PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.

1152
[PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT CODE]

WHEREAS, the broad spectrum of environment has become a matter of

vital concern to the government;

WHEREAS, the national leadership has taken a step towards this

direction by creating the National Environment Protection Council
under Presidential Decree No. 1121;

WHEREAS, it is necessary that the creation of the Council be

complemented with the launching of a comprehensive program of
environmental protection and management;

WHEREAS, such a program can assume tangible and meaningful

significance only by establishing specific environment management
policies and prescribing environment quality standards in a
Philippine Environment Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Republic

of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the
Constitution, do hereby order and decree:

Section 1
Short Title

This decree shall be known and cited as "The Philippine

Environment Code."
TITLE I
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Section 2
Purposes

The purposes of this Title are:

a. to achieve and maintain such levels of air quality as
to protect public health; and

b. to prevent to the greatest extent practicable, injury

and/or damage to plant and animal life and property, and
promote the social economic development of the country.
Chapter I
Standards

Section 3
Ambient Air Quality Standards

There shall be established ambient air quality standards which

shall prescribe the maximum concentration of air pollutants
permissible in the atmosphere consistent with public health,
safety and general welfare.
In the establishment of ambient air quality standards, factors
such as local atmospheric conditions, location and land use, and
available technology, shall be considered among others.

Section 4
National Emission Standards

There shall be established national emission standards for new

and existing stationary and mobile sources of pollution which
shall consider among others such factors as type of industry,
practicable control technology available, location and land use,
and the nature of pollutants emitted.

Section 5
Community Noise Standards

Appropriate standards for community noise levels shall be

established considering, among others, location, zoning and land
use classification

Section 6
Standards for Noise-Producing Equipment

There shall be established a standard for noise-producing

equipment such as construction equipment, transportation
equipment, stationary engines, and electrical or electronic
equipment and such similar equipment or contrivances. The
standard shall set a limit on the acceptable level of noise
emitted from a given equipment for the protection of public
health and welfare, considering among others, the magnitude and
condition of use, the degree of noise reduction achievable
through the application of best available technology and the cost
of compliance.

The installation of any noise-producing equipment shall conform

with the requirements of Presidential Decree No. 1096 and other
applicable laws as well as their implementing rules and
regulations.

Section 7
Aircraft Emission and Sonic Booms

Appropriate government agencies shall encourage research studies

on the harmful effects of aircraft emissions in the environment
in order to establish permissible emission standards.

Research and studies shall also be undertaken to mitigate and/or

minimize the effects of sonic booms in the environment.
 Chapter II
Regulation and Enforcement
Section 8
Air Quality and Noise Standards

National Pollution Control Commission in coordination with

appropriate government agencies shall be responsible for the
enforcement of ambient air quality emission and noise standards,
including the monitoring and surveillance of air pollutants,
licensing and permitting of air pollution control facilities, and
the promulgation of appropriate rules and regulations.

Existing air quality emission and noise standards may be revised

and/or modified consistent with new development and technology.

Section 9
Aircraft Noise

Community noise standards around airports shall be implemented by

the Civil Aeronautics Administration in coordination with the
National Pollution Control Commission.

Section 10
Vehicular Emission

The Land Transportation Commission, in coordination with the

National Pollution Control Commission, shall implement emission
standards for vehicles and may deputize other appropriate law
enforcement agencies for the purpose.

Section 11
Radioactive Emissions

The release and emission of radioactivity into the environment

incident to the establishment or possession of nuclear energy
facilities and radioactive materials, handling, transport,
production, storage, use and disposal of radio active materials
shall be regulated by the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission in
coordination with other appropriated government agencies.
Chapter III
Monitoring
Section 12
Air Quality Monitoring

The National Pollution Control Commission in coordination with

appropriate government agencies, shall establish to the greatest
extent practicable an air quality monitoring network. Such air
quality monitoring network shall put to maximum use the
capabilities of these agencies.
The National Environmental Protection Council shall be furnished
with the results of air quality monitoring activities.

