Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session
House Bill No. 234

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was first introduced at the First Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress. It
seeks to amend the Local Government Code by making it mandatory for all provinces, cities, and

municipalities to appoint an environment and natural resources officer.

‘As we face the effects of climate change, global warming, environmental degradation,
land, air and water pollution, resource depletion, rising sea levels, and other equally disturbing
‘environmental crisis, the need to make immediate and drastic actions to address them now, more
than ever becomes apparent.

In today’s era of rapid growth, development, and industrialization, concerns for the
environment oftentimes take the back seat. As a result, countless times, we have seen our
countrymen fall victim to man-made disasters which could have easily been prevented had there
been sound environmental plans, policies, and programs at the local government unit level.

Under Section 484 of the Local Government Code of 1991, an environment and natural
resources management officer shall be (1) a citizen of the Philippines; (2) resident of the local
government unit, (3) of good moral character, (4) holder of a college degree, preferably in
‘environment, forestry, agriculture or any related course; (5) a first grade civil service eligible; and
(6) must have acquired experience in environmental and natural resources management,
conservation, and utilization of at least five (5) years for provinces and cities, and three (3) years
for municipalities.

The environment and natural resources officer shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical
assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities
relative to environment and natural resources services as provided for under Section 17
of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof, by the governor or mayor,
as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with
environment and natural resources programs and projects which the governor or mayor is
‘empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under
this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the environment and natural
resources officer shall:


(i) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds,
tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest projects and
commercial forest, like industrial tree farms and agro-forestry projects;

(li) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development
projects and technical, financial and infrastructure assistance;

(iii) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for forest
and tree park:

(iv) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development
projects and render assistance for natural resources-related conservation
and utilization activities consistent with ecological balance;

(v) Promote the small-scale mining and utilization of mineral resources,
particularly mining of gold;

(vi) Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental
organizations in the implementation of measures to prevent and control
land, air and water pollution with the assistance of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources;

(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment and natural
resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the environment during and in
the aftermath of man-made and natural calamities and disaster

(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, on all matters relative to the protection, conservation maximum utilization, application
‘of appropriate technology and other matters related to the environment and natural
resources; and

(6) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.

In light of the foregoing and taking into consideration the qualifications, duties and
responsibilities of an environment and natural resource officer, it could be said that his
appointment is not only necessary but indispensable. At all times, there should be a responsible
officer equipped with the required expertise to watch over ‘the environment. Sadly, as our law
Stands today, the appointment of an environment and natural resources officer stil remains
‘optional. The tendency then becomes that local government units opt to not make such
appointment.

For these reasons, | eamestly urge my esteemed colleagues in the House of
Representatives to join me in seeking immediate approval of this Bill.

LOYOLA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session
234

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

AN ACT MAKING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
OFFICER MANDATORY IN ALL PROVINCES, CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES,
‘AMENDED,

AMENDING SECTION 484 (a) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160 AS
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 484 (a) of Republic Act No. 7160 as amended, otherwise known as

the “Local Government Code of 1991" is hereby further amended as follows:

* SEC. 484. Qualifications, Powers and Duties. - (a) xx
The appointment of the environment and natural resources officer is [optional]

MANDATORY for the provincial, city, and municipal governments.”

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in any two (2)

newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,