updated Water Quality Guidelines
(WQG) and General Effluent Standards (GES) for Selected Parameters). Results showed that the BOD concentration in
Laguna de Bay is 3mg/L, which is below the 7mg/L threshold.

Aside from this, 554 samples from 331 unique industries and commercial establishments within the region were monitored
in compliance with the effluent standards which serves as the basis for the issuance of LLDA permits and/or legal sanctions
if found non-compliant. Out of the 331 industries, 263 passed the effluent water quality standards for Biochemical Oxygen
Demand which is less than 50mg/L.
36 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2.8 INTENSIFICATION OF REHABILITATION WORKS IN MANILA BAY AND OTHER PRIORITY TOURIST DESTINATIONS
NAMELY: EL NIDO, CORON, PUERTO GALERA, PANGLAO, AND SIARGAO
The success of the rehabilitation work done in Boracay Island is intended to be replicated in Manila Bay and in five more
ecotourism sites, namely, El Nido and Coron in Palawan, Panglao in Bohol, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, and Puerto Galera
in Oriental Mindoro, to restore and protect their natural beauty.

The Manila Bay Rehabilitation expedites the efforts on slowing down/reversing the effects of climate change through
infrastructure development and geo-engineering interventions that protect and sustain a more suitable and stable ecological
balance for the biodiversity of the surrounding communities. Most of the geo-engineering projects along Manila Baywalk are
already completed. As of December 2022, ongoing geo-engineering projects include 1) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
pipers for Padre Faura outfall with 98% completion; 2) desilting, rehabilitation, and landscaping of the line drainage canal
and center line in Baywalk with 99.81% completion; and 3) upgrade and rehabilitation of flood control structures/drainage
system with 32% completion. For other parts within the Manila Bay area, ongoing projects include 1) construction of solar
powered STP along Las Pinas River with 54% completion; 2) clearing, grubbing, desilting, and removal of submerged
garbage in Pasig River System with 24% completion; and 3) construction of solar powered STP in San Juan River and Vitas
River, both with 1% completion.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 37

3. CLEAN AIR PROGRAM

The program covers the full implementation of the Clean Air Act. The objective of the Program is to achieve and maintain air
quality that meets the National Air Quality Guidelines for Criteria Pollutants throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the
possible associated negative impacts on the country’s economy. Thus, in order to effectively monitor and regulate all sources
of air emissions, the Clean Air Program is divided into three sub-programs: (1) Motor Vehicle Emission Management Program,
(2) Industrial Emission Management Program, and (3) roadside ambient and general ambient air monitoring.

3.1 ROADSIDE AMBIENT AND GENERAL AMBIENT AIR MONITORING

The monitoring of roadside and general ambient air quality is an essential activity accomplished by the agency. It enables
agencies and local government officers to assess the air quality in their area of jurisdiction and formulate a comprehensive
policy and maintain regulation of these policies for the improvement of air quality in their locality. As monitoring stations are
established in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities, the status of air quality from different locations nationwide
are monitored through the processing of real-time science-based air quality monitoring data. The installation of Real Time
Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations capable of monitoring complete criteria pollutants (SO2, NO2, O3,
CO, BTX, and PM10/2.5) and meteorological parameters are ongoing, to ensure the accessibility of air quality data for
everyone through real-time updates through websites and LED Boards erected in public areas. The data are translated to
language and terms easily understood by ordinary people so everyone can appreciate the information and its relevance to
our everyday lives. This effort prompts local government units to provide necessary actions to mitigate pollution in their
respective jurisdictions.

For CY 2022, the Department was able to ensure that the Particulate Matter 10 and Particulate Matter 2.5 are within the
DENR guideline value of 60µg/Ncm and 25µg/Ncm, respectively. Below are the status reports of Nationwide and Metro
Manila Air Quality.
38 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

3.1.1 NATIONWIDE AIR QUALITY STATUS

Particulate Matter 10 (PM10)

Nationwide concentration in PM10 has significantly improved by 63% compared to CY 2011 baseline data (from 76
µg/Ncm to 28 µg/Ncm). However, as the country is easing the COVID-19 restrictions and alert levels nationwide, an
increase in concentration was noted from CY 2021 to CY 2022 (From 26 µg/Ncm to 28 µg/Ncm).
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 39

Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)

The data below shows the nationwide PM2.5 concentration from CY 2016 –2022.
40 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

3.1.2 METRO MANILA AIR QUALITY STATUS

Particulate Matter 10 (PM10)

The air quality in terms of PM10 has improved from 80 µg/Ncm in CY 2011 (baseline) to 46 µg/Ncm, as shown below.
Based on the historical emission inventory in Metro Manila, mobile sources are found to be the major source of pollution.
Increase in concentration may be attributed to opening of economic activities in the NCR, since private and public
transportations are in full operation after a more relaxed COVID-19 restriction.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 41

Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)

The air quality in Metro Manila in terms of PM2.5 is still within the DENR guideline value of 25 µg/Ncm. A 37% decrease
in concentration was noted compared to CY 2016 baseline data.
42 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

3.2 ADOPT-AN-AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION PROGRAM

A total of 109 Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) throughout the country, capable of measuring criteria for air
pollutants, are maintained and operated by the EMB Regional Offices. Most of these stations are installed in urbanized
cities/municipalities and some component cities. However, the existing number of AQMS of EMB is still not enough to cover
all the urbanized cities/municipalities in the country.

In order to expand the air quality monitoring network in areas which still do not have AQMS while considering the cost of
investment and operation, the EMB has implemented the “Adopt-an-Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station Program” with
the participation of 10 private firms as partner donors to put up an Air Quality Monitoring Station which will be connected to
the respective Air Quality Monitoring Network and Operation Center (AQMNOC) of the EMB Regional and Central Office. As
of December 2022, there are seven (7) functional AQMS adopted installed in Regions 1 (La Union), MIMAROPA (Bataraza,
Palawan), 7 (Toledo City, Cebu), 8 (Isabel, Leyte), 13 (Cabadbaran City), and CAR (Baguio City and Tuba, Benguet).

Air Quality Monitoring Stations (from left to right) San Fernando, Pampanga; Butuan City; and Davao City
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 43

DENR-EMB AQMS – Ambient Team conducted its very first Sampling using the High-Volume Sampler for Dioxins and Furans
at Marikina City with the assistance of CEMO Marikina on August 31, 2022

3.3 MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSION MONITORING PROGRAM (BANTAY TAMBUTSO)

With regard to motor vehicle emission management, the regulation of the quality of vehicles being introduced into the
Philippine market by virtue of DAO 2015-04 otherwise known as the “Implementation of Vehicle Emission Limits for Euro 4/
IV and In-use Vehicle Emission Standards” is in place.
44 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

3.3.1 ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY (COC)

As mandated by Section 22 of the RA 8749 known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, any imported or locally-assembled
new motor vehicle shall not be registered unless it complies with the emission standards set pursuant to this Act, as
evidenced by a Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued by the Department. For FY 2022, a total of 443 certificates were
issued.

