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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU- CAR

REGIONAL PROFILE


I. Mandates

The EMB Regional Offices which include the Cordillera Administrative
Region were created by virtue Republic Act 8749 otherwise known as the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 which converted the EMB from a staff bureau
to a line bureau.

EMB-CAR is mandated to implement policies and programs on
environment and natural resources management to include the prevention and
control of pollution from all sources in the region and make recommendations
on the need for policy amendments and/or improvements.

It also aims to implement the mandate of the Philippine Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) system through the evaluation of application for
Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) of projects falling under its
purview.

EMB-CARs operation is guided by its mission that:

THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU-CORDILLERA
ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
PROTECTION AND PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
SPECIFICALLY ATMOSPHERIC, LAND AND SURFACE WATER AS WELL
AS IN REGULATING INDUSTRIES AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW AND TO ENSURE SYMBIOSIS WITH
NATURE TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CORDILLERA
FOR THE WELFARE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

Further, it envisions:

TO SEE CAR OF BLUE SKIES, UNPOLLUTED WATERS AND CLEAN
LAND; A REGION OF PROGRESS IN ACCORD AND HARMONY WITH THE
NATURAL RHYTHM OF ITS ENVIRONMENT

POLICY DIRECTIONS

The agencys operating principle is anchored on the principle of
sustainable development. It has been its policy to implement a system-oriented
and integrated approach in the implementation of environmental laws. That is
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to ensure a rational balance between socio-economic development and
environmental protection.
The environmental policies for implementation should encourage
cooperation and self-regulation among citizens.
The Philippine EIS system on the other hand is continuously being
improved to be supplementary and complimentary to other existing laws and
better serve as a planning and regulatory tool.

MAJOR THRUSTS

EMB-CARs major thrusts and programs include the following:
IMPLEMENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SYSTEM

Consistent with the principles of sustainable development, it is the
policy of the DENR through the EMB to implement a systems-oriented and
integrated approach to the EIS system to ensure a rational balance between
socio-economic development and environmental protection for the benefit of
the present and future generations.

The Philippine EIS system covers projects which have been originally
declared as Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or projects located in
Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) presumed to have significant impacts on
the quality of the environment.

The EMB-CAR is tasked to implement the mandate of the Philippine EIS
system in Metro Manila more particularly for projects located in
Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs). Thus, the region was granted an authority
to grant or deny ECC/CNC application for projects to be implemented in Metro
Manila.

AIR QUALITY MONITORING

The powers and functions of the defunct National Pollution Control
Commission which include monitoring of the air quality was passed on to the
DENR through the EMB after the promulgation of Executive Order 192 in 1988.

EMB-CAR continued the task of monitoring the air quality in the CAR
especially the BLIST areas. The parameters being monitored are limited to
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.

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As in the previous years, air quality monitoring for 2010 was provided
financial support by the World Bank through the Environment and Natural
Resources Management Project. Thus enabling the regional office to establish
and operate additional monitoring stations.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING

EMB-CAR is likewise involved in monitoring the quality of the regions
water bodies. Water quality monitoring involves the determination of the
degree of pollution present in the forty two (42) major river systems within the
thirteen (13) major watershed basins of Northern Philippines. The region is
dubbed as the Watershed Cradle of the North. These major rivers are the
Balili River, Agno River, Ambalanga River, Bokod River, Alenod River, Eddet
River, Caling River, Adunot River, Amburayan River, Asin-Galiano River, Pugo
River, Budacao River, Depanay River Bued River and Lake Ambulalakaw, All in
the province of Benguet. In Abra province, we have the Abra River and Tineg
River, in Kalinga, Chico River, Saltan River, Pasil River and Tanudan Rivers.
In Mt. Province, Balitian River, Talubin River, Amlusong River, Malitep River
and Bayudan River. In Apayao, Upper and Lower Nagan River, Ziwana River,
Barren River, Upper and Lower Malunog River, Zumigue River, Abulog-Apayao
River, Binuan River, Malabanig River, Laco River, Karagawan River, Akutan,
Nabuangan River and Cabicungan River while in Ifugao, we have Lamut River,
Alimit River and Ibulao River.

Some of the the river systems are currently in a state of rapid
degradation and are considered as biologically dead. Efforts to improve their
quality had been the one of the major goals of the regional office.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 9003

Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000 is an act that provides for an ecological solid wastes
management program, creates the necessary institutional mechanism and
incentives, declares certain acts prohibited and provides penalties and
appropriate funds thereof and for other purposes.

The private and the public sector are encouraged to participate by
retaining primary enforcement and responsibility of solid wastes management
of the local government units while establishing a cooperative effort among the
national government thru the DENR, other local government units, non-
government organizations and the private sector.