Section 13
Weather Modification

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration shall monitor regularly meteorological factors
affecting environmental conditions in order to effectively guide
air pollution monitoring activities.

Activities relating to weather modification such as rainfall

stimulation and storm seeding experiments shall be undertaken in
consultation or coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

TITLE II
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Section 14
Purpose

It is the purpose of this Title to prescribe management

guidelines aimed to protect and improve the quality of Philippine
water resources through:
a. classification of Philippine waters;

b. establishment of water quality standards;

c. protection and improvement of the quality of Philippine

water resources; and

d. responsibilities for surveillance and mitigation of

pollution incidents.
Chapter I
Classification Standards
Section 15
Classification of Philippine Waters

The National Pollution Control Commission, in coordination with

appropriate government agencies, shall classify Philippine
waters, according to their best usage. In classifying said
waters, the National Pollution Control Commission shall take into
account, among others, the following:
a. the existing quality of the body of water at the time
of classification;

b. the size, depth, surface area covered, volume,

direction, rate of flow, gradient of stream; and
 c. the most beneficial uses of said bodies of water and
lands bordering them for residential, agricultural,
commercial, industrial, navigational, recreational, and
aesthetic purposes.
Section 16
Reclassification of Waters
Based on Intended Beneficial Use

Where the public interest so requires, the National Pollution

Control Commission, in coordination with appropriate government
agencies, shall reclassify a body of water based on the intended
beneficial use and take such steps as may be necessary to upgrade
the quality of said water. Other government agencies may adopt
higher standards for a particular body of water, subject to the
approval of the National Pollution Control Commission.

Section 17
Upgrading of Water Quality

Where the quality of water has deteriorated to a degree where its

state will adversely affect its best usage, the government
agencies concerned shall take such measures as may be necessary
to upgrade the quality of such water to meet the prescribed water
quality standards.

Section 18
Water Quality Standards

The National Pollution Control Commission shall prescribe quality

and effluent standards consistent with the guidelines set by the
National Environmental Protection Council and the classification
of waters prescribed in the preceding sections, taking into
consideration, among others, the following:
a. the standard of water quality or purity may vary
according to beneficial uses; and

b. the technology relating to water pollution control.

Chapter II
Protection and Improvement of Water Quality
Section 19
Enforcement and Coordination

The production, utilization, storage and distribution of

hazardous, toxic and other substances such as radioactive
materials, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and oils, and
disposal, discharge and dumping of untreated wastewater, mine-
tailings and other substances that may pollute any body of water
of the Philippines resulting from normal operations of
industries, water-borne sources, and other human activities, as
well as those resulting from accidental spills and discharges
shall be regulated by appropriate government agencies pursuant to
their respective charters and enabling legislations. In the
performance of the above functions, the government agencies
concerned shall coordinate with the National Environmental
Protection Council and furnish the latter with such information
as may be necessary to enable it to attain its objectives under
Presidential Decree No. 1121.

Section 20
Clean-up Operations

It shall be the responsibility of the polluter to contain, remove

and clean-up water pollution incidents at his own expense. In
case of his failure to do so, the government agencies concerned
shall undertake containment, removal and clean-up operations and
expenses incurred in said operations shall be charged against the
persons and/or entities responsible for such pollution.

Section 21
Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance

The various government agencies concerned with environmental

protection shall establish to the greatest extent practicable a
water quality surveillance and monitoring network with sufficient
stations and sampling schedules to meet the needs of the country.
Said water quality surveillance network shall put to maximum use
the capabilities of such government agencies. Each agency
involved in such network shall report to the National Environment
Protection Council the results of these monitoring activities as
the need arises.
TITLE III
LAND USE MANAGEMENT
Section 22
Purposes

The purposes of this Title are:

a. to provide a rational, orderly and efficient
acquisition, utilization and disposition of land its
resources in order to derive therefrom maximum benefits;
and

b. to encourage the prudent use and conservation of land

resources in order to prevent an imbalance between the
nation’s needs and such resources.
Section 23
National Land Use Scheme

