PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. COUNTRY REPORT PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES NESTOR V. PATNUGOT Environmental Management Specialist II DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, Region XI

2. 1. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTICIPANT

3. Information About the Participants Name of Participant : NESTOR V. PATNUGOT Present Position : Environmental Management Specialist II Present Duties in the Organization: I am presently assigned at the Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring Division specifically as Chief, Review, Assessment and Inspection Section of the DENR-EMB, Region XI, Lanang, Davao City, and performs the following duties and responsibilities, to wit: • Evaluates and conducts on-site inspection on projects which generates hazardous and toxic wastes e.g. dump site, gold mining projects, banana plantation, hospitals, industrial plants, etc.; • Review/evaluates documents application for ECC/CNC; • Attends EIA Review Committee meetings for projects located within an ECA and which are required to submit EIS document; • Assists in the conduct of Technical Conferences; • Assists in the formation of Multi-Partite Monitoring team; and • Assists in the implementation of various EMB mandated laws such as PD 1586, PD 984, RA 6969, RA 8749 and RA 9003.

4. Organizational Structure of Environmental Management BureauRegional Office REGIONAL DIRECTOR Interim Legal Section ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE Division My present assignment Source Emission Test Unit Planning Unit REVIEW, ASSESSMENT & INSPECTION SECTION Budget Unit Environmental Protection Section Chemicals & Hazardous Waste Management Section Cashier Unit Water Quality Monitoring Section Environmental Protection Unit I MONITORING & INVESTIGATION SECTION Accounting Unit Special Concern/ Solid Waste Mgt. Section Environmental Protection Unit II Personnel Unit Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Section Property/Supply Unit Environmental Protection III Records Unit Laboratory Services Section

5. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU PD 1586 PD 984 RA 6969 RA 8749 RA 8749 RA 9003

6. Expectation from the course: I expect to gain additional information relative to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), their management, mitigation/remediation measures, including the handling, storage, treatment and disposal. On the other hand, I also expect to gain insight about the culture, values, and traditions of the host country.

7. 2. General Description of Participant’s Country

10. Location The Philippines extends 1,152 miles (1,855 kilometers) from North to South, between Taiwan and Borneo, and 688 miles (1,108 kilometers) from East to West, and are bounded by the Philippine Sea on the West. Area It comprises 7,100 islands and has a total area of 300,000 square kilometers. The total land area is about 298,170 square kilometers and 1,830 kilometers of its water.

11. Population The population of the Philippines is increasing rapidly (from 21.8 million in 1955 to 76.5 million as of May 2002), placing great strains on the economy and on social services. The birthrate remains high despite government-sponsored family—planning programs introduced in 1970, while the death rate is about half that of the 1920s. About 50% of the people live on Luzon, with sizable populations on Cebu, Mindanao, Leyte, and Negros. Most Filipinos live in small villages called barrios in rural areas. Recent years, however, have seen large—scale migration from rural areas to the cities, especially MANILA, the capital. Nearly one in eight Filipinos lives in Metro Manila, which includes QUEZON CITY (the capital from 1948 to 1976), Caloocan, and Pasay. Other large cities include the ports of CEBU, DAVAO, and ZAMBOANGA.

12. THE PEOPLE Population (1996): 71,750,000Life Expectancy (at birth):Males--66.0 yrs; females--70.0 yrs. Official Languages: Pilipino Major Religions: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Aglipayan (Philippine Independent Church), Islam. THE ECONOMY Chief Agricultural Products:Crops--sugarcane, rice, coconuts, corn (maize), bananas, cassava, pineapples, mangoes, coffee, tobacco. Livestock--pigs, buffalo, goats, cattle, chickens. Chief Mined Products: Coal, nickel ore, copper concentrate, silver, gold, crude petroleum. Chief Manufactured Products: Food items, petroleum products, footwear and apparel, chemicals, electrical machinery, nonmetallic mineral products, beverages, tobacco. Foreign Trade: Imports, 61%; exports, 39%. Chief Exports: Electrical machinery and parts, clothing, coconut products, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, nonferrous metals, chemicals, wood products, bananas.

