ANNUAL REPORT FOR CY 2019 - emb.gov.ph

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Environmental Management Bureau

Annual Report for CY 2019

ANNUAL REPORT FOR CY 2019


(EMB)

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is a Line Bureau of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) mandated to implement and enforce six (6) major

environmental laws:

1. PD 1586 - Environmental Impact Statement System 1978

2. RA 6969 - Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990

3. RA 8749 - Clean Air Act of 1999

4. RA 9003 - Ecological Solid Wastes Management Act of 2000

5. RA 9275 - Clean Water Act of 2004

6. RA 9512 - National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 192, EMB is also mandated to provide research and

laboratory services, and secretariat services to the Pollution Adjudication Board and the

National Solid Waste Management Commission.

Under the management of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, the main priority is to improve the

quality of our environment, particularly the air and water quality and address solid waste

problems. The three (3) major programs cover the full implementation of the Clean Air Act of

1990, the Clean Water Act of 2004 and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The objective of the Clean Air Program is to come up with a comprehensive national

program 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. In order to effectively monitor and regulate all

sources of air emissions, the Clean Air Program is divided into three sub programs: (1) the

Motor Vehicle Emission Management Program, (2) the Industrial Emission Management

Program and (3) the Roadside ambient and general ambient air quality monitoring. This is to

effectively manage the three sources of air emission namely mobile, stationary, and area

sources.

In order to ensure that all vehicle types meet the emission standard before they are

introduced in the market for sale, the EMB evaluates the vehicles for their conformance with

the prescribed exhaust emission limits/standards before a Certificate of Conformity (COC) is

issued by the Bureau. In 2019, a total of five hundred eighty-four (584) COCs were issued.

Three hundred forty-four (344) of which are from Motor Vehicles while two hundred forty

(240) COCs from Motorcycles.

With the increasing number of stationary sources, extensive monitoring is required. Out of

eighteen thousand and eighty-nine (18,089) firms monitored in CY 2019, 83% or fifteen

thousand and thirteen (15,013) firms complied with the DENR standards. Another activity in

relation to industrial emission management is the accreditation of Third Party Source Emission

Testing Firms (TPSETF) to monitor the emissions from Air Pollution Source Installations

(APSI) of industries nationwide. For CY 2019, about twenty-two (22) firms with forty-five

(45) teams were accredited which were fully capable of conducting source emission tests and

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performing sampling activities in order to monitor all stationary sources with potential to emit

air pollution.

To deliver real time science-based air quality monitoring data available to everyone, the

operation 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 was undertaken. The results were made available on the website

so that anybody can see the status of air quality in their location and elsewhere. The website is

also equipped with layman description relating to the concentration of air pollutant which

enables non-scientific person to appreciate the information and apply it to their everyday lives.

In CY 2019, there was a total of one hundred four (104) ambient air quality monitoring stations

scattered across the Philippines composed of fifty three (53) Continuous Ambient Air Quality

Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS), fifty one (51) Manual Reference Method stations.

Approximately 81% of the air quality monitoring stations was functional / operational while

19% was not operational or for repair / replacement.

In order to address the water quality issues in the country and to address the degradation

of our waterbodies, including lakes and bays, continuous massive clean-up, monitoring of

industries and rehabilitation of esteros/rivers through partnership agreements such as the

Adopt-an-estero program were implemented.

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 is used to come up with the standards to protect aquatic life and human use of

specific water bodies. Additional 74 water bodies were classified in terms of best usage and

water quality to be maintained. A total of 898 water bodies have been classified nationwide

and 321 of which are principal rivers or rivers with drainage areas of not less than 40 sq. km.

This accounts for 76% of the country’s 421 principal rivers identified by the National Water

Resources Board.

To highlight the environmental importance of the Boracay Island and to achieve its

ecological integrity consistent with the objectives of RA 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act),

RA 9147 (Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and the Philippine

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan as adopted under DENR Administrative Order No.

2016-02, the Boracay Island was designated as a Water Quality Management and Conservation

area (WQMACA) under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-05. To date, there are thirty-

eight (38) designated Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) nationwide including the

areas within the jurisdiction of the Laguna Lake Development Authority.

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. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Program is

expected to assist Local Government Units in implementing RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid

Waste Management Act particularly in the development of their 10 yr. SWM Plan, closure and

rehabilitation of dumpsites, establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), and an

environmentally sound disposal system. For CY 2019, 59% or nine-hundred fifty (950) 10-

Year Solid Waste Management Plans were approved by the National Solid Waste Management

Commission.

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Despite the continuous effort of the Bureau in providing technical assistance in the closure

and rehabilitation of illegal dumpsites, there are still three hundred thirty one (331) illegal

dumpsites nationwide. Inadequate environmentally sound disposal system was noted due to

the limited established/operational Sanitary Landfill (187 SLFs) servicing only four hundred

eight (408) LGUs nationwide.

A total of ten thousand seven hundred twenty two (10,722) MRFs were established

servicing thirteen thousand nine hundred ninety four (13,994) barangays nationwide which

aims to reduce the amount of garbage being disposed and GHG (methane) being produced

from domestic and commercial biodegradable wastes through the process of

composting/vermi-composting instead of disposing to landfills.

In support to the implementation of DAO 2018-18 “Establishing a Centralized

Management and Coordinative Mechanism at the Regional Offices of DENR, Mines and

Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau”, the training for PENRO and

CENRO on environmental laws was conducted on June 24-28, 2019 in Linden Suites, Ortigas,

Pasig City. Series of training were also conducted on July 22-26, 2019 for the Mindanao

Cluster, August 5-8, 2019 in Park Inn, Iloilo City for the Visayas Cluster and August 26-30,

2019 for the remaining Luzon Cluster. The activity was conducted to capacitate PENRO and

CENRO on the mandates and international commitments of the EMB.

Continuous Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign was conducted

for the effective implementation of the six (6) environmental laws through the use of social

and print media, broadcast, exhibits, capacity building and orientation workshops.

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II. DETAILED NARRATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

a. POLICIES FORMULATED AND APPROVED

DENR Administrative Orders

1. Designation of the Boracay Island Water Quality Management and Conservation

Area (WQMACA) and Creation of its Governing Board (DAO 2019-15) (See

Annex A)

The objective of this DAO is to protect and continuously improve its water quality

and be able to sustain livelihood opportunities in Boracay Island.

2. Streamlining the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process and

Requirements for Projects under the Build Build Build Program (DAO 2019-16)

(See Annex B)

This DAO is in line with the “Build-Build-Build” Program of the Government and

consistent with the policy of the State to ensure optimum economic development

without compromising the environment. It shall apply to all Projects under the “Build-

Build-Build” Program of the National Government applying for Environmental

Compliance Certificate (ECC) pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) 1586. The Bureau

shall process the ECC application filed by the Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Bases Conversion and

Development Authority (BCDA) within twenty (20) working days.

3. Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Arsenic and Arsenic Compounds

(DAO 2019-17) (See Annex C)

This DAO aims to do the following: reduce the risk of exposure to human health

and the environment of arsenic and arsenic compounds which are used in industrial

processes; increase awareness about the toxicity of arsenic and its compounds, as well

as the availability of technically superior and safer alternatives; develop the framework

for proper implementation of appropriate prevention-based programs to mitigate,

reduce and eliminate risks from the use of arsenic and arsenic compounds; and provide

guidelines to identify potential arsenic release/exposure in industrial facilities to reduce

workers’ arsenic exposure.

4. Exemption of Polymers and Polymer of Low Concern (PLC) from the Pre-

Manufacture and Pre-Importation Notification (PMPIN) Process (DAO 2019-18)

(See Annex D)

This DAO aims to provide guidelines for granting PMPIN exemption to importers

and manufacturers of Polymers and PLC. I shall apply to Polymers and PLC not listed

in the Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemicals Substances (PICCS).

5. Revised Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Mercury and Mercury Compounds

(Revising DAO 1997-38) (DAO 2019-20) (See Annex E)

This DAO aims to reduce hazards to health and the environment from the

production, manufacture, use, handling, management, transport, interim storage and

disposal of Mercury, Mercury compounds and Mercury-added products.

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6. Guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operation of Waste-to-Energy

(WtE) Facilities for Municipal Solid Wastes (DAO 2019-21)

This DAO is issued to provide guidelines on the evaluation, establishment,

operation and de-commissioning of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) facilities for the integrated

management of municipal solid wastes. (See Annex F)

DENR Memorandum Circular

7. Additional List of Classified Waterbodies (DMC 2019-07) (See Annex G)

The classification serves as a benchmark, hence water bodies and its tributaries

within WQMAs shall keep its water quality within the Water Quality Guidelines

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). Additional

seventy-four (74) waterbodies have been classified based on their beneficial use.