3.3.2 ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF NON-COVERAGE FROM EMISSION STANDARDS (CNCES)

As of December 2022, 97 Certificates of Non-Coverage from Emission Standards (CNCES) were issued for Purely
Electric Vehicles. There is a significant increase in the number of applications approved from 22 in CY 2020 (baseline)
to 53 in CY 2022 which is attributed to several factors including growing demand, the competitive advantage among
manufacturers, assemblers, and/or importers, and the utilization of government incentives for Electric Vehicles.

Triple-D or Dynamic Dashboard Display

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 45

3.4 INDUSTRIAL EMISSION MONITORING PROGRAM (BANTAY TSIMNEYA)

In compliance with Sections 8 and 38 of Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999) and Rule XLVII Section 2
(c) of DAO 2000-81 (Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Clean Air Act), the DENR through the EMB has established
the Sampling Assessment Team (SAT) thru Special Order No. 2014-207, later amended thru SO No. 2018-296, to monitor
the emissions from Air Pollution Source Installations (APSI) of industries nationwide. In view of the magnitude of APSIs
installed nationwide, the Accreditation of Third-Party Source Emission Testing Firms (TPSETFs) through DAO 2013-26
was also established to aid in the above-mentioned mandate of the EMB. One of the major responsibilities of the SAT is to
monitor, review, and accredit TPSETFs.
46 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

3.4.1 SAMPLING ASSESSMENT TEAM (SAT)

To monitor the emissions from Air Pollution Source Installations (APSI) of industries nationwide, the Department through
the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has established the Sampling Assessment Team (SAT).

As of December 2022, a total of 23 firms with 53 teams have been accredited as per accreditation procedures as
stipulated in DAO 2013- 26 otherwise known as “Revised Guidelines for DENR Accreditation of Third-Party Source
Emission Testing Firms”.

EMB Data Center

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 47

3.4.2 STATUS OF CONNECTION OF CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING SYSTEM (CEMS)

AND CONTINUOUS OPACITY MONITORING SYSTEM (COMS)
Another activity in relation to industrial emission management is the monitoring of CEMS whether it is calibrated through
Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) or Relative Accuracy Audit (RAA) or Cylinder Gas Audit (CGA). Calibration ensures
that the data collected by the CEMS is accurate. Observation of such activities will pave the way in the formulation of
a new policy which is the accreditation of third-party audit service providers to ensure that the service paid for by the
industry is legitimate.

In relation to the monitoring of CEMS / COMS, major industries transmit emission data from industrial sources to the
EMB Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS). As of December 2022, 46 firms are already connected to EMB
DAHS, 26 of which are from coal-fired powerplants, 15 from cement plants, and five (5) from biomass, refinery, natural
gas, smelting, sintering, and others.

3.4.3 COMPLIANCE MONITORING OF FIRMS (AIR QUALITY)

In 2022, the compliance rate of firms to air quality standards increased from 79% to 81%, as shown below. This is
attributed to intensified efforts of the Bureau in monitoring of firms through online systems such as the Data Acquisition
and Handling System (DAHS) and Online SMR System.

Details CY 2021 CY 2022

Permit to Operate issued 11,239 12,452
Monitored Firms 18,143 18,982
Notices of Violation Issued 3,840 3,560
Percentage of Compliance 79% 81%
48 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

4. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Philippines has endeavored to improve its management of solid waste through the passage of RA 9003 or the Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act that provides for a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological waste management program
to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. It mandates the bureau to provide secretariat support to the
National Solid Waste Management Commission in the implementation of the solid waste management plans and prescribes
policies to achieve the objectives of the National Ecology Center that is in charge of information dissemination, consultation,
education, and training of various local government units on ecological waste management.

The ecological solid waste management program is expected to assist Local Government Units in implementing the Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act particularly in the development of their 10-year SWM Plan, closure and rehabilitation of dumpsites,
establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities, and an environmentally sound disposal system.

Regular monitoring and technical assistance are continuously being conducted by the EMB Regional Offices to LGUs for the
operationalization of Sanitary Landfills (SLFs). The number of operational SLFs increased from 245 in CY 2021 to 287 in CY
2022 servicing 567 LGUs nationwide.

LGU Kauswagan Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) located at Barangay Bagumbayan, Lanao del Norte
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 49

4.1 PASSAGE OF THE EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) ACT OF 2022

An Act Institutionalizing the Extended Producer Responsibility on Plastic Packaging Waste, otherwise known as EPR Act
of 2022, was approved on July 23, 2022. The law adopts a practical approach to efficient waste management by focusing
on waste reduction, recovery, and recycling. The law also includes the development of environment-friendly products that
advocate internationally-accepted principles on sustainable consumption and production, circular economy, and producers’
full responsibility throughout the life cycle of products.

The EPR Act of 2022 requires enterprises to recover or offset their generated plastic product footprint by 20% in 2023
and up to 80% by 2028, resulting in the significant reduction of plastic waste. The law also provides for the expansion
and simplification of fiscal incentive schemes to encourage stakeholder involvement in solid waste management and EPR
activities.

Initially, a Preliminary Issues Map (PIM) was prepared that identified the provisions of the EPR law that need to be further
elaborated, a number of issues and concerns, and possible stakeholders that need to be consulted. The draft’s initial IRR
and EPR framework were also prepared. Focus Group Discussions were conducted with various stakeholders such as the
Congress of the Philippines, DTI, NEDA, DOST, and other Government Agencies, NGOs, Academe, Training Organizations,
and other Groups, Waste/Pollution Management Groups, Industry Associations and Corporations, and other Development
Partners through the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
50 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Section 32 of the Republic Act 9003 mandates the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every Barangay
or cluster of barangays to meet the mandatory waste diversion of solid waste from waste disposal facilities through re-use,
recycling, and composting activities and other resource recovery activities.

In CY 2022, additional 142 MRFs were established which brings to the total of 11,779 MRFs servicing 17,636 barangays or
45% of the total barangays nationwide.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 51

Section 16 of RA 9003 requires that “provinces, cities or municipalities, through their local solid waste management boards,
shall prepare its respective 10-year Solid Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) consistent with the National Solid Waste
Management Framework”. The SWMP shall contain all the components provided in Section 17 of the Act including the
corresponding timetable for the implementation of the solid waste management program.

