The Law and the Environment

Source: http://tunza.eco-generation.org/file/pasig.jpg

The Republic Act 9275 was published last March 22, 2004, an act that provides for a comprehensive water quality management in the Philippines. It is also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. This act has a declaration to "pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters".

ARTICLE 1
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters. To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable development shall be pursued. As such, it shall be the policy of the State:

a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of pollution of the country's water resources;

b) To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of control mechanisms for the protection of water resources;

c) To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that recognizes that water quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns about water sources and ecological protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;

d) To formulate an integrated water quality management framework through proper delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities;

e) promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment friendly and energy efficient;

f) To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through the application of incentives and market-based instruments and to promote the role of private industrial enterprises in shaping its regulatory profile within the acceptable boundaries of public health and environment;

g) To provide for a comprehensive management program for water pollution focusing on pollution prevention;

h) To promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of an informed and active public in water quality management and monitoring;

i) To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse environmental impact of a project, program or activity; and

j) To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and business undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate and motivate the people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the local and national levels.

SECTION 3. Coverage of the Act. - This Act shall apply to water quality management in all water bodies: Provided, That it shall primarily apply to the abatement and control of pollution from land based sources: Provided, further, That the water quality standards and regulations and the civil liability and penal provisions under this Act shall be enforced irrespective of sources of pollution. 
Source: http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9275_2004.html


One might think that all hope is already lost for the water systems of the Philippines because the are hardly any changes in their states today. Moreover, with the recent calamities that most of the parts of the Philippines experienced, Ondoy and Sendong, the burden of the blame was borne by the government because of the inefficient sewage systems. But with the R.A. No. 9275, it lets the people become aware that the government is trying its best to address the problems of water pollution here in the Philippine. Why is it not very evident? Maybe it is because of the lack of needed resources and technology. We are not yet that advanced compared to other countries such as the United States, but keeping the R.A. 9275 in mind will remind us that despite the limitations of our government, they are still trying to do their best to improve the condition of our water systems like what the clean up that they are doing with the Pasig River and the Marikina River.

-Paul Yoingco

Philippines State of Water

Source: http://scm-l3.technorati.com/10/12/25/24069/water.jpg

The Philippines is comprised of 7100 islands. Based on the census last July 2004, the Philippine population is 86.2 million and is projected to reach 100 million in 14 years. Currently, the population growth is 2.71% or 3 persons born per minute. Existing settlement patterns show that 48.05% of the population live in urban areas while the rest in rural areas. There are about 85,000 manufacturing industries in the Philippines, 52% of which is found in the Metro Manila region.

With the rapid increase in population,urbanization and industrialization, the quality of the Philippine waters is reduced especially in densely populated areas and region of industrial and agricultural activities. Discharges of domestic and industrial wastewater and agricultural run-off, has caused extensive pollution of the receiving water-bodies. This consists of raw sewage, detergent, heavy metals, chemical products,oils, and even solid waste.

The adverse impact of water pollution cause the economy an estimated 67 billion pesos annually. Access of clean and adequate water remains an acute seasonal problem in urban and coastal areas in the Philippines. The government's monitoring data indicates:

1..) Just over a third or 60% of the country's river systems as classified as sources of public water supply.
2.) Of the 58% of ground water sampled is contaminated with coliform and needs treatment.
3.) Approximately 31% of illness monitored for a 5 year period were caused by water borne sources
4.) Many areas are experiencing a shortage of water supply during the season.

Nearly 2.2 million metric tons of organic pollution are produced annually by 48% domestic sector, 37% agricultural sector, and 15% industrial sector. Untreated wastewater affects health by spreading disease-causing bacteria and viruses makes water unfit for drinking and recreational uses, threatens biodiversity, and deteriorates overall quality of life. Despite the awareness of the need to improve sanitation and water pollution control, there is less technology and budget available in the government to help solve this economic problem.

Source: http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/state/philippines/overview.htm



-Paul Yoingco

“Ilog Pasig: River of Life” – How did it get polluted?

Pasig River (Ilog Pasig in Filipino) is a river in the Philippines that connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Stretching for 25km, it is line by Metro Manila on each side. It is the most popular river in the country because of its location which flow almost all of the major cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Before the 1930’s, The Pasig River was a beautiful body of water that inspired poets, artist and ordinary people. It is called the River of Life for the Filipinos. In this river lies the living of the Filipino people because there you may catch fishes which can be sold and eat as well. Here also can be a passage way from one part of the city to another which can be a source of living too. Also people may get clear and fresh and cool drinking water from it.

How did the Pasig River get polluted? With the industrialization of Manila, factories started to line up along the River. The factories releases liquid wastes (some solid too) to the river which fasten the contamination of it. An oil depot was built along the side of the river on Pandacan, Manila. This depot was one of the major concerns that polluted the Pasig River.

As time goes by, Metro Manila became overcrowded because of people from province  came over to Manila trying their luck and seeking for good fortunes. They build houses anywhere in the city like alongside the rails of the train, under the bridges and on the sides of the river including the Pasig River. Those people are also one of the major responsible for polluting the river. Their trashes, wastes and even human manure dump it to the river like that the river was a big trash can for them.

Several projects for the government and some private groups starts their own project to rehabilitate and clean the former river of life for the Filipinos. The projects are: Piso para sa Pasig, Sagip Pasig, Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig and Run for Pasig all done by the ABS-CBN (TV network in Manila). Pollution in the Pasig River  is the biggest environmental issue in the Philippines that’s why many people want to help in giving life again to the river.

Sources:

www.thegreentheory.com/philippines-environmental-issues-how-did-the-pasig-river-get-polluted/

 - Lowell Dagaraga