Memorandum from the Secretary

8. Revoking Memorandum from the Secretary dated 02 March 2009 on Sulfur

Dioxide Ambient Air Monitoring to ensure protection of Public Health (See Annex

H)

This memorandum from the DENR Secretary requires all owners/operators of

stationary sources to submit Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) test results for source emission and

ambient air monitoring (whenever applicable) as necessary requirements for the

issuance of a Permit to Operate and regular monitoring to ensure protection of Public

Health.

EMB Memorandum Circulars

9. Supplementary Clarification on the coverage of DAO 2016-08 Relative to the

Granting of not more than Five (5) Years Grace Period (EMB MC 2019-001)

(Annex I)

The EMB MC is issued to clarify the coverage of DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality

Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016) specifically on the granting of not

more than five (5) years grace period. The concerned establishment must have a

Compliance Action Plan (CAP) approved by the concerned EMB Regional Office not

later than 31 December 2019 and the grace period will be until 31 December 2022 only.

10. Clarifications to the Registration and Importation Clearance requirements for

Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Cyanide and Cyanide Compounds under

DENR Administrative Order No. 97-39 (EMB MC 2019-002) (Annex J)

This EMB MC is issued to track and ensure the proper use of all imported Cyanide

and Cyanide compounds and to ensure that risks to human health and the environment

are managed properly. This applies to all existing Chemical Control Order (CCO) for

Cyanide and Cyanide compounds registered firms and firms applying for registration.

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11. Updated Guidelines in the Processing and Issuance of Environmental Compliance

Certificate (ECC) for Category B Projects (EMB MC 2019-003) (Annex K)

The MC states that the processing and issuance of ECC for all projects falling under

Category B projects shall be processed through the Online System following the

revised ECC Online application procedure as stated in the Section 2 of this MC

specifically on the processing days from twenty (20) days to seven (7) days.

12. Advanced Training Modules for Pollution Control Officers (PCOs)

(EMB MC 2019-004) (Annex L)

This is issued to ensure uniformity and standardization of all materials to be used

in the training and for renewal/re-accreditation of PCO.

13. Procedures on Electronic Payment Facility for Environmental Compliance

Certificate (ECC) and Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) Online Applications

(EMB MC 2019-005) (Annex M)

The EMB MC is issued to ensure the easy and seamless payment of ECC and CNC

applications through Electronic Payment Portal (EPP) payment scheme. The clients of

ECC and CNC online application were given an option to pay thru electronic facility

in addition to existing on-coll facility of Landbank.

14. Implementation of Online Processing and Monitoring of Chemical Control Order

(CCO) Registration Certificates, CCO Importation Clearances, Pre-Shipment

Importation Clearances (PSIC), Small Quantity Importation (SQI) Clearances

and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Alternatives (EMB MC 2019-006) (See

Annex N)

This aims to improve and strengthen the processing and monitoring of applications

of various Chemical Control Order (CCO) Registration Certificates, CCO Importation

Clearances, Pre-Shipment Importation Clearances (PSIC), Small Quantity Importation

(SQI) Clearances and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Alternatives by employing

the Online Permitting and Monitoring System.

15. Guidelines for the Conduct of Isokinetic Sampling in Tapered Stack (EMB MC

2019-007) (Annex O)

This is issued to provide uniform guidance for EMB officials and employees on the

conduct of Isokinetic Sampling in Tapered Stack pursuant to Rule XXV, Part VII

Stationary Sources of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the Philippine Clean

Air Act.

16. Adopting the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC)

Resolution No. 669 Series of 2016 “Guidelines Governing the Establishment and

Operation of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Technologies for Municipal Solid Waste”

(EMB MC 2019-008) (Annex P)

This is issued to provide guidelines on environmentally-sound evaluation,

establishment, operation and decommissioning or closure of Waste to Energy (WtE)

technologies for the management of municipal Solid Waste.

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17. Harmonization on the Implementation of EMB MC No. 2019-003

(EMB MC 2019-009) (See Annex Q)

This EMB MC is issued to hold in abeyance the issued EMB Memorandum Circular

No. 2019-003 and to harmonize the processing and issuance of Environmental

Compliance Certificate (ECC) with existing laws, rules and regulations.

b. MAJOR PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Status of Nationwide Air Quality

➢ Particulate Matter 10 – PM10

Through the efforts of the Bureau to increase compliance of both stationary and mobile

sources with the standards and policies set forth under the Clean Air Act, it is worthwhile

mentioning that the country’s air quality is improving as measured by the decrease in terms

of PM10 by 54% from 76 µg/Ncm in CY 2011 to 35 µg/Ncm in CY 2019 (See Figure

1). The Bureau had been diligent in performing its duties to improve the air quality

nationwide.

Figure 1: Nationwide PM10 Levels (CY 2011 – CY 2019)

76

5451 52

46

39 41 3935

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

µg/

Ncm

Year

Nationwide Air Quality Status ( CY 2011 - CY 2019)(In Particulate Matter 10 - µg/Ncm)

PM10 Standard Nationwide PM10 Level

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➢ Particulate Matter 2.5 – PM2.5

The nationwide PM2.5 results for CY 2019 showed that it is within the air quality

guideline value of 25 µg/Ncm. A slight increase in the concentration was noted (from 20

µg/Ncm in CY 2018 to 24 µg/Ncm in CY 2019) due to the increased number of vehicles

along major thoroughfares, construction of high rise buildings near the monitoring

stations and infrastructure projects under “Build-Build-Build” Program of the

Government and haze occurrence in Malaysia and Indonesia during the 3rd quarter of

CY 2019. (See Figure 2).

Figure 2: Nationwide PM2.5 Levels (CY 2016 – CY 2019)

Status of Metro Manila Air Quality

➢ Particulate Matter 10 – PM10

The air quality in Metro Manila in terms of PM10 is still within the DENR guideline

value of 60 µg/Ncm. (See Figure 3). A decrease of 44% was noted from 80 µg/Ncm in CY

2011 to 45 µg/Ncm in CY 2019. These data were taken from the regular monitoring of the

sixteen (16) PM10 monitoring stations in Metro Manila.

Figure 3: Metro Manila PM10 Levels (CY 2015 – CY 2019)

20 21 2024

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2016 2017 2018 2019

µg/

Ncm

Year

Nationwide Air Quality Status (CY 2016 - CY 2019)(In Particulate Matter 2.5 - µg/Ncm)

PM2.5 Standard Nationwide PM2.5 Level

8074

69

51 5046

5347 45

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

µg/

Ncm

Year

Metro Manila Air Quality Status ( CY 2011 - CY 2019)(In Particulate Matter 10 - µg/Ncm)

PM10 Standard Metro Manila PM10 Level

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➢ Particulate Matter 2.5 – PM2.5

In CY 2019, the air quality monitoring results in Metro Manila in terms of PM2.5 is still

within the air quality guideline value of 25 µg/Ncm. (See Figure 4).

Figure 4: Metro Manila PM2.5 Levels (CY 2016 – CY 2019)

Motor Vehicle Emission Management Program

The main concern of the Bureau with regard to motor vehicle emission management

is to regulate the quality of vehicles being introduced into the Philippine market by virtue

of DAO 2015 – 04 “Implementation of Vehicle Emission Limits for Euro 4/IV and In-use

Vehicle Emission Standards”. Brand new vehicles to be introduced in the market are

required to be Euro 4/IV compliant. In addition, an agreement with the Local Government

Units (LGUs) of Metro Manila was entered into by the DENR for the conduct of calibration

of smokemeter to ensure that the said equipment used in the apprehension of vehicles by

other agencies would generate accurate results. Moreover, the opacimeter of

agencies/LGUs implementing Anti-Smoke Belching Operations were calibrated upon

request with a total of 55 units calibrated as of December 2019 (See Table 1).

27

36

2023

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2016 2017 2018 2019

µg/

Ncm

Year

Metro Manila Air Quality Status (CY 2016 - CY 2019)(In Particulate Matter 2.5 - µg/Ncm)

PM2.5 Standard Metro Manila PM2.5 Level

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Table 1: Monthly Breakdown of Opacimeter Calibrated for CY 2019

Month No. of Opacimeter Calibrated

January 5

February 0

March 17

April 0

May 0

June 9

July 5

August 0

September 6

October 2

November 7

December 4

Total 55

As mandated by Section 22 of the

RA 8749, any imported new 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. In addition, by virtue of

EMB MC 2018 – 05 inspection of COC

applicants was commenced to verify the

components declared in their application.