13. Geography The Philippines is within the Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the South China Sea and Philippine Sea, east of Vietnam. It has a 36,289 kilometer coastline. The terrain is predominantly mountainous with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands. The lowest point measuring 0 meter is at the Philippine Sea and the highest point with an elevation of 2,954 meters is the Mount Apo. Natural Resources such as gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, copper, petroleum, timber, and salt are found in the country. The Philippines is astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by 5 to 6 cyclonic storms per year. Landslides, active volcanoes, destructive earthquakes and tsunamis are identified natural hazards in the country. Climate The Philippine climate is characterized by tropical marine; Northeast monsoon from November to April; and Southwest monsoon from May to October.

14. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The Philippine economy, on the whole,continued to grow and gather strength in the first quarter of the year. Real gross domestic product (GDP), grew 3.8% in the first quarter this year, a significant improvement over the 2.9% growth rate registered in the same period last year. Adjusted for seasonality, real GDP grew 0.2% from the fourth quarter of 2001.

15. Status of Environmental Industry The Philippines, being both an agricultural and industrial country, uses significant amount of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Moreover, harmful pollutants are also emitted from various existing dumpsites and landfills. Likewise, there are lots of electric utilities that might be using transformers containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).

16. 3. Government intervention for Environmental Management and Control

17. OFFICE OF THE DENR SECRETARY Office of the Undersecretary for Local Government, Indigenous Peoples and Media Affairs Office of the Undersecretary For Policy and Planning Office of the Undersecretary for Environment and Natural Resources Operations Office of the Undersecretary for ENR Legal, Lands and International Affairs Office of the Undersecretary for Focal Point or National Coordinator for certain Commissions ASEC for Policy and Planning Mines & Geo-Science Bureau Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Land Mgt. Services Legal Services Planning & Policy Studies Service Forest Management Bureau Protected Areas & Wildlife Mgt. Bureau Eco. Systems Research & Dev’t. Bureau Administrative & Finance Service Environmental Planning & Policy Service Standard Setting & Monitoring Service Legal & Envt’l. Education Services Office of the Asst. Secretary for Foreign Assisted & Special Projects Regional Office Regional Office Foreign Investment Service Local Investment & Program Support Service Admin. & Finance Division Pollution Control Division Environmental Impact & Monitoring Division Legal & Environmental Education Division Planning & Programming, MIS & Stat. Division PENRO ARED for Operations ARED for Technical Services ARED for Legal Services & Public Affairs ARED for Administrative Services CENRO The Organization Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) My Function

18. Organizational Function Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) The DENR is the premier governmental institution engaged in environmental management and protection. As provided under Section 4 of Executive Order 192, the DENR is mandated to be the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, licensing, regulation and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources. Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) To spearhead the government’s efforts in environmental protection and management. The EMB was created as a staff bureau of the DENR and later became a line bureau as per Republic Act 8749, otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999”. The EMB Central Office is in-charge of the 16 Regional Offices throughout the country.

19. National Level ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE DENR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU EMB REGIONAL OFFICES

20. The EMB Regional Offices The Regional Offices is tasked to implement the environmental protection laws. One of these laws is the Republic Act 6969, otherwise known as “Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990”. It describes the regulatory and administrative framework currently in place in the Philippines for the management of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, which includes POPs.

21. Organizational Structure of Environmental Management BureauRegional Office REGIONAL DIRECTOR Interim Legal Section ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE Division My present assignment Source Emission Test Unit Planning Unit REVIEW, ASSESSMENT & INSPECTION SECTION Budget Unit Environmental Protection Section Chemicals & Hazardous Waste Management Section Cashier Unit Water Quality Monitoring Section Environmental Protection Unit I MONITORING & INVESTIGATION SECTION Accounting Unit Special Concern/ Solid Waste Mgt. Section Environmental Protection Unit II Personnel Unit Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Section Property/Supply Unit Environmental Protection III Records Unit Laboratory Services Section

22. Organizational Functions A. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION (EQD) • ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DIVISION (EIA) • Review, Assessment & Inspection Section • Monitoring and Investigation Section C. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE DIVISION

23. Laws and Regulations for Harmful Environmental Contaminants Republic Act 6969 - “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990” DENR Administrative Order No. 29 - “The Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 6969” Republic Act 8749 - “The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999” DENR Administrative Order No. 2000-18 - “The Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 8749” Presidential Decree No. 1144 - was promulgated to create the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) under the Department of Agriculture (DA). The FPA is a separate regulatory agency governing fertilizers and pesticides utilization in the country.