In CY 2022, of the 148 SWMPs that were initially reviewed, only 78 were endorsed to the National Solid Waste Management
Commission (NSWMC) Executive Committee for deliberation. Of these, 58 were endorsed to the NSWMC En Banc for
approval, and 20 of which were approved by the Commission. To date, a total of 1,147 Ten-Year SWMPs were approved out
of the 1,592 cities, municipalities and provinces nationwide.
52 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

5. TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (RA 6969)

The Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 is concerned with the management of industrial
chemicals in all aspects of its life cycle from importation, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal. It also covers the
management of hazardous wastes from its generation, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal. Complementary activities
are the regulation of priority chemicals, the implementation of the Chemical Control Order, and the complete inventory and
formulation of the National Implementation Plan for 12 persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

The Philippines is a party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal. The overall goal of the Convention is to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects which
may result from the generation and transboundary movements and management of hazardous wastes. Pursuant to RA 6969,
the table below is the summary of permits and clearances issued by EMB for CY 2021 and 2022. These permits and clearances
are dependent on the number of applications submitted by the industries/stakeholders:
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 53

Central Office:
Certificates/ Clearances/ Permits CY 2021 CY 2022
TSD registration/renewal/amendment 169 173
Transporter registration/renewal/ 203 223
amendment
Importer registration/amendment 7 6
Importation Clearance 307 262
Notification 60 51
Export Clearance 45 22
Cement Kiln Co-processing (CKC)
facility registration/renewal/ - 6
amendment
TOTAL 791 743

Regional Office:
Certificates / Clearances CY 2021 CY 2022
Hazardous Waste Generators (HWGs) 8,459 9,043
Transport Permit 8,101 12,070
TOTAL 16,560 21,113

There were 14,506 facilities validated/inspected to determine their compliance with different environmental laws, particularly
Title III (Hazardous Waste Management) of Republic Act 6969. These are combination of TSD and Co-Processing facilities
and Importers of recyclable materials containing hazardous substances. Of the monitored facilities, 3,624 were found non-
compliant, hence, issued with Notices of Violations (NOVs).

Details CY 2021 CY 2022

Monitored Firms 13,581 14,506
Notices of Violation Issued 3,528 3,624
Percentage of Compliance 74% 75%
54 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Environmental Impact Assessment

As of December 2022, 26 Environmental Critical Projects (ECPs) were issued with Environmental Compliance Certificates
(ECC) and 7,751 ECCs issued for non-ECPs.

Activities necessary for the processing of ECC applications such as Project Screening, Public and Technical Scoping, Procedural
Screening, EIA Review and Evaluation through the conduct of EIARC Meetings, and Public Hearing and process documentation
have been conducted.

For the compliance monitoring of firms/projects, 17,936 firms/projects were monitored, 4,859 of which were issued with Notice
of Adverse Findings/show cause orders for failure to comply with their ECC conditions.

Details CY 2021 CY 2022

ECC issued 6,204 7,777

ECPs 35 26

Non-ECPs 6,169 7,751

Monitored Firms 17,667 17,936

Notices of Violation Issued 4,676 4,859

Percentage of Compliance 74% 73%

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 55

6. LAND DISPOSITION PROGRAM

Land disposition and management involves all activities related to the processing, approval, and issuance of concessions
(homestead for agricultural lands and free patent for agricultural & residential lands) involving public lands in favor of qualified
individuals, resolution of land cases, and titling of untitled government properties as well. The issuance of patents in public
residential and agricultural lands are under RA 10023 (otherwise known as “An Act Authorizing the Issuance of Free Patents to
Residential Lands”) and RA 11573 (otherwise known as an Act Improving the Confirmation Process for Imperfect Land Titles),
respectively.

6.1 NATIONAL LAND TITLING PROGRAM

In accordance to the National Land Titling Program, a total of 27,067 Residential Free Patents and 16,952 Agricultural Free
Patents were issued nationwide for FY 2022. Graphs below indicate the accomplishments and targets per region.
56 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

One of the strategies implemented to accelerate land titling is the Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal (RLTA). RLTA is a barangay-
profiling activity designed to determine the workable lots that will undergo titling activities in each Region. It is set to be
completed in 2026. For CY 2022, a total of 121 Memorandum of Partnership Agreements (MOPA) with LGUs were forged, of
which 69 municipalities/cities were involved in training of field personnel for cascading activities, Consolidated Cadastral
Maps (CCM) of 1,284 barangays were prepared and updated, and Land Tenure Profiles (LTP) of 1,313 barangays were
prepared and produced. In addition, a total of 184,861 workable lots were identified.

In support to land titling is the implementation of the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS) Philippines.
One of its major activities is the digitization of all land records across DENR offices nationwide. This involves data capture
and the Digital Cadastral Database (DCDB) Cleansing.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 57

As of 2022, data capture of 94% percent of the total 101,986,480 plans and
documents (per 2017 inventory) was already captured( scanned and encoded),
leaving only around 6% of 6,393,188 plans and documents for data capture.
The National Capital region (NCR) as one of the pilot regions completed this
activity since 2016. Out of the sixteen (16) regions, 11 regions reported full
accomplishment of their respective projected target for this activity, with
some even exceeding 100%, while 5 regions were left with residual plans and
documents which will be carried over to the activity for 2023. These regions are
either with on-going data capture by contract/ out- sourcing or by administration.

The implementation of the LAMS resulted in the improved access to land

records and information at reduced costs to the government, private and public
clients, faster delivery of land-related services, and subsequently increased
land-related transactions.

The Digital Cadastral Database (DCDB) Cleansing is the backbone of the LAMS
Philippines as it contains all the spatial and textual databases of all survey
records and public land records applications (PLA) filed in the different offices
of the DENR. These records serve as the main reference of all land-related
transactions on public and private lands within the DENR Offices. From CY 2015
to CY 2022, the regional offices have managed to complete Digital Cadastral
Database (DCDB) cleansing of datasets of 529 cities/municipalities from LAMS,
verified and corrected out of the total 1,516 cities/municipalities.

The LAMS-Inspection, Verification and Approval of Surveys (IVAS) is one of

the main components of the LAMS-Philippines. It involves the computerized
verification of all survey plans submitted, verified, and approved by the DENR
Land titles given to beneficiaries in Davao de Oro
on September 14, 2022 Regional Offices. For CY 2022, a total of 66,004 survey plans were approved.
58 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Land titles given to beneficiaries in Cabatuan, Iloilo on September 8, 2022

Awarding of land titles to beneficiaries

in Taripan, Malibcong, Abra on September 17, 2022
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 59

7. GEOHAZARD MAPPING, VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT
The National Geohazards Assessment and Mapping Program (NGAMP) aims for the prevention and mitigation of the adverse
impacts of the disasters by identifying areas in the country that are susceptible to different geologic hazards, particularly rain-
induced landslide and flood, and providing this vital information to various stakeholders.

As a follow up to the activity, the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) project was implemented to provide risk exposure
information to the LGUs in the updating and revision of their respective Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), as well
as other project development plans, and disaster mitigation, preparedness, and management programs. Technical reports
and Risk Exposure Maps (REMs) are produced in the VRA that focus on risk exposure of population, built-up areas, and road
network to rain-induced landslide and flood. For 2022, VRA was conducted in 81 cities/municipalities.

In addition, VRA also entails the updating of 81 susceptibility maps of cities/municipalities with 1:10,000-scale. This activity is
a critical component of the NGAMP, as it provides up-to-date hazard and risk information which are sensitive to the effects of
climate change and recent extreme hydrometeorological events that could potentially modify the landscape and may not be
reflected in previous assessments.