For CY 2019, a total of five hundred

eighty – four (584) certificates have been

issued (See Table 2).

Table 2: Certificate of Conformity Issued for CY 2019

Month Motorcycle Motor Vehicle Total

January 55 35 90

February 50 0 50

March 34 8 42

April 23 36 59

May 13 55 68

June 1 24 25

July 23 22 55

August 6 35 41

September 14 27 41

October 13 52 65

November 5 23 28

December 3 17 20

Total 240 344 584

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As an innovation in the issuance of COC, it was recommended to include in the

certificate the emission test results from the country of origin for transparency purposes

under bullet number 15 of the COC.

Further, anti-smoke belching operations by the LGUs amounted to a total of 49,234

vehicles tested with 66% failing the light absorption coefficient (k – value) standard as

stated in DAO 2015 – 14 (Table 3).

Table 3: Anti-Smoke Belching Operations for CY 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

UNIT (LGU) /

GOVERNMENT AGENCY

PASSED FAILED TOTAL

VEHICLES

LGU - Makati 1,704 2,873 4,577

LGU - Mandaluyong 475 3,276 3,751

LGU - Muntinlupa 5,433 1,439 6,872

LGU - Quezon city 197 4,728 4,925

LGU - Pasig 2,424 6,458 8,882

LGU - Pasay 1,553 7,178 8,731

MMDA 2,780 4,120 6,900

LGU - San Juan 2,282 2,314 4,596

TOTAL 16,848 32,386 49,234

PERCENTAGE 34% 66% 100%

Old COC Issued (No Emission Test Result from the country of origin)

New COC Issued (with Emission Test Result from the country of origin)

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Industrial Emission Management Program

Compliance with the prescribed emission standards for source specific air

pollutants is a major requirement before a stationary source of air pollution is issued a

Permit to Operate. Under DAO 2013-26 (formerly DAO 2007-25), the AQMS-Central

Office accredits third party source emission testing firms (TPSETF) fully capable of

conducting source emission tests in accordance with the procedures set in the National

Emission Standards for Source Specific Air Pollutants (NESSAP) Table 2 of the

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8749 (DAO 2000-81).

For calendar year 2019, the Air Quality Management Section (AQMS) together

with the Sampling Assessment Team (SAT) undertook a careful series of examination,

observation, and deliberation for the accreditation of Third Party Source Emission Testing

Firms (TPSETF). To date, there are 22 TPSETF that were accredited with forty-five (45)

teams.

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 are 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.

Compliance Monitoring of Firms

Stricter monitoring of stationary sources of pollution especially from major

industries were also undertaken. Out of the 18,089 monitored firms, 3,015 or 17% had

been found to have violated the standards (Table 4).

Table 4: Percentage of Compliance of Firms for CY 2019 (Air Quality)

Details CY 2018 CY 2019

Permit to Operate issued 14,332 13,406

Monitored Firms 17,547 18,089

Notices of Violation Issued 2,890 3,015

Percentage of Compliance 83% 83%

Roadside Ambient and General Ambient Air Monitoring

The Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network was developed to collect vital air

quality data such as the criteria air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, O3). To date, there

are one hundred four (104) ambient air quality monitoring stations scattered across the

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Philippines composed of fifty three (53) Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Stations (CAAQMS), fifty one (51) Manual Reference Method stations.

As of December 2019, approximately 81% of the air quality monitoring stations was

functional / operational while 19% was not operational or for repair / replacement.

Airshed Management

Airsheds are established in order to oversee the planning and implementation of air

quality management policies and ensure strong coordination among government agencies

and between government agencies and private sector / civil society. As of CY 2019,

twenty-two (22) airsheds were established and operationalized nationwide.

Categorization of airshed is essential to check the level of compliance in terms of

operationalization (Table 5) . Out of the twenty-two (22) Airsheds, four (4) Airsheds were

classified as Category 1 or “Inactive Airshed”, and eleven (11) Airsheds were classified as

Category 2 or “Active Airshed” as per submitted accomplished Airshed Assessment

Checklist with corresponding Means of Verification (MOV). Seven (7) Airsheds were

classified as Category 1 or “Inactive Airshed”.

Table 5: Categorization of Airshed

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WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Classification of Waterbodies

Water body classifications are arranged in the order of the degree of protection

required, with Class AA and SA having generally the most stringent water quality,

respectively, for fresh surface waters and marine/coastal waters; and Class D and SD

waters have the least stringent water quality for fresh surface waters and marine waters

respectively.

In CY 2019, the Bureau has classified additional seventy-four (74) water bodies

bringing it to a total of eight hundred ninety-eight (898) water bodies that have been

classified in terms of best usage and water quality to be maintained. To date, there are three

hundred twenty-one (321) classified principal rivers with drainage areas of not less than 40

sq. km. This accounts for 76% of the country’s 421 principal rivers identified by the

National Water Resources Board.

Overall, Region 4B has the biggest number of classified water bodies with ninety-

six (96) followed by Region 3 with seventy-six (76), Region 6 with seventy-three (73),

Region 5 with seventy (70) Region 4A with sixty-seven (67), Region 8 with sixty-six (66),

Region 7 Region 9 and Region 12 with sixty-one (61), Region 2 with fifty-five (55)

followed by Region 10 with fifty-two (52), Region 11 with forty-seven (47), Region 13 or

Caraga Region with forty-three (43) , the Cordillera Administrative Region with thirty-

nine (39), Region 1 with twenty-five (25) and finally the National Capital Region with six

(6) classified water bodies.

Monitoring of Priority Rivers

The objective of monitoring Priority Rivers is to improve water quality and comply

with the DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08 or the Water Quality Guidelines and

General Effluent Standards of 2016. Monthly water quality monitoring was conducted for

the identified forty-six (46) priority rivers. Out of the 46 priority rivers monitored in

CY 2019, thirty-four (34) rivers were already within BOD criteria and thirty-seven (37)

rivers within DO criteria.

Monitoring of Priority Recreational Waters (Bathing Beaches)

The Bureau identified thirty-nine (39) priority recreational waters to be monitored

in 2019. Out of 39 monitored recreational waters for Fecal Coliform, twenty-five (25) or

64% are within the water quality guideline value while out of 33 recreational waters

monitored for pH, thirty-two (32) or 97% bathing beaches are within the pH criteria.

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Water Quality Management Area (WQMA)

The designation of Water Quality Management Areas (WQMA) is governed by the

Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 or RA 9275 under Section 5 which states that the

“Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with the

National Water Resources Board (NWRB), shall designate certain areas water quality

management areas using appropriate physiographic units such as watershed, river basins

or water resources regions. Said management areas shall have similar hydrological,

hydrogeological, meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the

physiochemical, biological and bacteriological reactions and diffusions of pollutants in the

water bodies or otherwise share common interest or face similar development programs,

prospects or problems.”

In 2019, one (1) WQMA was designated thru DENR Administrative Order No.

2019-15 “Designation of the Boracay Island Water Quality Management and Conservation

Area (WQMACA) and Creation of its Governing Board”, making the total designated

WQMA thirty-eight (38) (including the areas within the jurisdiction of the Laguna Lake

Development Authority which was designated as one WQMA by virtue of Section 5 of RA

9275) (See attached Annex R).

WQMAs are being administered by the EMB Regional Offices and have different

strategies in addressing the constraints faced in the designation or operationalization of

WQMA. These include capacity building, closer coordination with the stakeholders, and

more support from the LGUs, among others.

Adopt an Estero Waterbody Program

With the continuous implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero Waterbody Program,

decrease in floating garbage is noticeable in some of our water bodies and creeks.

Other achievements of the program include, among others, the following: increased

frequency of dredging/de-clogging activities, improved waste collection efficiency,

quicker flooding subsidence, complementary local policies and programs and

employment to some communities along the adopted waterbodies.

Out of four hundred seven (407) esteros/waterbodies monitored in CY 2019, one

hundred and fifty-three (153) waterbodies exhibited significant improvement in terms of

BOD while one hundred and forty-seven (147) waterbodies showed water quality

improvement in terms of DO.

Other government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Local

Government Units (LGUs) pursued massive clean-up of water bodies. A total of 933

sacks, 2,065,302 kgs of mixed solid waste were recovered by the participants in the said

activity composed of 29,391 individuals from partner adopters, LGUs and community

within the adopted waterbodies. The mitigation of pollution from residential, informal

settlers and other domestic sources were also checked, since they are considered one of

the major causes of water pollution.

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Physical Improvements in the Adopted Esteros / Waterbodies

Region: NCR

Name of Adopted Waterbody: LINGUNAN CREEK

Location: Valenzuela City

Private Sector Partner: March Resources Manufacturing Corp.

