An
agreement forged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and
the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) that
started in 1997 is currently being implemented by the Board of Investments-DTI,
with the cooperation of Environmental Management Bureau-DENR. This
agreement, nicknamed "Greening the BOI Procedures" simplifies procedures
when applying for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), a
requirement for all projects with significant environmental impact
under PD1586 or a proclamation establishing an Environmental Impact
System in the Philippines. The ECC, which is issued by the DENR, is
a document that gives guidelines and conditions to companies/project
proponents in order to ensure compliance with environmental laws and
standards.
The
BOI’s participation in "Greening" involves:
- Integrating
a portion of the ECC application process with that of existing BOI
procedures, where applications for ECCs are assessed at the BOI
before being sent to the EMB for final processing and review. This
integration of procedures envisions a more efficient system in assessing
projects which will eventually lead to lesser time needed to process
applications and lesser application costs.
- Building
the capability of BOI personnel by giving them environmental trainings
and seminars, and involving them in conducting initial environmental
examinations of projects. In turn, these personnel, especially those
dealing directly with project proponents and investors, will be
able to provide information regarding requirements needed when applying
for an ECC, and to pre-assess projects at the BOI level.
- Restructuring
of the BOI Environmental Unit to accommodate firms and proponents
with queries concerning environmental compliance standards, information
sources for environmental technologies, processes, funding, and
networking with other organizations regarding environmental issues
and concerns.
"Greening
the BOI Procedures" is envisioned to fulfill the country’s goal to
achieve economic growth with proper environmental management. With
the growing concern and cooperation between government agencies, the
private sector, and the public community towards this goal, our country
can look forward to a cleaner, more efficient, and more productive
business climate.