The NGAMP expanded to include the Karst Subsidence Mapping and Assessment. This project aims to assess karst hazards
and focuses on cities and municipalities that are primarily underlain by carbonates that form karst landscapes. In this regard,
24 cities/municipalities were mapped and assessed for Karst Subsidence.
60 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The overflowing of Mayapad River during the recent inundation resulted in a 0.5-meter-deep flood particularly on the bridge
at Purok 4, Barangay Galingon. Installation of flood warning signage is highly recommended in the area.

The DENR, thru MGB, rolled out a six (6) year outcome-based plan (2022-2028) that sets a direction for increasing the
preparedness, response, and resiliency of coastal communities in the country. Within this six-year period, the roadmap will be
guided by a set of strategic objectives, as follows:

• Provide a science-based information for identifying and managing sources of coastal modifications;

• Enhance resiliency of coastal communities by making them understand the potential impact of coastal hazards on their
lives, properties and livelihood and identify strategies to minimize the effects of these hazards;

• Work with the local government units, communities, business and other sectors on the integration of coastal resilience
in their long-term land use and management sustainability plans;

• Provide guidelines based on common and best practices on the conduct of coastal hazards vulnerability (physical) for
general practitioners and on the conduct of coastal impact study (CIS) related to offshore activities;

The Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment of the Philippines Project aims to produce valuable information
and generate a database on the availability and vulnerability of groundwater resources in the country. For 2022, 50 cities/
municipalities were assessed.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 61

Measuring the water level of the private jetmatic pump, using ALFA WL 100 type-2B instrument
located in Purok 5 of Barangay San Vicente, Madrid, Surigao del Sur.

8. ACTIONS AND INITIATIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION, ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY

The country’s overall effort to address climate change is set to get a boost with the completion of resilience roadmaps and the
corresponding Investment Portfolios for Risk Resilience (IPRR) designed for 16 vulnerable areas in the Philippines.

As part of the continuous implementation of the Risk Resiliency Program (RRP), the Government’s convergence program under
the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR), and the completed
partnership of the DENR with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Center on the Project entitled “Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in the Philippines”, a series of consultations were
conducted including focus group discussions, validation workshops, and one-on-one discussions with key stakeholders, in
developing the resilience roadmaps with Investment Portfolios for Risk Resilience (IPRR) of selected provinces and major
urban centers.
62 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Resiliency Roadmaps with IPRRs were developed for 12 climate vulnerable provinces and 4 major urban centers, namely:
Siquijor, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Catanduanes, Apayao, Kalinga,
Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Metro Manila, Metro Iloilo, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

The IPRR contains recommended actions to manage the risks and address climate and disaster vulnerabilities in the form of
specific resilience measures. This will strengthen and scale-up province-based planning and budgeting of climate-resilient
investments across the local and national levels.

8.1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROVINCIAL CLIMATE RISK DIAGNOSTICS (PCRD) TOOL

The DENR, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and through the
technical assistance of UN-Habitat, developed the Provincial Climate Risk Diagnostics (PCRD) tool. This initiative is part of
our continued work on RRP and is a component of the partnership between the World Bank and the Philippine Government
on Accelerating Climate Investment in the Philippines (ACIP).

Viewed as a crucial instrument to support LGUs in climate action planning and in building sustainable and resilient
communities, the PCRD tool is a comprehensive, robust, and accessible data repository and analytics application for
provincial local government units, which can be used in risk-based planning, decision-making, and investment programming.

On December 5-7, 2022, 78 individuals from the DENR Central and Field Offices (i.e., Southern Leyte, Bukidnon, Surigao
del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands), DHSUD, DILG, and Climate Change Commission (CCC) were trained on the
use of the PCRD Tool.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 63

8.2 ASSISTANCE TO HIGHLY URBANIZED CITIES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND
NATURAL RESOURCES (ENR) COMPONENT OF THE PHILIPPINES’ NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDC)
To provide a platform for city representatives in charge of climate-related projects to learn, discuss, and act on local
sustainability issues focusing on low carbon emission development, a capacity building webinar series was conducted to
build LGU representatives’ understanding and appreciation of relevant information on the concepts, methodologies, and
tools for local climate change mitigation planning.

A total of 26 highly urbanized cities from the 16 target regions nationwide gained access to relevant and timely knowledge
and tools, specifically on: 1) climate change mitigation action planning; 2) developing a city-level GHG emissions inventory;
and 3) formulating City Promises and climate finance. These cities are: Manila, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Bataan,
Calapan City (Oriental Mindoro), Baguio City, Sta. Rosa City (Laguna), City of San Fernando, Santiago City, Lapu-lapu City,
Tacloban City, Davao City, Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Legazpi City, Iloilo City, San Jose Del Monte City (Bulacan),
Puerto Princesa City, Naga City, Biñan, Alaminos, Antipolo, Gingoog, Tagum City, City of Kidapawan and Surigao City.

8.3 DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECOSYSTEM-BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT MANUAL
The DENR, in collaboration with experts on disaster risk reduction and management, developed training modules on
Community- and Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (CEBDRR). The undertaking primarily aims to enhance skills
and capacities on implementing Community- and Ecosystem-based Disaster Readiness and Risk Resiliency Management
among the DENR Bureaus/regional offices and other relevant agencies and local government units/communities, particularly
the climate vulnerable provinces under the Risk Resiliency Project.

Ultimately, the manual intends to integrate lessons learned in developing regional and local action plans that are aligned
with the DRRM core thematic areas of mitigation and prevention and recovery and rehabilitation that are mandated to
DENR as a member agency of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
64 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

8.4 DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL URBAN GREEN SPACES (UGS) ACTION PLAN 2022-2030
LEARNING COLLABORATION HUB
To develop a clear plan and approach on how to implement urban green spaces in the Philippines, the DENR Climate
Change Service pushed forward the development of the Urban Green Spaces Framework Action Plan for the period 2022
to 2030.

The National Urban Green Spaces Action Plan anchors on the framework developed for Urban Green Spaces (UGS). The
framework enumerates the challenges of urbanization, demand for UGS, natural and built environment factors, green
growth strategies, and the 31 ultimate goals of improving the quality of life through Resilient Communities and Sustainable
Development, Rich and Connected Biodiversity, Environmental Health Security, Job Creation and Livelihood, Active Mobility,
and Social Inclusion.

The National UGS Action Plan incorporated the following: setting down the final priorities of the strategy, preparing the
urban green spaces strategic map, and defining the ways and means to implement the priorities and goals. It also provided
an opportunity to reflect on the framework and clarify objectives in order to set forth programs, plans, and activities to
downscale and implement UGS. It builds on consensus and creates shared responsibility among key stakeholders.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 65

9. BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Improved habitat management and protected areas can help reduce the vulnerability of communities by maintaining essential
natural resources and protecting ecosystem services.

In 2022, the DENR, through BMB, made substantial progress in terms of protected area management. Seven protected areas
(PAs) were established and legislated under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), namely, Mt. Arayat
Protected Landscape (Region 3), Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape (CAR), Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape (Region 9),
Tirad Pass Protected Landscape (Region 1), Banao Protected Landscape in (CAR), Tugbo Natural Biotic Area (Region 5) and
Sicogon Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Region 6). This brings to the total of 248 PAs nationwide covering 7.797 million hectares.

