Amending Sections 16.1 and 16.3 of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2017-15, Guidelines on Public Participation under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System

DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-22

Subject: Amending Sections 16.1 and 16.3 of DAO 2017-15, Guidelines on Public Participation under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System

Signed: March 19, 2026 . Published: The Manila Times, April 2026 . Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, April 14, 2026

Rationale

Consistent with continuing efforts to strengthen the implementation of PEISS under PD 1586, and in recognition of increasing impacts of climate change on environmental systems and communities, as well as the critical role of meaningful public participation in promoting transparency and multi-sectoral engagement in monitoring of project compliance with ECC conditions and EMP commitments.

Amended Section 16.1 . MMT Requirements

Multipartite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) shall be required for all Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) and for selected EIS-based Non-Environmentally Critical Projects (Non-ECPs) that have potential of significantly affecting the environment or are adversely affected by climate change (greenhouse gas emissions, resource-intensive processes, land-use change, increased community/environmental vulnerability).

The following EIS-based Non-ECPs are Priority Projects requiring an MMT:

A. Heavy Industries

Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries (petrochemical/petroleum-based projects, refineries)

B. Resource Extractive Industries

• Mining and Quarrying Projects
• Coal mining projects
• Livestock Animal Industries (piggery, poultry)

C. Infrastructure Projects

• Flood Control Projects
• Dam Projects
• Power Plants (gas-fired thermal, other thermal: coal/diesel/bunker)
• Waste-to-Energy Projects
• Reclamation and Other Land Restoration Projects
• Road Projects in areas with critical slopes (new construction; widening/rehabilitation/improvement)
• Subdivision and other housing projects in areas with critical slopes
• Waste Management Projects (sanitary landfill for industrial/other wastes; sanitary landfill for domestic wastes)

Amended Section 16.3 . MMT Composition

The MMT for both ECP and Priority Projects shall be composed of:

1. LGU Representatives: MENRO/City ENRO or PG ENRO; Rural Health Unit Chief; concerned Barangay Captain
2. One representative from LGU-accredited local NGOs with environmental management mission, plus one representative from the academe
3. Two representatives from locally-recognized community leaders representing vulnerable sectors (indigenous people, women, senior citizens)
4. Maximum of three representatives from government agencies with related mandate
5. DENR-CENRO or DENR-PENRO (if project covers two or more CENRO jurisdictions)

MMT shall not exceed eleven (11) members, except where project facilities cover more than one Barangay. For mining projects, members shall complement MMT composition under DAO 2010-21.

Required Funds (EMF and EGF)

EIS-based Non-ECPs identified as Priority Projects with existing ECCs shall automatically incorporate an additional ECC condition (effective 15 days after Order approval) requiring submission of an EMB-prescribed MOA for MMT establishment, including:

1. Environmental Monitoring Fund (EMF) - replenishable fund for MMT operational expenses, capability-building, meetings, and documentation for monitoring compliance with ECC and EMP
2. Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF) - readily available, replenishable fund covering damages to life, health, property, and environment arising from project implementation, including emergency response, rehabilitation, and restoration per DAO 2003-30

Amount, allocation, and operational mechanisms determined by Project Proponent in consultation with and subject to approval by EMB Regional Office.

EMB Compliance Monitoring

EMB shall continue regular compliance monitoring per ECC conditions and PEISS requirements, separate and distinct from MMT monitoring functions.

Effectivity

Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon filing of three (3) certified copies with ONAR, UP Law Center.

Signed by Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna. Source: User-uploaded official DENR PDF (DAO-2026-22).