The Human Settlements Commission, in coordination with the

appropriate agencies of the government, shall formulate and
recommend to the National Environmental Protection Council a land
use scheme consistent with the purpose of this Title.
The Land Use Scheme shall include, among others, the following:

a. a science-based and technology-oriented land inventory

and classification system;

b. a determination of present land uses, the extent to

which they are utilized, under-utilized, rendered idle or
abandoned;

c. a comprehensive and accurate determination of the

adaptability of the land for community development,
agriculture, industry, commerce, and other fields of
endeavor;

d. a method of identification of areas where uncontrolled

development could result in irreparable damage to important
historic, or aesthetic values, or nature systems or
processes of national significance;

e. a method for exercising control by the appropriate

government agencies over the use of land in area of
critical environmental concern and areas impacted by public
facilities including, but not limited to, airports,
highways, bridges, ports and wharves, buildings and other
infrastructure projects;

f. a method to ensure the consideration of regional

development and land use in local regulations;

g. a policy for influencing the location of new

communities and methods for assuring appropriate controls
over the use of land around new communities;

h. a system of controls and regulations pertaining to

areas and development activities designed to ensure that
any source of pollution will not be located where it would
result in a violation of any applicable environmental
pollution control regulations; and

i. a recommended method for the periodic revisions and

updating of the national land use scheme to meet changing
conditions.
Section 24
Location of Industries

In the location of industries, factories, plants, depots and

similar industrial establishments, the regulating or enforcing
agencies of the government shall take into consideration the
social, economic, geographic and significant environmental impact
of said establishments.
TITLE IV
 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
Section 25
Purposes

The purpose of this Title are:

a. to provide the basics on the management and
conservation of the country’s natural resources to obtain
the optimum benefits therefrom and to preserve the same for
the future generations; and

b. to provide general measures through which the aforesaid

policy may be carried out effectively.
Chapter I
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Section 26
Management Policy

The National government, through the Department of Natural

Resources, shall establish a system of rational exploitation of
fisheries and aquatic resources within the Philippine territory
and shall encourage citizen participation therein to maintain
and/or enhance the optimum and continuous productivity of the
same.

Section 27
Measures for Rational Exploitation

Measures for the rational exploitation of fisheries and other

aquatic resources may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following:
a. undertaking manpower and expertise development;

b. acquiring the necessary facilities and equipment;

c. regulating the marketing of threatened species of fish

or other aquatic resources;

d. reviewing all existing rules and regulations on the

exploitation of fisheries and aquatic resources with a view
to formulating guidelines for the systematic and effective
enforcement thereof; and

e. conserving the vanishing species of fish and aquatic

resources such as turtles, sea snakes, crocodiles, corals,
as well as maintaining the mangrove areas, marshes and
inland areas, coral reef areas and islands serving as
sanctuaries for fish and other aquatic life.

Chapter II
Wildlife
 Section 28
Management Policy

The National Government, through the Department of Natural

Resources, shall establish a system of rational exploitation and
conservation of wildlife resources and shall encourage citizen
participation in the maintenance and/or enhancement of their
continuous productivity.

Section 29
Measures for Rational Exploitation

Measures for rational exploitation of wildlife resources may

include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
a. regulating the marketing of threatened wildlife
resources;

b. reviewing all existing rules and regulations on the

exploitation of wildlife resources with a view of
formulating guidelines for the systematic and effective
enforcement thereof; and

c. conserving the threatened species of fauna, increasing

their rate of production, maintaining their original
habitat, habitat manipulation, determining limits,
population control in relation to the carrying capacity of
any given area, banning of indiscriminate and/or
destructive means of catching or hunting them.
Chapter III
Forestry and Soil Conservation
Section 30
Management Policy for Forestry

The National Government, through the Department of Natural

Resources shall undertake a system of rational exploitation
forest resources and shall encourage citizen participation
therein to keep the country’s forest resources at maximum
productivity at all times.