Region: 3

Name of Adopted Waterbody: QUEBIAWAN CREEK

Location: San Fernando City, Pampanga

Private Sector Partner: Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc.

Region: 9

Name of Adopted Waterbody: ZAMBOANGA CHANNEL CREEK

Location: Zamboanga City

Private Sector Partner: Jollibee Camins Branch, 905th Philippine Army

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

Page 17 of 40




Monitoring of Other Waterbodies

One hundred eighty (180) rivers were monitored throughout the Philippines. Out of

the said number of waterbodies monitored in terms of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), one

hundred forty seven (147) or 82% were within the water quality guideline value. For

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), out of one hundred sixty four (164) waterbodies

monitored, one hundred eighteen (118) or 72% passed the water quality guideline value.

Monitoring of Other Recreational Waters

Out of the 174 monitored bathing beaches in terms of Fecal Coliform, 97 beaches

or (56%) passed the water quality criteria for Class SB waters while out of 157 monitored

beaches in terms of pH criteria, 151 beaches or 96% passed the water quality standard.

Recognition of Pollution Control Officer Training Organizations / Institutions

Section 13 (Training for PCOs and Requirements for Training

Organizations/Institutions) of DENR Administrative Order No. 2014-02 or the Revised

Guidelines for Pollution Control Officer (PCO) Accreditation directs the EMB to recognize

training organizations/institutions which shall provide training for PCOs. As part of the

recognition process, the training organizations/institutions must meet the requirements

provided in Annex 5 of DAO 2014-02.

In CY 2019, there were twenty-one (21) and ten (10) training organizations /

institutions recognized by EMB in 2019 for PCO basic and advance trainings, respectively

(See Annex S).


A number of industries and commercial establishments are still unable to

comply with the effluent standards despite the availability of technology to treat

wastewater. In CY 2019 about 54% or 4,930 firms of the 9,060 monitored firms

nationwide were found to have violated effluent standards. There are still micro-, small

and medium enterprises which do not invest in facilities to treat their wastewater prior to

discharge to water bodies resulting in the degradation of rivers, lakes and marine

waters. (Table 6).

Table 6: Percentage of Compliance of Firms for CY 2019 (Water Quality)


Discharge Permit issued 6,010 5,929




Page 18 of 40




SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Facilitation and Approval of the 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans

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.

All SWMPs submitted by the Local Government Units (LGUs) shall be subjected to

the approval of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC). Prior to

the approval, the SWMPs are reviewed and evaluated by the NSWMC Secretariat which,

in turn, endorses to the NSWMC-Executive Committees for deliberation and subsequent

endorsement to the NSWMC for approval.

The EMB Regional Offices were provided with funds to assist the LGUs through

workshops in the finalization and/or updating of their SWMPs. LGUs were also provided

with technical assistance in the development/formulation/updating of 10-yr SWM Plans

including the conduct of WACS, plan preparation & pre-WACS orientation.

As of December 2019, a total of one thousand six hundred fifteen (1,615)

city/municipal and provincial SWM plans were submitted. Out of the total submissions,

nine hundred fifty (950) or 59% SWM plans were approved. Two hundred seventy-nine

(279) SWMPs were approved by the NSWMC through joint review and cooperation among

the concerned stakeholders such as, the EMB-SWMD Central Office, Solid Waste

Management Sections of the EMB Regional Offices and BARMM in close coordination

with the LGUs in CY 2019. One hundred (100) SWMPs have still to be submitted by the

LGUs mostly from BARMM

Support in the Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

Section 32of the Republic Act 9003 mandates the establishment of Materials

Recovery Facility (MRF) in every Barangay or cluster of barangays in order 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.

This program aims to provide support to LGUs in the establishment of MRFs

through the EMB-ROs. The Guidelines on the downloading of funds for the support in the

establishment of MRFs and procurement/fabrication of SWM equipment was issued to all

EMB Regional Offices.

Page 19 of 40




In CY 2019, additional 382 MRFs were established which brings to the total of

10,722 MRFs established servicing 13,994 barangays nationwide (See Figure 5).

Figure 5: Established Materials Recovery Facility (CY 2010 - CY 2019)

Technical Assistance in the Closure and Rehabilitation of Illegal Dumpsites

Regular monitoring and technical assistance are continuously being conducted by

the EMB- Regional Offices to LGUs for the closure of illegal disposal facilities. Increase

was noted from 165 operational Sanitary Landfill in CY 2018 to 187 in CY 2019 servicing

408 LGUs nationwide. As of December 2019, there were still 331 illegal dumpsites

nationwide. The increase in the number of illegal dumpsites is due to insufficiency of

proper disposal facility and intensive monitoring/validation of illegal dumpsites

nationwide by Solid Waste Enforcers and Educators Team. (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Disposal Facilities Nationwide (CY 2010 – CY 2019)

6,9577,327

7,7138,486 8,656

9,3359,883

10,052 10,340 10,722

7,938 8,3238,843

9,63410,327

12,60713,155 13,324 13,612 13,994

01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,0008,0009,000

10,00011,00012,00013,00014,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Nu

mb

er

of

MR

Fs

Year

Materials Recovery Facility (CY 2010 - CY 2019)

Established Brgy. Served

1174

1025945 923 900

553511

385304 331

33 38 45 72 86 101 118 135

165 1870

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Nu

mb

er

of

Dis

po

sal F

acili

tie

s

Year

DISPOSAL FACILITIES (CY 2010 - CY 2019)

Illegal Dumpsites Sanitary Landfill

Page 20 of 40




Maintenance of Old San Mateo Landfill (SLF)

The objective of this program is to maintain and repair the structure of the Old San

Mateo Sanitary Landfill in Brgy. Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal.

The approved revised Terms of Reference (TOR) on the Design and Build Scheme

for the Closure and Rehabilitation Activities of the San Mateo Landfill located in Barangay

Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal, was submitted by the EMB to the Procurement Service

– Department of Budget and Management on September 11, 2018.

For the year 2019, Resolution No. BAC4-2019-0602 on the Declaration of Failure

of Bidding dated 15 July 2019 was issued for the 2nd bid failure. Re-Bidding of the Design

and Build for the Closure and Rehabilitation of San Mateo Sanitary Landfill was conducted

on 5 September 2019.

Accordingly, four (4) separate site inspections were conducted in San Mateo SLF

together with the four (4) bidders: a) Bethesda Bio solutions Corporation; b) Metro waste

SWM Corporation; c) Spandex Marketing; and d) Verzontal Builders, Inc. Meetings

with Barangay Captains of Barangay Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, San Juan and Antipolo

City on 27 August 2019 were conducted to discuss on how to address the scavengers and

placement of signages in the area. Site visit was also conducted by the EMB Assistant

Director, Engr. Vizminda Osorio, and PGSS-AFD to assess the repair of existing security

guard office in the said area.

Equipment inspections and Post Qualification Evaluation were conducted on 3

October 2019 and 15 October 2019, respectively. Eight (8) laborers/maintenance staff

were hired to continuously maintain the area.

Implementation of Key Result Area No. 2 – SWM under the Manila Bay

Rehabilitation Program

In support to the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay, the EMB-SWMD convened the

members of KRA 2 of the Manila Bay Task Force to discuss the following specific

objectives:

• Clarification of targets until CY 2022;

• Provision of standard template of reporting under KRA 2; and

• Generation of information based from the clean-up activities in Manila Bay

area.

Based on the presentation made by DENR-NCR Manila Bay Site Coordinating and

Management Office, a total of three hundred twenty-five (325) clean up activities were

undertaken in 2019 through the assistance provided by twenty one thousand eight hundred

ninety one (21,891) volunteers. More than 1.2 million kilograms of solid wastes were

collected and removed from Manila Bay area and its tributaries. The following activities

were also reported undertaken by the DENR-NCR MBSCMO under KRA 2:

• Installation of Trash traps at BASECO Lagoon;

• Fabrication of 2 Trash Collector Rafts with capacity of 552 kg load;

• Inspection of rivers and esteros;

• Coordination meetings with concerned stakeholders; and

• Launching of the Manila Bay Watch Bike Patrollers.

Page 21 of 40




Solid Waste Enforcement and Education Program (SWEEP)

In support to DENR DAO 2018-18, the three hundred nine (309) Environmental

Monitoring Officers (EnMOs) under the SWEEP remained to be deployed in the DENR

PENROs and CENROs. For CY 2019, the EnMOs were able to facilitate the clean-up of

twenty-six thousand sixty-eight (26,068) uncleaned sites in various areas nationwide. They

were able to support the implementation of the SWEEP, maintained two hundred eighty-

seven (287) compliant barangays to RA 9003 and assisted four hundred thirty-seven (437)

LGUs in the completion of their SWM Self Compliance Monitoring and Auditing Report

(SCMAR).

