Enhanced Guidelines for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) Under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS) for Offshore Wind (OSW) Energy Projects

DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-09

Subject: Enhanced Guidelines for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) Under the PEISS for Offshore Wind (OSW) Energy Projects

Signed: February 26, 2026 . Pages: 229 (with annexes)

Legal Basis

Pursuant to PD 1586 (Establishing the Environmental Impact Statement System), RA 9513 (Renewable Energy Act of 2008), EO 21 (Policy and Administrative Framework for Offshore Wind Development), and Part V, Section 1 of DAO 2024-02 (Interim Guidelines for ECC under PEISS for OSW Energy Projects).

SECTION 1. Rationale

Offshore wind development is vital for achieving a blue and green economy in the Philippines, promoting economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods while ensuring the health of oceans and coastal ecosystems. OSW projects support low-carbon development. These guidelines further operationalize the Memorandum of Agreement dated October 10, 2024 between DENR and DOE, granting DOE the right to use Offshore Areas and Auxiliary Areas needed for OSW exploration, utilization, and development. MOA terms govern access conditions and shall be incorporated as post-ECC conditions in the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMoP).

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy

The State shall:

• A. Promote sustainable OSW development to meet energy demands while safeguarding environmental and social integrity
• B. Adopt the Precautionary Principle in evaluating EIA studies for OSW projects to address scientific uncertainties and identify mitigating measures for adverse impacts on ocean and marine environments
• C. Apply the Mitigation Hierarchy (avoid, minimize, restore, compensate) to manage adverse impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems

Key Objectives

• Protecting endangered marine and coastal species, habitats, and cultural heritage
• Fostering collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders
• Establishing clear procedures for ECC issuance, including Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs) and compliance monitoring
• Ensuring robust financial assurance mechanisms to cover decommissioning costs and rehabilitation from environmental damages
• Monitoring compliance and assessing impacts across all OSW project stages
• Aligning with Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) to enhance project viability and attract international investment

SECTION 4. Scope and Coverage

Applies to all OSW energy projects in the Philippines, covering offshore and onshore components, associated facilities, and all stages of development. Includes all OSW projects with ECCs from EMB and/or Offshore Wind Energy Service Contracts (OSWESCs) from DOE prior to issuance of DAO 2024-02, regardless of project site (Protected Areas or otherwise).

Monitoring and Reporting (excerpts)

The DOE shall conduct annual review and evaluation of utilization of Production Areas and Auxiliary Areas. DOE and developers shall submit annual accomplishment reports by March 31 of each succeeding year. DENR shall oversee environmental compliance through periodic on-site inspections, evaluations, and technical guidance. Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) shall be conducted every three (3) years from commencement of commercial operations.

Termination and Remedies

Access provided by DOE under OSWESCs shall be coterminous with the OSWESC term. Upon expiration, non-renewal, cancellation, or termination, the developer's access to Production Areas and Auxiliary Areas terminates accordingly.

Source: User-uploaded official DENR PDF (DAO-2026-09, 229 pages with full annexes including the DOE-DENR MOA). Full text available in source PDF.