In addition, 93 PAs have established and maintained ecotourism facilities and amenities to promote ecotourism in these areas.
A total of 103 PAs have also established the Integrated Protected Area Fund pursuant to the NIPAS Act.

In terms of cave management, the Department has already identified 3,432 caves, of which 464 are within PAs. Also, of the
identified caves, 1,411 were assessed and 864 were classified according to their beneficial use.

By ensuring natural ecosystems are protected and wildlife conserved, the country’s resiliency against climate change and
disaster risks is strengthened.
66 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

10. ESTABLISHMENT OF BASELINE DATA ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COUNTRY’S NATURAL RESOURCES,
FORMULATION OF POLICY ON NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING AND CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF MAPS
Cognizant of the fact that the country’s natural resources is one major factor that spurs economic growth, the DENR established
the National Natural Resource Geospatial Database and Natural Capital Accounting System.

10.1 DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE GEOSPATIAL DATABASE, A PLATFORM

FOR THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED STRATEGIES OF THE DENR
On August 26, 2022, a technical session on portal-to-portal collaboration was conducted. As part of the way forward, a
subsequent technical session was scheduled with the concerned offices to establish a connection from their portal to the
DENR Control Map Portal. A total of 447 regional map layers were uploaded to the DENR Control Map Portal.

The Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) data holdings of NAMRIA (i.e., 2015 and 2020 land cover maps, 2016 and
2020 coastal resource maps, and existing land use maps of Davao and Catanduanes) are published in Geoportal Philippines
(www.geoportal.gov.ph) and can be downloaded for free.

10.2 FORMULATION OF POLICY ON NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING (NCA)

The Department drafted an Administrative Order entitled “Adoption, Use, and Establishment of Natural Capital Accounting
in DENR” and conducted a series of meetings with concerned agencies such as NEDA, PRC, DBM, DILG, CHED, PSA, among
others, regarding their functions and implementation of NCA.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 67

11. IMPLEMENTATION OF FOREIGN-ASSISTED PROJECTS

A total of PHP 6.3 Billion worth of foreign assistance is being mobilized/secured for major projects, to include nature-based
solutions for climate action.

Grand Total (PhP ‘000)1 6,322,184.00

Biodiversity and Coastal and Marine 4,648,590.00
Preservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and related landscapes. Biodiversity
protection strategies considering climate change mitigation and adaptation also known as 592,797.60
Living Lakes Climate & Biodiversity Program (LLCBP)
Protecting Priority Coastal and Marine Ecosystems to Conserve Globally Significant 168,360.00
Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Marine Wildlife in Southern Mindanao, Philippines

Strengthening and Sustaining the Coastal Resource and Fisheries Management in the 112,240.00
Leyte Gulf
Natural Capital Accounting and Assessment: Informing Development Planning, Sustainable
Tourism Development and other Incentives for Improved Conservation and Sustainable 196,420.00
Landscapes
Philippine Rise Integrated Conservation for Enduring Legacies through Ecosystem Support 233,459.20
Services (PRICELESS)

Sustainable Management of Natural Resources towards Rehabilitation and Preservation of 173,972.00

the Key Biodiversity Area along Bataan Province to Manila Bay

Effectively Managing an Ecological Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Large Marine 524,160.80
Ecosystems the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS) – ACB-PEMSEA Joint Proposal

The Philippines’ Eastern Seaboard Coastal Resilience Project 2,125,830.00

Coral Reef Rescue: Resilient Coral Reefs, Resilient Communities 440,542.00

(Regional Project)

Partnerships for Coral Reef Finance and Insurance in Asia and the Pacific (Regional Project) 80,812.80
 68 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Lands 119,535.60
Promotion of the Rule of Law in Mindanao 119,535.60
Forestry 54,997.60
Ensuring Functioning of Cultural Ecosystem Services in an Urban Setting:
Assimilating Nature for Forest Healing Experiential Learning in Ninoy Aquino Parks 54,997.60
(AFOCO FRESH)
Environment 1,024,180.80
Strengthening Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) to Preserve Marine Biodiversity 269,760.00
(PROMAR)
TA-Development of Mercury Material Flow in the Philippines (Study) 168.00
Reduction of POPs and UPOPs through Integrated Sound Management of 368,147.20
Chemicals
Reduction of Unintentionally-Produced Persistent Organic Pollutant (U-POPs) and
Mercury Through an Environmentally-Sound Approach on Health Care Wastes 273,865.60
Management in the Philippines
Promoting Resource Efficiency and Circularity to Reduce Plastic Pollution for Asia 112,240.00
and the Pacific (Regional Project)
Water 474,880.00
Reducing Pollution and Preserving Environmental Flows in the East Asian Seas 474,880.00

1
Project costs were converted using the following conversion rates: Japanese Yen (¥) to Philippine Peso (₱) = 0.42; US Dollar ($) to ₱ = 56.12; Euro (€) to ₱ = 67.44.
Reference: BSP Financial Markets, Reference Exchange Rate Bulletin, 29 December 2022.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 69

High-Level Local
and International Meetings
In 2022, the DENR actively engaged in various local and international meetings and headed delegations. These include the following:

• 15th Conference of Parties

(COP15) to the United
Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity on
December 14, 2022 in
Montreal, Canada, which is
considered as the largest
conference in the world
focusing on biodiversity.
It has called for increased
investments in science and
technology to gain new
insights and tools in the
protection and restoration of
the Philippine biodiversity.
70 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• “Sustainability Forum PH: United for Climate” which was held in Manila on November
28, 2022. The private sector was urged to work closely together in accelerating their
adoption of nature-based solutions that will result in co-benefits of climate action and
disaster risk reduction.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 71

• Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 which was held in Quezon City on November
21, 2022. Urged the private sectors to take up a greater role in the fight against climate
change amid growing climate uncertainties and mounting financial requirements for
climate change adaptation and mitigation. They could also close the gap in climate
finance by investing in more sustainable projects that help reduce the country’s carbon
footprint.
72 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• 68th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference which was held on
November 18, 2022 in Baguio City, reaffirmed the DENR’s commitment to responsible
mining through the implementation of a pro-people, pro-environment, and science-
based legislation, policies, and programs. Highlighted were the vital contributions
of responsible mining to the country’s economic recovery. Mining sector was also
encouraged to work with the DENR towards a sustainable future where no ecosystem
and no community are left behind.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 73

• 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the

United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on
November 6-18, 2022.

Met with the Rt Hon Lord Zac Goldsmith, United

Kingdom’s Minister of State for Overseas
Territories, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate
and Environment on November 8, 2023, to
discuss ways by which the UK can provide
support for the Philippines, including through
accessing the Blue Planet Fund. The UK’s £500
million fund supports developing countries to
protect the marine environment, tackle plastic
pollution, and reduce poverty. The Secretary
also met with the Director of the Environment
and Society Programme of Chatham House,
Professor Tim Benton, to discuss food security.