Section 31
Measures for Rational Exploitation
of Forest Resources

Measures for the rational exploitation of forest resources may

include, but shall not be limited to the following:
a. regulating the marketing of threatened forest
resources;

b. reviewing all existing rules and regulations on the

exploitation of forest resources with a view of formulating
guidelines for the systematic and efficient enforcement
 thereof;

c. conserving threatened species of flora as well as

increasing their rate of propagation; the banning of
destructive modes of exploitation, kaingin making or
shifting cultivation, indiscriminate harvesting of minor
forest products, the recycling methods of waste materials;
and

d. carrying out a continuing effort on reforestation;

timber stand improvement; forest protection; land
classification; forest occupancy management; agri-
silviculture; range management; agri-silvicultural/kaingin
management; multiple use forest; timber management; and
forest research.
Section 32
Management Policy on Soil Conservation

The National Government, through the Department of Natural

Resources and the Department Agriculture, shall likewise
undertake a soil conservation program including therein the
identification and protection of critical watershed areas,
encouragement of scientific farming techniques, physical and
biological means of soil conservation, and short-term and long-
term researches and technology for effective soil conservation.

Section 33
Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides

The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture shall be

regulated, prescribing therefore a tolerance level in their use.
Their use shall be monitored by appropriate government agencies
to provide empirical data for effective regulation.
Chapter IV
Flood Control and Natural Calamities
Section 34
Measures in Flood Control Program

In addition to the pertinent provisions of existing laws, the

following shall be included in a soil erosion, sediment and flood
control program:
a. the control of soil erosion on the banks of rivers, the
shores or lakes and the sea-shores;

b. the control of flow and flooding in and from rivers and

lakes;

c. the conservation of water which, for purposes of this

Section shall mean forms of water, but shall not include
captive water;
 d. the needs of fisheries and wildlife and all other
recreational uses of natural water;

e. measures to control the damming, diversion, taking, and

use of natural water, so far as any such act may affect the
quality and availability of natural water for other
purposes; and

f. measures to stimulate research in matters relating to

natural water and soil conservation and the application of
knowledge thereby acquired.

Section 35
Measures to Mitigate Destructive
Effects of Calamities

The national government, through the Philippine Atmospheric,

Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, shall
promote intensified and concerted research efforts on weather
modification, typhoon, earthquake, tsunami, storm surge, and
other tropical natural phenomena in order to bring about any
significant effect to mitigate or prevent their destructive
effects.
Chapter V
Energy Development
Section 36
Policy

Consistent with the environmental protection policies, the

national government, through the Energy Development Board, shall
undertake an energy development program encouraging therein the
utilization of invariant sources such as solar, wind and tidal
energy.

Section 37
Measures for Energy Development

Measures for energy development program may include, but shall

not be limited to, the following:
a. setting up pilot plants utilizing invariant sources of
energy;

b. training of technical personnel for purposes of energy

development; and

c. conducting researches aimed at developing technology

for energy development.
Section 38
Safety Measures on Energy Development
Rules and regulations shall be promulgated to prevent or mitigate
the adverse effects of energy development on the environment. For
this purpose, all nuclear powered plants and plants exploring and
utilizing geothermal energy, whether owned or controlled by
private or government entities shall:
a. observe internationally accepted standards of safely;
and

b. provide safety devises to ensure the health and welfare

of their personnel as well as the surrounding community.
Chapter VI
Conservation and Utilization
of Surface Ground Waters
Section 39
Management Policy

In addition to existing laws, the national government through the

National Water Resources Council in coordination with other
appropriate government agencies, shall prescribe measures for the
conservation and improvement of the quality of Philippine water
resources and provide for the prevention, control and abatement
of water pollution.
Chapter VII
Mineral Resources
Section 40
Management Policy

The National Government, through the Department of Natural

Resources, shall undertake a system of gainful exploitation and
rational and efficient utilization of mineral resources and shall
encourage citizen participation in this endeavor.