The EnMOs also conducted four hundred seven (407) lectures and SWM

Information Campaign. Based on the substantial accomplishments provided, SWEEP

greatly contributed in the improvement of the environmental quality in accordance with

the Plan targets under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 (to Ensure Ecological

Integrity, Clean and Healthy Environment).

FOREIGN-ASSISTED AND SPECIAL PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED

See attached Annex T – Annual Narrative Report of Foreign-Assisted Projects and Special

Projects for CY 2019

OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS/MILESTONES/INNOVATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The EMB Central Office continuously provides guidance to the EMB Regional

Offices in the implementation of Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

(PEISS). EMB Central Office implements the PEISS for Environmentally Critical Projects

(ECPs) while the Regional Offices implements the PEISS for Non-ECPs in

Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs).

For CY 2019, six thousand two hundred one (6,201) ECCs were issued which

translates to a total project cost of Php 1,858,674,700,353.04 with 420,819 employment

generated.

Page 22 of 40





Out of sixteen thousand six hundred eighty eight (16,688) firms/projects monitored,

four thousand two hundred thirty five (4,235) projects/firms were issued with Notice of

Adverse Findings/ show cause orders for failure to comply with their ECC conditions (See

Table 7).

Table 7: Percentage of Compliance of Firms for CY 2019 (ECC)


ECC issued 5,175 6,201




TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

The Bureau continuously regulates chemicals which are deemed to pose risk to

human health and the environment. Risk assessment and evaluation process is done on

every application for permits received. The evaluation includes review of chemical

management plan, process flow, contingency plans and evaluation of compliance to other

environmental laws and regulations. Among the permits issued at the EMB Central Office

(Table 8) and Regional Office (Table 9) are as follows:

Table 8: Permits Issued by Central Office

Certificates/ Clearances/ Permits CY 2018 CY 2019

PCL Compliance Certificate 479 735

PCL Exemption Certificate 164 273

PMPIN 150 189

PSIC (ODS) 621 760

Certificate of Registration (ODS) 161 285

CCO Registration 99 81

CCO Importation Clearance 128 473

TOTAL 1,802 2,796

Table 9: Permits Issued by Regional Offices

Certificates / Clearances CY 2018 CY 2019

Small Quantity Importation (SQI) 2,505 3,022

Importation Clearances (Asbestos,

Cyanide, Mercury and ODS) 247 361

Registration Certificates (CCO) 325 226

3,077 3,069

Page 23 of 40




Support to Manila Bay Rehabilitation

The Chemical Management Section (CMS) staff is part of the inspection teams

utilized to assist EMB NCR and LLDA in monitoring different establishments near water

bodies leading to the Manila Bay. The inspected facilities include commercial

establishments, residential buildings, schools, malls, service shops among others. The

CMS specifically focuses on compliance to RA6969 aside from the other environmental

laws which EMB implements. Reports were submitted to the respective team leaders. A

total of one hundred thirty-two (132) establishments were inspected and monitored during

the 1st and 2nd quarter of CY 2019.

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Based on DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2002-12 dated 23 October 2002, the

registration of hazardous waste generators (Section 26 [1] of DAO 29) and the processing

and approval or issuance of Permit to Transport of hazardous wastes (Section 27 [1] of

DAO 29) are delegated to the EMB Regional Offices. The EMB Central Office shall

continue to process applications for registration of waste transporters and the Treatment,

Storage and Disposal (TSD) facilities for hazardous wastes (Section 30 [1] of DAO 29);

and the processing of export clearances and the registration of importers and processing of

applications importation clearances for recyclable materials containing hazardous

substances (Section 31 [1] of DAO 29).

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.

The EMB, through HWMS, acts as the Competent Authority and Focal Point to the

Convention. Pursuant to RA 6969, the following permits are issued at the EMB Central

Office (Table 10) and Regional Office (Table 11) are as follows:

Table 10: Permits Issued by the Central Office

Certificates/ Clearances/ Permits CY 2018 CY 2019

TSD registration/renewal/amendment 134 130

Transporter

registration/renewal/amendment

176 207

Importer registration/amendment 2 3

Importation Clearance 234 262

Notification 54 64

Export Clearance 38 62

TOTAL 638 728

Page 24 of 40




Table 11: Permits Issued by the Regional Offices

Certificates / Clearances CY 2018 CY 2019

Hazardous Waste Generators (HWGs) 4,948 6,885

Transport Permit 8,405 8,300

TOTAL 13,353 15,185

Support to Manila Bay Rehabilitation

A total of one hundred fifteen (115) facilities were inspected/monitored relative to

the DENR’s program to rehabilitate Manila Bay and in compliance with the instructions of

the Office of the EMB Director to conduct inspections of facilities applying for

TSD/Importer Registration and Importation Clearance, which is part of the UNIDO-EMB

Safe PCB/E-waste Project.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9512 otherwise known as an Act to promote Environmental

Awareness and Education – and for other purposes, is the law that recognizes the vital role

of the youth in nation-building, and the role of education to foster patriotism and

nationalism, accelerate social progress and provide total human liberation and

development.

Thus, the EMB-DENR, thru its Environmental Education and Information Division

(EEID) and its 16 Regional Environmental Education and Information Units (EEIUs), are

synchronized in the nationwide conduct of several environmental events year-round,

beginning from Zero Waste Month (January), World Water Day (March 22) and Philippine

Water Week (third week of March), International Earth Day (April 22), Philippine Earth

Month (April), World Environment Day (June 5), Philippine Environment Month (June),

National Clean Up Month, International Coastal Clean Up Weekend (third weekend of

September), World Environmental Health Day (September 25), National Clean Air Month,

and National Environmental Awareness Month (November), Global Warming and Climate

Change Consciousness Week (November 21-25).

There has been increasing environmental consciousness effected by EMB EEID’s

IEC programs. There is also an increasing trend in likes and shared posts on EMB’s official

Facebook pages. EEIUs are likewise guided by the EMB Central Office on the continued

strengthening of their social media presence through capacity building activities and

guidelines on how to effectively reach out to growing audiences in various social media

platforms.

Continued participation of schools in EMB’s National Search for Sustainable and

Eco-friendly Schools was successfully highlighted in 2019 year’s search. More schools

expressed their desire to join the recognition program. To effectively gauge the success of

this program, EEID, in 2020, will facilitate the evaluation and assessment of previous

Page 25 of 40




winners of the Search from 2009 – 2017 to validate if sustainability has been achieved by

the winning schools.

The action orientation in the EEID programs, particularly for the eco-friendly and

sustainable schools programs is able to expand the environmental programs in schools.

Youth leadership and involvements for environmental information, education and

restoration, including sustainable lifestyles are also accelerating.

Capacity Building for PENRO and CENRO

The training for PENRO AND CENRO on environmental laws was conducted on

June 24-28, 2019 in Linden Suites, Ortigas, Pasig City. Training events were also held on

July 22-26, 2019 for the Mindanao Cluster, August 5-8, 2019 in Park Inn, Iloilo City for

the Visayas Cluster and August 26-30, 2019 for the remaining Luzon Cluster. The activity

was conducted to equip the PENROs and CENROs with sufficient knowledge on the

mandates and international commitments of the EMB.

Special Environmental Events

➢ Philippine Water Week and World Water Day Celebration (March 15-22, 2019)

The international theme

for the celebration in 2019 was

“Leaving no one behind” which

was adopted through the local

theme Hawak kamay. Tubig

kaagapay.”

➢ Earth Day / Earth Month Celebration

The Bureau joined the

global and local celebration of

Earth Day in coordination with

the DENR - Strategic

Communication and Initiatives

Service and the Earth Day

Network Philippines. With the

theme, “Protect Our Species,”

EEID joined the Earth Day Main

Event organized by Tayo ang

Kalikasan on April 24, 2019 at

the Amphitheater, Parks and

Wildlife Nature Center. The

Bureau assisted in the MOA signing ceremony between the DENR and the Rotary Club

under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation program. Also, the Bureau set up an exhibit that

featured paintings of the youth about Manila Bay.

Page 26 of 40




➢ World Environment Month

The Environmental Management

Bureau- Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) enjoins

the nation in the celebration of June 5, 2019

as the World Environment Day and the

month of June 2019 as the Philippine

Environment Month, with the theme, "Beat

Air Pollution.” The CY 2019 celebration of

World Environment Day and the Philippine

Environment Month, encourages everyone

to understand what air pollution is, how it

affects our health and environment, and to

take action to improve the air around us.