• Comprehensive Disaster and Climate Risk Management Program of the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Event in Sharm
el Sheikh, Egypt on November 7, 2022. The program seeks to integrate risk-centered approaches into National Adaptation Plans
(NAPs), and climate/forecast information into national and subnational disaster risk reduction strategies, aligning them better with
the national adaptation goals.
74 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• DENR Secretary was one of the panelists in the forum “Delivering a

Just Transition in Global Shipping”, organized by the International
Labor Organization and United Nations Global Impact on November
9, 2022. The Secretary emphasized the need for equitable
consideration in planning the decarbonization of the global shipping
industry. The forum highlighted key actions to fully decarbonize
international shipping by 2050 in line with the agenda of COP27 to
provide clear pathways for parties and stakeholders to meet the
Paris Agreement in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Ambassador of the Philippines to Egypt H.E. Ezzedin H. Tago delivered

the Philippine intervention during the High-Level Ministerial
Dialogue on Climate Finance on November 14, 2022. During the
Philippine intervention, the Philippine Ambassador to Egypt His
Excellency Ezzedin Tago urged for the adoption of a transformational
and operational definition of “climate finance” to include the
principles or characteristics of the NCQG, covering both quantitative
and qualitative elements, including effectiveness and sources of
financing. Ambassador Tago relayed that the collective ambition
of scaling-up climate action should be anchored on a transparent,
accessible, predictable, and efficient mobilization of climate finance.

The Secretary emphasized the urgent need to scale up climate

financing and make it more accessible to vulnerable countries.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 75

• One Planet Event initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron on November 7, 2022. The event was also
attended by the Philippine Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Ezzedin H. Tago brought together heads or ministers of state/
government from Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as leaders of international and civil society organizations. It
highlighted the issue of protecting and conserving vital carbon and biodiversity reserves to mitigate the effects of
climate change.

The Philippines was one of only two Asian countries that signed the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and
People.

The HAC aims to protect over 30 percent of land and ocean by 2030 through financial assistance from the public and
private sectors for the management and implementation of programs on nature.
 76 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• Meeting with the Officials of the Office of the Civil Defense in Camp Aguinaldo on October 30, 2022 on how the DENR may able to
help in how best to gather and analyze data that are crucial in the conduct of effective disaster risk and impact assessment, and to
discuss ways to help affected communities recover from the storm brought by Tropical Storm “Paeng”. Cited during the meeting is the
importance of “impact-based forecasting,” such as the projected rainfall, to enable anticipatory actions and help reduce the impacts
of weather- and climate-related events.

• “Boundless: Philippine Digital Convention 2022” held in

Pasay City on October 27, 2022, which is an annual event
where global leaders from across all industries discuss
new technologies and evolving strategies, will continue
to digitize its data resources to improve its public service
efficiency and delivery to help realize effective and timely
environmental interventions.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 77

• 2022 DENR Multi-Stakeholder Forum which aims to provide a platform for collaboration and whole-of-society
consultation that will serve as critical inputs to the Policy Reform Agenda, Systems and Collaboration Mechanisms,
and Shared Programs, Actions and Plans with the following: San Miguel Corporation, JG Summit Holdings, Inc.,
First Philippine Holdings, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Bank of Philippine Islands, Vista Land & Lifescapes, International
Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) on October 5, 2022. Underscored also during the forum is the creation of the
Natural Capital Accounting System that will significantly support the development of strategies for a science-based,
risk-informed, ethical, and equitable stewardship of the environment.
 78 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• Meeting with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on the status of ongoing
and upcoming UNIDO-assisted projects such as Manila Bay Rehabilitation, intensified environmental protection, and climate change
mitigation measures on September 28, 2022.

• Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held on September 19-22, 2022 in Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia. In conjunction with the APMCDRR, the following bilateral meetings with leaders and dignitaries of
other countries and international organizations were held.

— Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Office for
Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDDR) Mami Mizutori and Chief of UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Mr. Marco
Toscano Rivalta.

— Australia Head of Delegation Senator Murray Watt, Minister of Emergency Management, and concurrently Minister
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to discuss opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

— Delivered the Philippine Statement in the Ministerial Forum and was a panelist in the Plenary Session on Risk-Informed
Investments and Scaling Up Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 79

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 3rd Technical Expert Dialogue on the New Collected
Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) in Asian Development Bank on September 9, 2022.

• Meeting with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation on September 9, 2022, regarding possible collaboration/replication of projects
in Region 8 on climate change and implementation of environmental laws (air, water, and solid waste management).

• Meeting with the Colombia Ambassador to discuss

opportunities for cooperation between the Philippines and
Colombia and other environmental issues such as climate
change. The meeting was held at the DENR Central Office on
September 7, 2022.
 80 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

• Meeting with World Bank on September 6, 2022, regarding the possible collaboration on the following: Country Safeguards Framework
Assessment, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation, scoping on geospatial platforms for baseline, thematic layers,
and management for decision support, Framework Assessment of maximizing the benefits of the mining sector, Ecosystems and
Ecosystems services/ natural capital accounting, Presentation of Country Climate Development Report (CCDR) highlights as part of
the Assessment Report 6 Orientation.

• Meeting with the United Nations

Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
(UNDRR-ROAP) Chief and National
Resilience Council (NRC) Executive
Director on the potential partnerships
to strengthen disaster risk reduction
and climate change mitigation in the
Philippines on September 1, 2022.

• Meeting with the United States Forest Service Asia Pacific Program Manager on September 1, 2022 on the development of the
Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) in the Philippines. The FREL is required for the approval of the Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) strategy to help reduce the impacts of climate change by protecting and sustainably
managing the country’s forests.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 81

• Collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the DENR geospatial database and climate financing on August 12, 2022.

• Meeting between GIZ for the project entitled “Ensuring Sustainable Benefits from Peatland through Protection and Wise Use”
(ESBenePEAT) under Work Area of Sustainable Use of Peatlands and Haze Mitigation in ASEAN (SUPA) Component 1, on which the
Grant Agreement (GA) was signed on June 13, 2022 at Radisson SM North, Quezon City. The project aims to ensure provision of the
ecological functions and services of the country’s peatland through protection and sustainable management, with pilot sites in Sab-a
Basin in Leyte (Region 8) and peatlands in Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur (Region 13). The total project cost is EUR13,537.23 with
funding sources from the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, and a project duration of 1.5 years (January 2022 to
June 30, 2023).

• Philippines-Japan Bilateral Environmental

Policy Dialogue in cooperation with the Ministry
of the Environment Japan (MOEJ) towards a
decarbonized and sustainable society on March
2, 2022 to ensure the reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions and protection against the impact
of climate change.
 82 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

President’s Report to the People

2022-2023
Paving the Way for Sustainable Progress
Promoting the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
and Protecting the Environment
SAFEGUARDING THE INTEGRITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT

ADVANCING INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

The country’s water-related functions are lodged in over 20 agencies resulting in challenges in supply, distribution and management of
water resources at all levels and across all sectors.