The EMB-CAR is tasked to monitor LGUs implementation of the Act and
provide technical assistance towards its effective implementation.
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IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 6969

Republic Act 6969 is otherwise known as the Toxic Substances,
Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 . DAO 29 series of 1992
provides specific guidelines for the implementation of Title II (Toxic Chemical
Substances) and Title III (Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes). An integral
component of the implementation of Republic Act 6969 pertains to Chemical
Control Order limit which regulates prohibit the use, manufacture, import,
export, transport, processing, storage , possession and wholesale of chemicals
listed under the Priority Chemical List (PCL).

EMB-CAR is mandated to register firms/projects found to be generating
Hazardous Wastes through the issuance of a Hazardous Wastes Generator ID
No. This enables the regional inventory of the hazardous wastes being
generated in the region and thereby keep track of the destination of said
wastes.

REPUBLIC ACT 8749, THE CLEAN AIR ACT

Republic Act 8749, known as the Clean Air Act of 1998, provides for a
comprehensive policy for air pollution control. The Act was enacted to manage
and improve the air quality in the Philippines.

It mandates the EMB and its regional offices to regulate emissions from
stationary sources and oversee the implementation of the law on mobile
sources.
IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 9512- ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND
EDUCATION ACT OF 2008

The Act mandated the DENR to be the primary agency responsible for
periodically informing all other agencies concerned on current environmental
updates, identifying priority environmental education issues for national action
and providing strategic advice on the environmental education activities.


11. ORGANIZATIONAL SET-UP AND MANPOWER COMPLEMENT


EMB-CAR is headed by a Regional Director who manages the over-all
operation of the Regional Office. He is backed up by five (5) Divisions, namely
the Pollution Control Division (PCD), the Environmental Impact Assessment
and Monitoring Division (EIAMD), the Administrative and Finance Division
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(AFD), Legal and Environmental Education Division (LEED) and the Planning
and Programming, Statistics and Management Information System Division
(PPSMISD).

The EIAMD, AFD LEED and PPSMISD are ad hoc Divisions headed by
permanent personnel whose position items belong to the Pollution Control
Division (PCD), which is the lone regular division created under Executive
Order 192. The ad-hoc divisions were created in consonance with the
provision of the Clean Air Act which converted the EMB from a staff bureau to a
line bureau. As of December 2011, the regional office has a total manpower
complement of 41 (31 Permanent, and 10 Contract of Service). Its total
plantilla position however is only 31.

The main task of the Regional Office involves enforcement of
environmental laws within the region. The Legal Officer of the Legal and
Environmental Education Division presides in the technical conferences and
provides legal assistance in the pursuance of cases involving violation of
environmental laws. Penalties for violation of Presidential Decree 1586 are
imposed strictly based on set guidelines in the Procedural Manual prepared
specifically for PD 1586 implementation.

Other critical ECC related cases are endorsed to EMB-Central Offices
Legal Division.

Cases involving non-compliance to the provision of RA 6969 are as
much as possible resolved through the conduct of technical conferences within
the regional office.

On the other hand, cases involving violation of the Clean Air Act and the
Clean Water Act are endorsed to the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB).

The earlier mentioned Divisions are composed of several sections
whose functions and responsibilities are as follows:


POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION (PCD)

The Pollution Control Division (PCD) is primarily responsible for the effective
implementation of Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act), Republic Act 9275 (Clean
Water Act) and Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Nuclear and
Hazardous Waste Control Act) in EMB-CARs Area of jurisdiction. It is headed
by a Division Chief who is backed up by following sections:


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Toxic Chemicals, Hazardous Wastes and Permitting Section
(TCHWPS)

This section is responsible for the enforcement of RA 6969 (Toxic
Substances and Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Control Act of 1990).
Specifically, it is responsible for the issuance of Hazardous Waste Generators
ID, Transport Permit, Certification on Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and
Chemical Substances (PICCS), Small Quantity Importation Clearance (SQI),
Registration for Importation/Use/ Manufacture of Chemicals under Chemical
Control Order (CCO) for Mercury, Cyanide, PCB and Asbestos, Certificate of
Registration for Importation of ODS and Alternative Chemical Substances,
Service Provider Registration under CCO, Asbestos and PCB.

Air Quality Management and Multimedia Monitoring Section
(AQMMS)

AQMS collects ambient air samples in the designated sampling stations
and provides periodic and annual assessment of the ambient air quality in
Metro Manila. It is also responsible for the evaluation of applications and
recommendations for the issuance of Permit to Operate (POA) air pollution
source installations.