The Department of

Environment and Natural Resources

–Environmental Management

Bureau in coordination with the

Earth Savers led by Former DENR

Secretary Heherson Alvarez staged

an Interfaith, Intercultural Forum to

Beat Air Pollution for a Healthy and

Safe Nation to mark the celebration

of World Environment Day on June

5 auspiciously linked with Eid al-

Fitr observance. Members of the

media from the Liga ng mga Broadkasters led by National Press Club President, Lakay

Gonzalo, participated in the media forum wherein air pollution was highlighted in the

discussions.

The Bureau Launched the “BeatAirPollution” Mask Challenge in the EMB Official

Facebook Page, wherein the public are encouraged to submit face masks made of

recyclable materials.

Page 27 of 40




➢ International Coastal Clean-Up and September as “National Clean-Up Month”

The Bureau joined volunteers

composed of various government

agencies, private sector, academe and

the civil society in the biggest coastal

cleanup held every third Saturday of

September.

Internation al Coastal Cleanup

(ICC) provides the opportunity to

make a difference in a global

movement by getting rid of

trash/debris from our shorelines, rivers, lakes and waterways; raising environmental

awareness; and providing information which will guide and influence governments,

corporations and industries in developing smart solutions to the marine debris problem.

➢ World Environmental Health Day

The Department of Environment

and Natural Resources (DENR) and

Department of Health (DOH) jointly led

the celebration of the 2019 Philippine

World Environmental Health Day

(WEHD) on September 26 at Hotel H2O,

Manila. The commemoration of WEHD

is the first official celebration in the

Philippines after President Rodrigo Roa

Duterte signed Proclamation 595,

declaring September 26 as World Environmental Health Day. The national theme for the

2019 observance is “Malusog na Kapaligiran, Sandigan ng Tunay na Kaunlaran”.

➢ National Clean Air Month / National Environmental Awareness Month and

Climate Change Consciousness Week

With the theme, “One Planet, One Nation: Sustaining Green Actions for a Safer

Climate,” the Bureau spearheaded the following events:

Page 28 of 40




National Awarding of the Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools

The EMB named the 2019 most sustainable and eco-friendly schools in the country,

honoring educational institutions nationwide in pursuing the best sustainable and eco-

friendly programs and activities. The awarding of winner was held at Novotel, Quezon

City on November 22.

This year’s winners were, Isabela State University - Cabagan Campus in Santiago

City, Isabela was hailed as National Champion under the College Category; Cebu

Normal University in Cebu City won second place; while Batangas State University

and John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, Bacolod Campus both won third place.

For the High School Category, the national champion was Santiago City National

High School, Isabela in Cagayan Valley; second place was Concepcion L. Cazeñas

Memorial School in Antique and the third place was awarded to Agusan Del Sur

National High School in Agusan Del Sur.

Under the Elementary School Category, North Caranan Elementary School in

Camarines Sur bagged the first place; Santiago North Central School SPED Center in

Cagayan Valley won second place and North Central Elementary School in Dagupan

City, Pangasinan, won third place.

RESEARCH AND LABORATORY SERVICES

Environmental Research Studies

Acid Deposition Monitoring and Research

Acid deposition monitoring and research in the Philippines are conducted in

accordance to activities under the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia

(EANET). The Philippines is one of the 13 member countries of EANET and the

Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is the National Center for EANET in the

Page 29 of 40




Philippines. The following activities have been conducted by the EMB for Acid

Deposition Monitoring and Research:

• Weekly deposition monitoring to provide fundamental data for the temporal and

spatial distribution of acid deposition in selected sites;

• Inland aquatic environment monitoring to gather data in assessing effects of

acid deposition on aquatic ecosystems;

• Catchment-scale monitoring to gather basic data in evaluating the effects of

acid deposition qualitatively and quantitatively on a catchment scale; and,

• Soil and vegetation monitoring to gather data in assessing effects of acid

deposition on terrestrial ecosystems.

a) Wet and Dry Acid Deposition Monitoring

A total of 53 wet deposition samples (including field blank samples) and 33

filter pack samples for dry deposition were collected for CY 2019. The wet

deposition samples collected included both rainwater and field blank samples

while dry deposition samples consisted of filter packs (four-level).

b) Inland Aquatic Environment Monitoring

Quarterly monitoring of Lake Pandin, study site for Inland Aquatic

Environment (IAE) Monitoring, was carried-out. A total 4 lake water samples

(two lake water and two field blank) were collected.

A report entitled “Long-term trend analysis of acidity, alkalinity,

conductivity and ionic trends of water at Pandin Lake, San Pablo, Laguna

Philippines” in relation to the Inland Aquatic Environment Monitoring of

EANET was prepared and submitted. The objective of the report is to firstly

accumulate a baseline data based on the data gathered and be able to evaluate

the current situation of the lake; and, secondly to detect impacts of acid

deposition on inland aquatic environment in its early stages.

c) Catchment-scale Monitoring

Monthly collection of stream water samples at the La Mesa Watershed

Catchment Area was conducted to gather baseline data as input in the

interpretation of seasonal changes in stream water chemistry based on

atmospheric deposition and/or other biogeochemical pathways. One sampling

station (vicinity of Tower 1) was identified as catchment-scale sampling point

during the survey by the ACAP Technical Mission and EMB staff last 29

January 2019. For CY 2019, a total of 12 stream water samples were collected.

d) Soil and Vegetation Monitoring

The Philippines, as a member of the network, monitors and reports changes

in vegetation and soil periodically at selected location in the country to

determine the extent and impact of acid deposition in this part of the East Asian

region. Several of the monitoring plots established in the Philippines are in La

Mesa Watershed, a watershed surrounded by urban development. This

watershed is highly impacted by Metro Manila and other surrounding towns

and cities, thus, a very strategic area for assessing whatever impact air pollution

Page 30 of 40




has on forest ecosystems. For CY 2019, a total of 20 soil samples were

collected.

Assessment of Perfluorinated Alkyls Substances (PFAS) and Polynuclear Aromatic

Hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels in Water and Sediments

The activity aims to assess the concentration levels of dioxins and furans in samples

collected from sites. The samples are proposed to be ambient air, soil and water samples to

be collected from sanitary landfills. The analysis will include 15 PAHs, including

Benzo(a)pyerene that is currently included in the DENR AO 2016-08, and 2 PFAS, namely

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). The data will be

used to determine extent of partitioning of these pollutants between the sediments, water

and suspended particulates in the water samples collected in each site. The generated data

from this activity will be useful in projecting the tendency of these pollutants for long-range

transport and in identifying the most viable route for transport in these environments.

The following activities were carried out in relation to this activity:

• 28 June 2019, Pre-sampling Coordination Meeting for the Polynuclear

Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAs)

Monitoring Project in Water/Wastewater and Sediments (Attended by 12

ERLSD personnel, two EQMD-WQMS personnel and one EQMD-CHMS

personnel)

• 18 September 2019, a coordination meeting with representatives of Pasig River

Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) and EQMD-Chemicals Management

Section was conducted in preparation for the collection of water and sediment

samples which was scheduled on 23-25 October 2019. The data gathered by the

PRRC from physico-chemical and metals analyses of water and sediments were

requested from the agency. These data will be used to assess the applicability

of the Pasig River Unified Monitoring System (PRUMS) to the objectives of

the researches.

Sampling of river water and sediments for PFAS and PAHs analysis was done in

October 2019 from the Pasig River Unified Monitoring Stations (PRUMS) in coordination

with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) and the Philippine Coast Guard

in Malacañang. Separate samples for these two analytes were collected due to

incompatibilities in the sampling container requirements. Analysis of PAHs from water

samples were done using Solid-Phase Extraction, while Pressurized Fluid Extraction was

used for sediment extraction. Additional sampling activities must be done this 2020 to

complete the target of 2 sampling events each for the wet and the dry season.

Bioindicators for the Assessment, Protection and Restoration of Aquatic Health

This study aims to identify and develop biological indicators for the assessment of

water quality aimed to support certain provisions of Republic Act No. 9275 (Philippine

Clean Water Act of 2004). Biological characterization thru biological indicators and

indices can complement chemical and physical characteristics of the aquatic environment,

providing a more meaningful assessment of the quality of both inland and marine waters

and can be another tool to improve water quality management. For CY 2019, a total of 54

environmental samples (river water and sediments) were collected for this activity.