The DENR is strengthening water governance through integrated water resources management (IWRM) by consolidating all agencies
with water-related functions under the Water Resource Management Office (WRMO). This Office is created pursuant to EO 22 to promote
integration and coordination among different departments and offices as a whole of government effort. WRMO is co-handling with DPWH
and DILG the technical management of nationally funded water supply projects worth Php14.6B. Moreover, some of the Php276B worth
of DPWH flood control projects will be repurposed to address multiple needs such as dams, water impoundment for irrigation, power
generation, and domestic water use. To address the potential impact of climate change and extreme weather events such as shortage
of water supply in the country due to El Niño, the WRMO proposed the issuance of Memorandum Circular 22 directing all government
agencies to conserve water. The conservation program, in coordination with the two Metro Manila concessionaires, is currently working
with the top six government agencies that use the most water to reduce their consumption. We target the savings of at least five million
liters of water per day through pipe replacement and internal conservation measures, including leaks management of government
agencies, in the next two months in order to assure additional supply for Metro Manila. The WRMO issues national bulletins as guidance
for water conservation for public and private sectors.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 83

PROTECTING AND CONSERVING THE COUNTRY’S RICH BIODIVERSITY

The Philippines is among the world’s mega-biodiverse countries, with very high species endemicity, and critical and varied habitats that
support natural resources needs.

This Administration consistently aims to protect and conserve the integrity of our ecosystems in pursuit of SDGs 14 and 15 for the
protection of life below water and on land. Under the National Greening Program (NGP), we sustained efforts to restore and regenerate
7.1 million ha of the remaining classified forestlands in need of critical rehabilitation.1

From July 2022 to June 2023,

32,217,360 seedlings of various
species were planted in 43,607.11 hectares
of new plantations were established under
the NGP, while 191,082 hectares of existing
plantations are funded
to be maintained and protected.

Source: DENR-FMB

1
Forest Management Bureau. (2023). DENR Forest Management Bureau Accomplishment Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: FMB.
 84 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

There are 248 nationally managed Protected Areas in the Philippines and this administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the
diligent and continued responsible management of roughly 4.6 million ha of land and 3.1 million ha of sea within the National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS). It places utmost importance on ensuring the protection and preservation of these areas, safeguarding
their ecological integrity for future generations.2

While we continue to protect and rehabilitate our forests, managing our coastal and marine ecosystems is equally as important. Thus, we
have so far assessed the status of 38,230.41 ha of corals, 23,019.94 ha of seagrasses, and 20,686.40 ha of mangroves.3 This will ensure
the continuous flow of ecosystem services including fisheries production, coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and sustainable
tourism, among others. With these, we continue to deliver on the Philippine commitments to the Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework
for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the landmark Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity agreement in 2022. The Philippines is part
of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People which is committed to protect and conserve 30% of the global land and sea areas
by 2030. We project an estimated 16% potential coverage of sea areas and of high biodiversity and conservation value to be under
protection by 2030. These areas will be increased by the inclusion of other effective area-based conservation measures, including
indigenous and traditional territories, with full respect to the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

To protect our genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, we are advancing practical bilateral and multilateral arrangements
that ensure benefit-sharing through fair access and utilization.

As of May 2023, a total income of Php 162,030,359.48 was generated from management of Protected Areas4. Ecotourism jobs have more
than doubled in the last five years, promoting practices, products and services that enhance biodiversity. Regulations for Mainstreaming
Biodiversity-Friendly Agricultural Practices have already been rolled out nationwide. Through the Green Economy Model, major tourist
destinations that support green livelihoods of local communities and generate income for local government units are being catalyzed.

2
Biodiversity Management Bureau. (2023). DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau Accomplishment Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: BMB.
3
Biodiversity Management Bureau. (2023). DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau Accomplishment Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: BMB.
4
Biodiversity Management Bureau. (2023). DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau IPAF Report as of May 2023. Quezon City: BMB.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 85

EMPLOYING INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
To account for nature’s role in human well-being and the economy, we need to map and measure what we treasure – our natural resources
and the ecosystem services that they provide – using the best science and technology.

The DENR is supporting the Natural Capital Accounting Program led by NEDA where natural capital is being identified, accounted and
valued for the benefits that nature provides to human development and the economy.

The DENR established the Geospatial Database Office (GDO) to develop the National Natural Resources Geospatial Database (NNRGD)
as a platform for environmental governance and the integrated planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction and climate-proof
strategies. The GDO catalogs all our natural resources including land, forests, water and minerals using satellite images and drones to
survey natural and man-made changes within our islands. The NNRGD serves as a critical decision support tool to monitor compliance,
enforce rules and regulations, and conduct research on the use of our natural assets. Since its establishing in January 2023, GDO has
uploaded over 1,300 maps and prepared 21 use cases, including NGP plantations, forest cover, river basins, mineralized areas and active
mining sites, protected area buffers, mangrove areas, and the location of all permitted industries.5 Moreover, we identified priority areas
for reforestation and other forestry investments for uploading in the NNRGD. Among the 2 million ha for reforestation, 1 million ha have
been identified and mapped as suitable Potential Investment Areas.6

ENHANCING WASTE MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTING CIRCULAR ECONOMY

THROUGH STRONG PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT TO INFORMAL WASTE SECTORS
With strong economic growth and increased consumer demand, the Philippines generates an enormous amount of plastic waste that
puts ecosystems and development at risk.

With the passage of RA No. 11898, “An Act Institutionalizing the Extended Producer Responsibility on Plastic Packaging Waste'' or the
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the issuance of the implementing guidelines by the DENR, large private enterprises and
MSMEs are obliged to undertake waste recovery schemes in pursuit of a circular economy. These obligations include the diversion,
transportation and disposal of recovered waste and the clean-up in coastal and public areas. To comply with these obligations, enterprises
are required to establish diversion or disposal facilities and partner with local governments, communities and informal waste sectors.
5
DENR. (2023). Geospatial Database Office Accomplishment Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: DENR.
6
Forest Management Bureau. (2023). DENR Forest Management Bureau Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: FMB.
 86 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The EPR law requires obliged enterprises to divert 20 percent of plastic waste they produced in 2022 by the end of 2023 and further
to 80 percent by 2028. These initiatives promote sustainable consumption and production through effective waste management and
support the development of green jobs and industries thereby reducing emissions and increasing efficient use of natural resources.