24. Laws and Regulations for Harmful Environmental Contaminants DENR Administrative Order No. 97-38 - “The Chemical Control Order for Mercury and Mercury Compounds”. This regulates the importation, manufacture, processing, use, transport and distribution of mercury and its compounds. DENR Administrative Order No. 97-39 - “The Chemical Control Order for Cyanide and Cyanide Compounds”. This regulates the importation, manufacture, processing, use, transport and distribution of cyanide and its compounds. DENR Administrative Order No. 2000-18 - “The Chemical Control Order for Ozone Depleting Substances”. This regulates the importation, manufacture, processing, use, transport and distribution of ozone depleting substances.

25. Laws and Regulations for Harmful Environmental Contaminants DENR Administrative Order No. 2000-02 - “The Chemical Control Order for Asbestos”. This is to control and regulate the use, import, storage, transport and disposal of asbestos. The Draft of the Chemical Control Order for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) - This regulates the importation, manufacture and industrial uses of PCBs. It also addresses the storage and disposal of wastes including the containers and discarded materials contaminated with this chemical.

26. The Status of Environmental Contaminants by Harmful Chemicals including POPs Target to be achieved this year is to conduct inventory of all sources of POPs in our country to include the Reduction and Elimination of POPs (Year 2003). There is an on-going nationwide survey on annual generation of hazardous wastes from different manufacturing industries in our country. Initial results showed an annual generation of 278,393 tons of the said wastes. Seminars have also been conducted on POPs attended by representatives of EMB coming from the different regions. With regards to pesticides, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) controls the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of pesticides and fertilizers in the market. Banning of certain agricultural chemicals is already being enforced by the FPA. However,monitoring has been quite difficult.

27. Programs/Projects regarding monitoring, remediation and research for harmful environmental Contaminants especially POPs • Ongoing inventory of all sources of POPsc especially PCBs in the Philippines • Preparation of the National Implementation Plan • Banning of Incineration as a response to address the adverse effects of dioxins and furans emissions (RA 8749) • Initiate Public Awareness Programs and conduct seminars relative to POPs.

28. Problems/ Possible Solutions 1- Limited knowledge on POPs, its effect to human health and its remediation. 2- Limited financial resources and manpower to monitor industries with potential source of POPs including laboratory equipments. There is a need for a substantial financial assistance to be given to developing countries like the Philippines that will specifically enable us to meet our obligations under the convention. Establishment of laboratory specifically for testing of POPs will surely help our country comply with its requirements to the convention. Finally, training such as this one, is very necessary to enhance the groundwork needed to fully implement our laws and regulations on hazardous and toxic chemicals to include POPs.

29. 4. Report on the Environmental Management Program of the Participant’s Institution

30. Report on the Environmental Management Program of the Participant’s Institution Philosophy/Mandate: As provided for under Section 4 of Executive Order No. 192, the DENR is mandated to be the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservations, watershed areas and lands of the public domain, as well as licensing and regulations of all natural resources as maybe provided for by law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom; for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos.

31. DENR Vision:The Philippines – a country of lush forests, clear skies and waters, and bountiful land; a strong dynamic nation of empowered people living in dignity, at peace with each other and in harmony with nature. DENR Mission:To promote the well-being of Filipino through sustainable development of forest resources; optimal utilization of lands and minerals; social equity and efficiency in resource use; and effective environmental management.

32. Programs/Projects regarding monitoring, remediation and research for harmful environmental Contaminants especially POPs • Ongoing inventory of all sources of POPsc especially PCBs in the Philippines • Preparation of the National Implementation Plan • Banning of Incineration as a response to address the adverse effects of dioxins and furans emissions (RA 8749) • Initiate Public Awareness Programs and conduct seminars relative to POPs.

33. Problems/ Possible Solutions 1- Limited knowledge on POPs, its effect to human health and its remediation. 2- Limited financial resources and manpower to monitor industries with potential source of POPs including laboratory equipments. There is a need for a substantial financial assistance to be given to developing countries like the Philippines that will specifically enable us to meet our obligations under the convention. Establishment of laboratory specifically for testing of POPs will surely help our country comply with its requirements to the convention. Finally, training such as this one, is very necessary to enhance the groundwork needed to fully implement our laws and regulations on hazardous and toxic chemicals to include POPs.

34. Thank you. Maraming Salamat Po.

35. GAMSAHAMNIDA ! ! !