Page 31 of 40




The aquatic habitat during the dry season sampling was observed to be composed

of rocky to muddy substrate with lush vegetation. Post-processing (consists of sorting,

counting and preservation) and pre-identification of macroinvertebrates collected during

the dry season sampling and the wet season sampling were conducted in May 2019 and in

November 2019, respectively. The specimens will still be submitted to a certified

authenticator (i.e., Philippine National Museum) for verification. A total of 312

macroinvertebrates were collected, post-processed and pre-identified.

A report entitled “Assessment of water quality of wadeable stream from selected

sampling sites at the La Mesa Watershed using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators was

also prepared.

Analysis of Environmental Samples

For CY 2019, the Bureau was able to analyze a total of 49,379 environmental

samples (consisting of 9,700 environmental samples for 1st quarter; 13,205 environmental

samples for 2nd quarter; 12,744 environmental samples for 3rd quarter and 13,460

environmental samples for 4th quarter) [inclusive of QA/ QC samples], to support the

various monitoring activities and projects (i.e., Acid Deposition Monitoring, Catchment-

scale Monitoring, Soil and Vegetation Monitoring, Bioindicators project, Air and Water

Quality Monitoring, EMB-CO Laboratory Wastewater Holding Tank Monitoring, Manila

Bay Rehabilitation Project, etc.). The analyzed samples resulted in a total of 219,821

determinations (consisting of 42,465 sample determinations for 1st quarter; 53,910 sample

determinations for 2nd quarter; 64,113 sample determinations for 3rd quarter and 59,333

sample determinations for 4th quarter) for the considered parameters such as BOD, COD,

nutrients, heavy metals, POPs, etc.

Training / Capacity Building

2019 Interlaboratory Comparison Exercises for DENR-EMB Analysts

The conduct of the Interlaboratory Comparison Exercises for EMB Central and

Regional laboratory personnel was successfully carried-out on 15-24 May 2019 at the EMB

Central Office Laboratory Building, DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon

City.

The Exercises focused on the conduct of sampling and analysis of selected

parameters for ambient air and stationary source emissions that included Suspended

Particulate Matter – TSP, PM10, and PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone and

various metals in particulates for ambient air; and Sulfur Oxides and Nitrogen Oxides for

stationary source emission. Lectures on sampling handling, pre-treatment and

determinative analysis of the above-mentioned parameters was presented.

In addition, overview on the requirements of dioxins and furans analysis in ambient

air and stationary source emissions, technological advancements on different instruments

for use in environmental analysis, included those on various microbiological parameters in

water and wastewater was also included. The said activity was participated in by 70

technical personnel from of the EMB Central and Regional Offices.

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Training-Workshop on the Calibration/Maintenance including Installation,

Operational and Performance Qualification (IQ, OQ, and PQ) Requirements of

Dioxins and Furans Sampling Equipment; and Measurement of Uncertainty in

Chemical Analysis

The conduct of the Training-Workshop on the Calibration/Maintenance of Dioxins

and Furans Sampling Equipment and Measurement of Uncertainty in Chemical Analysis

was successfully carried-out on 4-8 November 2019 at the Upper Story Serviced

Apartments, Cubao, Quezon City.

The training-workshop was organized to strengthen the capabilities of technical

personnel from the EMB Central and Regional Offices on the determination of dioxins and

furans specifically the sampling equipment used, and the equipment validation required.

The said activity was participated in by 60 technical personnel from of the EMB Central

and Regional Offices

Implementation of DAO 98-63 (Environmental Laboratory Recognition Scheme)

DAO No. 98-63 defines the guidelines for the designation of DENR recognized

environmental laboratories. It aims to: (a) complement DENR analytical facilities for

environmental characterization and monitoring, environmental impact assessment,

pollution control and management, and research and development; (b) involve the private

sector in environmental analytical services; (c) harmonize laboratory analytical procedures

and techniques; and (d) promote the use of QA/QC practices in environmental

measurements.

The ELR scheme covers 38 parameters for water and wastewater, 10 parameters

for ambient air and stack emission, and 15 parameter groups for sediment and biota. The

ELR process involves five steps: (a) Level 1 (Application Phase); (b) Level 2 (Laboratory

Inspection and Assessment); (c) Level 3 (Proficiency Testing); (d) Level 4 (Review and

Evaluation of Data and Information); and (e) Level 5 (Issuance of Certificate of

Recognition).

The following activities were carried out during CY 2019:

• Initial assessment for one applicant laboratory;

• Level 2 assessment conducted for 12 applicant laboratories;

• Evaluation and review of laboratory documents conducted by the TAG-LR

for 33 applicant laboratories;

• Assessment of 39 applicant DENR recognized environmental laboratories;

• Regional laboratory assessment conducted for 15 EMB regional

laboratories; and

• Conduct of Proficiency testing exercise.

POLLUTION ADJUDICATION BOARD (PAB)

The Pollution Adjudication Board is a quasi-judicial body created under Section 19

of Executive Order 192 for the adjudication of pollution cases. Organizationally, the PAB

is under the supervision of the Office of the DENR Secretary, the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) while the EMB is the one mandated by law

to provide Secretariat support to the PAB.

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In CY 2019, Four Hundred Ninety Four (494) PAB Orders/Resolutions were

issued. Out of the total resolutions issued, sixty (60) firms were issued with Cease and

Desist Orders (CDO), one hundred forty-four (144) cases were resolved (Final Lifting

Order) and twenty (20) cases were issued Temporary Lifting Order (TLO). Other

resolutions such as Show Cause Order, Imposition of Fines and others with a total of two

hundred seventy (270) (See Figure 7).

Cases Handled in 2019

FLO 144

CDO 60

TLO 20

Others (Fines,

Dismissed, etc.) 270

Total 494

Figure 7: Orders/Resolutions Issued CY 2019

The pollution cases lodged before the PAB does not end by merely complying with

the DENR standard. Once found that the firm already complied with the DENR

requirement, fines and penalties will be imposed upon the respondent for their previous

violations. In line with that, the fines and penalties collected by the PAB from January to

December 2019 amounted to Php 80,183,228.00 (See Figure 8).

Figure 8: Contributions to Government Fund

144.00

60.00

20.00

270.00

Orders/Resolutions Issued (CY 2019)

FLO

CDO

TLO

Others

42,814,373

19,568,855

17,800,000

Fines Collected (CY 2019)

RA 9275

PD 984

RA 8749

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INNOVATIONS

Improvement to Online Permitting and Monitoring System (OPMS):

The OPMS was upgraded to further improve the tracking of controlled

chemicals specifically sodium cyanide from importation to end-users. The inventory

module of OPMS limits the distribution of the chemicals to registered users only. It

also provides the EMB easy monitoring on the movement of the sodium cyanide

nationwide.

Figure 9: Online Permitting and Monitoring System Interface

The OPMS- PICCS online verification system was also operationalized starting

November 2019. This simple verification tool provides guidance to chemical

distributor, importers and end-users to secure the appropriate EMB chemical-related

permits. It can also generate a printable report which can be presented by the importer

to the Bureau of Customs for reference purposes.

The Wastewater Discharge Permit module was also updated to cater onetime

payment for both the application and discharge fee.

Improvement to Environmental Impact Assessment System (EIAS):

The ECC Online applications monitoring dashboard was developed and

introduced to regional offices to easily keep track the location and status of ECC

applications. It provides an overall visibility (with incurred days) of the applications

pending with the region vis-à-vis with the processing time commitments.

SMS notification was also incorporated to ECC online which provides

immediate feedback to proponent when application is returned for appropriate action

or once approved.

The Compliance Monitoring Report Online (CMR) was also expanded to

include the semi-annual submission of CMR for the Non-Environmentally Critical

Project (Non-ECP)

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Figure 10: Compliance Monitoring System (CMR) Online Interface

Hazardous Waste Manifest Tracking System (HWMTS):

HWMTS was developed and expected to undergo testing by January 2020. The

enhanced version implements self-service in the generation of the manifest which

eliminates unnecessary review and provide more emphasis on the monitoring aspect.

Figure 11: Hazardous Waste Manifest Tracking System Interface

Planning and Administrative Support Systems

The payroll system of the Bureau was upgraded. This includes deployment of

additional biometric devices and self-service portal wherein employee can now be able to

print and view the DTR, apply/monitoring of leave/Official Business, and updating of 201

file.

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Applicant Assistance KIOSK

KIOSK with computers was established in every EMB regional office to assist

walk-in clients. The area is equipped with computers and scanners which can be used by

applicant with the guidance from by Planning and Information System Management Unit

(PISMU).

Figure 12: EMB Region 4B Online Kiosk

Figure 13: EMB CAR Online Kiosk

Internet Based-Payments

Applicant may now able to pay the corresponding permit/clearance fee/s through

the LandBank Internet-based facility using a Landbank ATM (Saving, Current, Debit),

Bancnet-Member Banks ATM Cards, and Globe GCash.