Section 41
Measures for Exploitation
and Utilization of Mineral Resources

Measures for the gainful exploitation and rational and efficient

utilization of such mineral resources may include, but shall not
be limited to, the following:
a. increasing research and development in mineral
resources technology;

b. training of additional technical manpower needed in

geology, geophysics, mining engineering, and related
fields;

c. regulating the exploitation of identified mineral

reserves;

d. accelerating the exploitation of undiscovered mineral

 deposits; and

e. encouraging the establishment of processing plants for

refined metal.
TITLE V
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Section 42
Purposes

The purposes of this Title are:

a. to set guidelines for waste management with a view to
ensuring its effectiveness;

b. to encourage, promote and stimulate technological,

educational, economic and social efforts to prevent
environmental damage and unnecessary loss of valuable
resources of the nation through recovery, recycling and re-
use of wastes and waste products; and

c. to provide measures to guide and encourage appropriate

government agencies in establishing sound, efficient,
comprehensive and effective waste management.
Chapter I
Enforcement and Guidelines
Section 43
Waste Management Programs

Preparation and implementation of waste management programs shall

be required for all provinces, cities and municipalities. The
Department of Local Government and Community Development shall
promulgate guidelines for the formulation and establishment of
waste management program.

Every waste management program shall include the following:

a. an orderly system of operation consistent with the

needs of the area concerned;

b. a provision that the operation will not create

pollution of any kind or will constitute public nuisance;

c. a system for safe and sanitary disposal of waste;

d. a provision that existing plans affecting the

development, use and protection of air, water or natural
resources shall be considered;

e. schedules and methods of implementing the development,

construction and operation of the plan together with the
estimated costs; and
 f. a provision for the periodic revision of the program to
ensure its effective implementation.

Section 44
Responsibility of Local Government

Each province, city or municipality shall provide measures to

facilitate collection, transportation, processing and disposal of
waste within its jurisdiction in coordination with other
government agencies concerned. For this purpose, the national
government shall provide the necessary subsidy to local
governments upon request made through the National Environmental
Protection Council and subject to such terms and conditions as
the latter may provide.
Chapter II
Methods of Solid Waste Disposal
Section 45
Solid Waste Disposal

Solid waste disposal shall be by sanitary landfill, incineration,

composting, and other methods as may be approved by competent
government authority.

Section 46
Sanitary Landfills

Local governments, including private individuals, corporations or

organizations may operate or propose to operate one or more
sanitary landfills. An entity proposing to operate a sanitary
landfill shall submit to the appropriate government agency an
operational work plan showing, among other things, a map of the
proposed work location, disposal areas for rubbish, garbage,
refuse and other waste matter; and the equipment or machinery
needed to accomplish its operations. In no case shall land-fill
or work locations under this Section be located along any shore
or coast-line, or along the banks of rivers and streams, lakes,
throughout their entire length, in violation of any existing
rules and regulations.

Section 47
Incineration and Composting Plants

The installation and establishment of incineration or composting

plants, or the alteration/modification of any part thereof shall
be regulated by the local governments concerned in coordination
with the National Pollution Control Commission.

Section 48
Disposal Sites

The location of solid waste disposal sites shall conform with

existing zoning, land use standards, and pollution control
regulations.

Section 49
Dumping into the Sea and Other Navigable Waters

The dumping or disposal of solid wastes into the sea and any body
of water in the Philippines, including shore-lines and river
banks, where the wastes are likely to be washed into the water is
prohibited. However, dumping of solid wastes or other materials
into the sea or any navigable waters shall be permitted in case
of immediate or imminent danger to life and property, subject to
the rules and regulations of the Philippine Coast Guard and the
National Pollution Control Commission.

Government agencies and private entities which are undertaking

solid waste management programs shall make consultations with the
government agencies concerned with respect to the effects of such
dumping to the marine environment and navigation.

Chapter III
Methods of Liquid Waste Disposal
Section 50
Liquid Waste Disposal

Wastewater from manufacturing plants, industries, community, or

domestic sources shall be treated either physically, biologically
or chemically prior to disposal in accordance with the rules and
regulations promulgated by proper government authority.