The section also undertakes multimedia monitoring of firms within the
region in collaboration with the Toxic chemicals, Hazardous Waste & Permitting
Section.

Water Quality Section (WQS)

Personnel assigned to this Section are tasked to collect water samples
at 133 sampling stations strategically spread out at forty two (42) major rivers in
order to evaluate the seasonal and annual physical and chemical
characteristics of the river water.

This Section likewise takes the lead in the implementation of the Adopt-
an Estero Project and other activities related to DENRs compliance to the
Sagip Ilog Program.

Research Development and Laboratory Services Section (LSS)

This section conducts the laboratory analyses, evaluation and
interpretation of results of analyses of the air and water samples submitted by
the technical staff of the Office.

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They are also responsible for the Acid Deposition and Monitoring
(EANET) as the remote sampling station for Wet and Dry Deposition, Inland
Aquatic Monitoring Station and Soil and Water Vegetation Monitoring Station.



ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING DIVISION
(EIAMD)

EIAMD is responsible for the implementation of Presidential Decree
1586 (Environmental Impact Statement System of the Philippines) within the
Region. In particular, it evaluates ECC applications for projects located in
Environmentally Critical Areas. It also issues Certificates of Non-Coverage
(CNC) for projects determined to be outside the purview of the Philippine EIS
System. It is headed by a Division Chief who is backed up by following
sections:

Review and Assessment Section

Evaluates applications for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
and Certificates of Non-Coverage. It is also tasked to prepare and recommend
issuance/denial of ECCs/CNCs.


ECC Compliance Monitoring Section


Conducts compliance monitoring of proponents to the stipulations and
conditions of the ECCs issued by the regional office. It also conducts
investigation of complaints related to violations of EIS System in the areas
under its jurisdiction.


Solid Wastes Management Section (SWMS)

Conducts survey/inventory of solid waste management facilities of the
LGUs and private sectors. It also provides technical assistance on the
conversion of open dumpsite into
controlled dumpsite per RA 9003.


PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING, STATISTICS AND MIS

The Division in general undertakes planning and programming,
monitoring and assessment of programs/activities of the region. It acts as
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coordinator for the overall activities of the region in establishing and maintaining
management information system and databases.

Further, it provides updated and timely statistics and information for
planning and information dissemination purposes. It is complemented by three
sections namely: Planning & Programming Section, and the MIS & Statistics
Section.


Planning and Programming Section (PPS)

PPS is tasked to prepare work and financial plans, work programs for the
regions operation. It also monitors the regional offices accomplishment and
performances vis--vis targets.


Statistics and Management Information System (MIS) Section

Maintains the regional offices databases. It is also tasked to consolidate
data and serves as the repository of the regional offices statistical data.


LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DIVISION (LEED)

Legal Services and Adjudication of Pollution Cases

The section acts on pollution complaints received by the Office
and if needed further elevates to the PAB for proper adjudication. They also
implements PAB orders and cases and presides during technical conferences.

Environmental Education and Information Section (EEIS)

The Environmental Education Section is mandated to undertake
information dissemination on environmental issues and concerns. It also
prepares annual regional air quality status reports, Regional State of Brown
Environment Report and other narrative reports required by the EMB-Central
Office . It also conducts environmental protection related seminar/lectures to
various stakeholders of the region. It is also responsible in doing coordination
works relative to the conduct of special events in the region.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE DIVISION

The Administrative and Finance Division provides general administrative
services pertaining to human resources, records, & property management, and
other forms of support to the operations. It also renders budgeting, cashiering
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and accounting services. It is headed by a Division Chief who is backed up by
following sections:


Personnel Section (PS)

Responsible for the development and maintenance of personnel
programs which includes recruitment, selection, appointment, performance
evaluation, employee claims and welfare services.

Records Section

Responsible for the maintenance of records, official receipt of
documents and messengerial services.

Supply and Procurement Section

Responsible for the procurement, repairs & maintenance of office
equipment and properties, updating/inventory of properties, as well as the
implementation & monitoring of supplies and property management programs
of the Office.

Budget Section

Responsible for the preparation and administration of the regional
offices budget.

Accounting Section

Responsible for the maintenance of books of accounts including the
subsidiary records in accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules
and regulations, and submission of financial reports as required by COA and
CO.

Cashier Section

Responsible for the payments of vouchers, and submission of
accountability reports as required by COA and CO. It also responsible for the
release of wages & remuneration, and other benefits for the personnel.

Collection Section

Responsible for the collection and deposit of revenues, submission of
accountability reports as required by COA and CO, preparation of daily
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collections and deposits, preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports
of collections and deposits of the regional office.