As of June 30, 2023

642 enterprises registered in the
Extended Producer
Responsibility Program
nationwide

Source: DENR-EMB

ACCELERATING CLIMATE ACTION AND STRENGTHENING DISASTER RESILIENCY

MOBILIZING CLIMATE FINANCE AND INVESTMENTS ON NATURE

The Philippines is among the countries highly at risk to the impacts of climate change and multiple hazards because of development
choices in the past that have increased exposure and vulnerability of people, critical infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Between 2011 and 2021, the total amount of losses and damage incurred due to tropical cyclones is estimated at Php 672 billion8 To
complement our efforts to fund climate action, the DENR and other government agencies are actively engaging our international partners
and accessing international climate financing. Under these collaborations, the DENR has mobilized an estimated USD 91,396,151 or PhP
5,138,245 billion to support the implementation of 12 environmental projects and enhance delivery of our international commitments.9

7 OCD. (2022). Report on Damage and Losses as of 2021. Quezon City: OCD Post Disaster Evaluation and Management Division.
8 DENR. (2023). Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service Monitoring Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: DENR.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 87

These projects cover intersecting goals on forestry, land management, biodiversity, environment and climate change. In addition, an
amount of USD 52.76 million or PhP 2.6 billion funding support was allocated to the Philippines under the eighth funding replenishment
cycle of the Global Environment Facility, which is the country's largest allocation so far.9

A total of 18 Resilience Roadmaps with Investment Portfolio for Risk Resilience has been developed for 14 climate-vulnerable provinces
and four major urban centers representing 40.2M of the country’s population. These roadmaps recommend specific and contextualized
resilience measures to address climate and disaster vulnerabilities and enable effective risk management at the local level.10, 11

HAZARD MANAGEMENT THROUGH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

The country is building capacity to shift its risk paradigm by implementing an all-hazards approach.

Residents of affected coastal areas in Oriental Mindoro prepare improvised spill booms made of locally available organic materials.
Source: DENR

9 DENR. (2023). Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service Monitoring Report as of June 2023. Quezon City: DENR.
10 Siquijor, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Catanduanes, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Southern Leyte, Bukidnon and Metro
Manila, Metro Iloilo, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.
11 DENR (2023). Risk Resiliency Roadmap Investment Portfolios. Quezon City: DENR
 88 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The Department played an active role in responding to environmental disasters such as the oil spill incident on February 28, 2023
as a result of the sinking of the MT Princess Empress off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Risk management began with the location of the
hydrographic survey vessel of NAMRIA, Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) HYDROGRAPHER VENTURA, through multibeam survey.
This led to the projections of oil spill trajectory by DENR partners including University of the Philippines- Marine Science Institute (UP
MSI), US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and
the private sector. These scientific and technical collaborations supported the efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard, US NAVY and the
Japanese Disaster Response Team. The DENR continues to pursue strong interagency and interdisciplinary collaboration for biodiversity
and environmental impact assessments for the recovery, rehabilitation, regeneration, and restoration of damaged ecosystems.

In cooperation with various agencies, partners and local communities, 6,901 liters of oil waste and 367,512.90 liters of oil-contaminated
waste have been collected.12 As of June 16, 2023, after months of inter-agency response and recovery operations, the oil siphoning by
the Singapore Dynamic Support Vessel (DSV) Fire Opal has been completed.13

The spill area is adjacent to the Verde Island Passage (VIP), the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity in the world.14 This
area is particularly important for its coral reef habitats, with its strong currents and upwelling providing a refuge from ocean warming due
to climate change. The DENR is supporting five provinces namely Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, Romblon and Marinduque
to consider seeking the declaration of VIP as a nationally managed marine protected area. Once established, the VIP would be the most
expansive nationally-managed marine protected area in the Philippines, encompassing a vast 1.3 million hectares.

12 DENR MIMAROPA. (2023). Task Force Mt. Princess Empress Oil Spill Incident Final Situational Report No. 47 dated June 21, 2023. Manila: DENR MIMAROPA.
13 Philippine Coast Guard (2023). Situational Report as of 16 June 2023. Manila City: PCG
14 Carpenter, K. E., & Springer, V. G. (2015). The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity : The Philippine Islands. Environmental Biology of Fishes 72, 467-480.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022 89

ENGAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ENR GOVERNANCE

Integrated approaches enable local governments to achieve resilience in the face of complexity and uncertainty.

Adopting a comprehensive risk management approach to multi-stakeholder ENR governance, Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary
Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities) was launched with partner LGUs including Ormoc City, Leyte, Bataan, and select
municipalities of Surigao del Norte, including the Siargao Islands. Resource networks provide LGUs with access to technical and financial
assistance for ecosystem conservation and protection and development of resource-based enterprises enhancing community resilience.
Project TRANSFORM is a replicable whole of government and whole of society partnership for environment and natural resource
management, climate and disaster resilience and socio-economic development.

To advance nexus governance and as part of the Philippines’ global commitments, we are actively participating in various international
activities to strengthen our partnerships with international bodies. These include the 27th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in November 2022; 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
(COP15) in December 2022; 2023 UN Water Conference in March 2023; and the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of SFDRR
in May 2023. The DENR led the delegation to the 2022 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) and
will host the 2024 APMCDRR. This Conference will bring together around 3,000 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region to accelerate the
implementation of the SFDRR and strengthen cooperation on DRR in Asia-Pacific.
 90 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ADVANCING LOW CARBON ECONOMY THROUGH CRITICAL MINERALS DEVELOPMENT

Critical minerals development is essential to achieving decarbonization targets and promoting a just transition towards a green economy.

The Philippines is recognized as the fifth most mineralized country in the world with estimated untapped reserves of approximately
USD900 billion.1 The DENR has identified nine million ha as highly mineralized areas2. We are a major producer of gold, nickel3, copper
and cobalt, and non-metallic minerals, which are essential for construction and infrastructure development. As of June 2023, the total
production value of mining was Php 315 billion, which include large scale metallic mining, non- metallic mining, and gold sold to Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas.4

The shift to renewable energy towards net zero by 2050 will drive the demand for metallic minerals especially copper and nickel for
storage, turbine production, transmission and distribution among others. By 2040, global mineral demand is expected to rise at least four
times.5 The DENR is designing a new critical minerals strategy and is committed to mitigating climate change impacts and accelerating
the energy transition towards a low carbon future by prioritizing policies and initiatives on metals and minerals needed for clean energy
technologies.

Minerals are part of our daily lives and are used in one form or another across all industries. They are needed to build a sustainable,
industrialized and digital society. The DENR is pursuing a strategic convergence policy with NEDA, DOE, DOF and DTI. This will include
creation of new opportunities and priorities in exploration, development and processing of mineral resources in order to accelerate
production to participate and compete in regional and global supply and value chains.

1 Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Government of Australia. Mining to the Philippines Trends and Opportunities. Available at https://www.austrade.gov.au/australian/export/
export-markets/countries/philippines/industries/mining
2 DENR. (2023). DENR to Strengthen Mining Sector for PH Economic Growth. Press Release on 9 November 2023. Available at https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-
releases/4604-denr-to-strengthen-mining-sector-for-ph-economic-growth
3 Ernst and Young. (2022). Top 10 business risks and opportunities for mining and metals in 2023. Available at https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_gl/topics/mining-
metals/ey-top-10-business-risks-and-opportunities-for- mining-and-metals-in-2023.pdf.
4 DENR. (2023). Mining Industry Statistics CY 2020 to Q1 CY 2023. Quezon City: Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
5 International Energy Agency. (2022). The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions. World Energy Outlook Special Report. Available at https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/
assets/ffd2a83b-8c30-4e9d-980a- 52b6d9a86fdc/TheRoleofCriticalMineralsinCleanEnergyTransitions.pdf
 © Department of Environment and Natural Resources

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