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Mapping

Corresponding budget was downloaded to regional offices for the procurement of

ArcGIS mapping software. The software will be used in the effort to intensify the mapping

activities of the EMB to support spatial planning and other management purposes (See

Annex U - Maps).

Records Digitization

EMB Regional Offices already established their records digitization infrastructure.

This initiative ensures that corresponding and unadulterated digital copies of the physical

documents are in-place. Training was also conducted to prepare the regional users in using

the Integrated Information System (IIS) which will be adopted starting January 1, 2020.

The IIS will act as a centralized document management system of the EMB.

EMB Network Infrastructure

The ICT resource of the EMB central and regional offices was also improved to

meet the ICT operational requirements of the EMB Online Systems which include:

1. Replacement of 2014 acquired computers;

2. Upgrading of Local Area Network and Internet Bandwidth;

3. Procurement of additional server & Upgrading of Server-side resource; and

4. Replacement of pirated software and deployment of end-point protection.

ICT Resource Planning

The PPPDD conducted ICT resource planning for the preparation of the Agency-

wide Information System Strategic Plan (ISSP) for 2021-2023 wherein ICT inventory

together with the 3-Yr ICT plan of central and regional offices will be consolidated,

reviewed, and submitted to MITHI Secretariat.

III. PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

See Annex V - EMB Priority Program Accomplishment Report for CY 2019

IV. PROSPECTS FOR CY 2020

Clean Air Program

Under the Clean Air Program, the following are the expected outputs, policies/guidelines

to be drafted in CY 2020:

➢ Establishing an Air Quality Network Center using a uniform Data Acquisition and

Handling System (DAHS) which shall act as repository of Industrial Emission of Firms

required to install Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) / Continuous

Opacity Monitoring System (COMS)

➢ Compliance Monitoring of Firms/Industries

➢ Monitoring of harmful pollutants to come up with a comprehensive analysis of air

quality in Metro Manila and other major urban cities (Maintain/Operationalize the Air

Quality Automatic Monitoring Stations in major urban cities nationwide)

➢ Garage Testing and Technical Assistance thru free emission testing and IEC on fuel

efficiency and management and regular maintenance

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➢ Monitoring of Private Emission Testing Center (PETC)

➢ Designation of Airsheds and operationalization of their Governing Boards

Proposed policies in CY 2020

➢ Guidelines in the establishment of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) Air Quality Index

(AQI) Breakpoints

➢ Guidelines on the Online Permitting Management (OPMS) System for Stationary

Sources specifically the Permit to Operate (PTO)

➢ Guidelines on the Installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) on all Stationary

Sources (Amending DAO 2017-14)

➢ Guidelines on the National Emission Standards for Source Specific Air Pollutants

(NESSSAP) based on Mass Emission Rate Standards (MERS) for Stationary Sources

➢ Revised Guidelines for CEMS with Modification and Clarification to DAO 2000 – 81

and DAO 2007 – 22

➢ Guidelines on Oxygen Correction Factor for Stack Emission Testing

➢ Guidelines on the Accreditation of CEMS / COMS Audit Service Providers

Clean Water Program

For Clean Water Program, the following are the expected outputs policies/guidelines to be

drafted in CY 2020:

➢ Compliance Monitoring of Firms/Industries

➢ Ambient Water Quality Monitoring (Priority Rivers, Recreational Waters and Other

Waterbodies)

➢ Undertake massive clean-up of waterbodies through the Adopt-an-Estero/ Waterbody

Program

➢ Classification of additional fifty-two (52) waterbodies according to its best usage


➢ Development of Wastewater Charge System

➢ Review and possible amendment of DAO 2016-08 “Water Quality Guidelines and

General Effluent Standardsof 2016”

➢ Development of Guidelines for the Non-Attainment Area

➢ Installation of Real-time Monitoring System for Effluent Water Quality Monitoring

➢ Development of Industry Specific Effluent Standard for Restaurants

➢ Development of Industry Specific Effluent Standard for Oil and Gas Industry

➢ Development of Guidelines for the Discharge Permit Application and Issuance

Solid Waste Management Program

The Solid Waste Management Program are expected to achieve the following outputs,

policies/guidelines to be drafted in CY 2020:

➢ Provide capacity Development to Stakeholders on Alternative Waste Management

Technologies

➢ Increase LGUs compliance in the implementation of RA 9003

➢ Implementation of Waste to Energy Guidelines

➢ Monitoring of all funded MRFs and dumpsite closure and rehabilitation activities

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➢ Support to conduct of Feasibility Study on Clustering of LGUs for Common Disposal

Facility (1 per Region)

➢ Provision of Composter and Shredder to 99 cities and 625 municipalities nationwide.

➢ Provision of plastic factory to 69 Provinces in the Country


➢ Development of Guidelines on the Construction and Operation of Residual

Containment Area (RCA), Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Transfer Stations

➢ Development of Guidelines on the Clustering of LGUs for Sanitary Landfill and Waste

to Energy Facilities

Research Studies

The following are the expected research studies to be drafted/formulated in CY 2020:

➢ Review of analytical methods for the analysis of ambient air and stationary source

emissions

➢ Effect of various holding times to BOD analysis

➢ Preparation of National Action Plan on Land-Based Pollution

➢ Preparation of National Research and Development Program for the Prevention and

Control of Water Pollution

➢ Development of Sediment Collection Manual

➢ Development of Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index (MMI) for Water Quality

Assessment of Wadeable Rivers - Luzon

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V. ANNEXES

Annex A DAO 2019-15: Designation of the Boracay Island Water Quality

Management and Conservation Area (WQMACA) and Creation of its

Governing Board

Annex B DAO 2019-16: Streamlining the Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) Process and Requirements for Projects under the Build Build Build

Program

Annex C DAO 2019-17: Chemical Control Order for Arsenic and Arsenic

Compounds

Annex D DAO 2019-18: Polymers and Polymer of Low Concern (PLC)

Exemption from the Pre-Manufacture and Pre-Importation Notification

(PMPIN) Process

Annex E DAO 2019-20: Revised Chemical Control Order for Mercury and

Mercury Compounds (Revising DAO 1997-38)

Annex F DAO 2019-21: Guidelines Governing Waste to Energy (WtE) Facilities

for the Integrated Management of Municipal Solid Waste

Annex G DMC 2019-07: Additional List of Classified Waterbodies

Annex H Memorandum from the Secretary: Revoking Memorandum from the

Secretary dated 02 March 2009 on Sulfur Dioxide Ambient Air

Monitoring to Ensure Protection of Public Health

Annex I EMB MC 2019-001: Supplementary clarification on the coverage of

DAO 2016-08 relative to the granting of not more than five (5) years

grace period

Annex J EMB MC 2019-002: Clarification to the Registration and Importation

Clearance Requirements for Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Cyanide

and Cyanide Compounds under DENR Administrative Order No. 97-39

Annex K EMB MC 2019-003: Updated Guidelines in the Processing and Issuance

of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for Category B Projects

Annex L EMB MC 2019-004: Advance Training Modules for Pollution Control

Officers (PCOs)

Annex M EMB MC 2019-005: Procedures on Electronic Payment for

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Certificate of Non-

Coverage (CNC) Online Application

Annex N EMB MC 2019-006: Implementation of Online Processing and

Monitoring of Chemical Control Order (CCO) Registration Certificates,

CCO Importation Clearances, Pre-Shipment Importation Clearance

(PSIC), Small Quantity Importation (SQI) Clearances and Ozone

Depleting Substances (ODS) Alternatives

Annex O EMB MC 2019-007: Guidelines for the Conduct of Isokinetic Sampling

in Tapered Stack

Annex P EMB MC 2019-008: Adopting the National Solid Waste Management

Commission (NSWMC) Resolution No. 669 Series of 2016 “Guidelines

Governing the Establishment and Operation of Waste to Energy (WtE)

Technologies for Municipal Solid Waste”

Annex Q EMB MC 2019-009: Harmonization on the Implementation of EMB MC

No. 2019-003

Annex R Map of the 38 Designated Water Quality Management Area (WQMA)

Annex S List of EMB-Recognized Training Organizations / Institutions for

Pollution Control Officers (PCOs) - (Basic and Advanced)

Annex T Annual Narrative Report of Foreign-Assisted Projects and Special

Projects for CY 2019

Annex U Maps

Annex V EMB Priority Program Accomplishment Report for CY 2019

Documents

ANNUAL REPORT FOR CY 2019 - emb.gov.ph