Section 51
Applicability of Section 49

The provisions of Section 49 hereof shall likewise apply to the

dumping or disposal of liquid waste into the sea and other bodies
of water.
TITLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 52
Population Environment Balance

In the assessment of development projects, the National

Environmental Protection Council, hereinafter referred to in this
Title as the Council, shall take into consideration their effect
on population with a view to achieving a rational and orderly
balance between man and his environment.

Section 53
Environment Education
The Department of Education and Culture shall integrate subjects
on environmental education in its school curricula at all levels.
It shall also endeavor to conduct special community education
emphasizing the relationship of man and nature as well as
environmental sanitation and practices.

The Council and other government agencies implementing

environmental protection laws in coordination with public
information agencies of the government shall undertake public
information activities for the purpose of stimulating awareness
and encouraging involvement in environmental protection.

Section 54
Environmental Research

The Council shall undertake and/or promote continuing studies and

research programs on environmental management and shall, from
time to time, determine priority areas of environmental research.

Section 55
Monitoring and Dissemination of Environmental Information of
Foreign Origin

The Council shall keep itself informed of current environmental

developments by obtaining information and literature from foreign
sources through the Department of Foreign Affairs, government
agencies and other entities, both domestic and foreign. Such
information and literature shall be given the widest
dissemination possible.

Section 56
Incentive

To operate the installation and the utilization of pollution

control facilities, the following incentives are hereby granted:
a. exemption to the extent of fifty (50) percent of tariff
duties and compensating tax for importation of pollution
control equipment, devices, spare parts and accessories for
a period of five (5) years from the effectivity of this
Decree subject to the conditions that will be imposed by
the Council;

b. a tax credit equivalent of fifty (50) percent of the

value of the compensating tax and tariff duties that would
have been paid on the pollution control equipment, devices,
spare parts and accessories had these items been imported
shall, within a period of seven (7) years from the
effectivity of this Decree, be given to the person or firm
 who or which purchases them from a domestic manufacturer,
and another tax credit equivalent to twenty-five (25)
percent thereof shall be given to said manufacturer,
subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the
Council; and

c. deductions equivalent to fifty (50) percent of the

expenses actually incurred on research projects undertaken
to develop technologies for the manufacture of pollution
control equivalent which have been proven effective and
commercially reproducible, from the taxable income of the
person or firm actually undertaking such projects subject
to the conditions that may be imposed by the Council.
The pollution control equipment, devices, spare parts and
accessories acquired under this Section shall not be sold,
transferred or disposed within five (5) years from the date of
acquisition without the prior approval of the Council otherwise
the importer or purchaser shall pay twice the amount of the tax
exemption or tax credit granted.

Section 57
Financial Assistance/Grant

Financial assistance/grant for the study, design and construction

of environmental protection facilities especially for waste
disposal in favor of cities, municipalities, small and medium
scale industries may be granted on a case-to-case basis subject
to such conditions as may be imposed by the Council.

Section 58
Participation of Local Government Units
and Private Individuals

It shall be the responsibility of local government units as well

as private individuals to actively participate in the
environmental management and protection programs of the
government.

Section 59
Preservation of Historic
and Cultural Resources and Heritage

It shall be the duty of every person to help preserve the

historic and cultural resources of the country such as sites,
structures, artifacts, documents, objects, memorials, and
priceless trees.

Section 60
Government Offices Performing
Environmental Protection Functions
Government agencies vested by laws to exercise environmental
management powers, shall continue to function as such within
their respective jurisdictions. The Council may, however, in the
exercise of its powers and functions under Presidential Decree
No. 1121, inquire into any action or issue of environmental
significance.

Section 61
Public Hearings

The Council may, whenever it deems necessary, conduct public

hearings on issue of environmental significance.

Section 62
Definition of Terms

As used in this Code.

a. Ambient Air Quality means the average atmospheric
purity as distinguished from discharge measurements taken
at the source of pollution. It is the general amount of
pollution present in a broad area.

b. Emission means the act of passing into the atmosphere

an air contaminant, pollutant, gas stream and unwanted
sound from a known source.

c. Water Quality means the characteristics of water which

define its use in terms of physical, chemical, and
biological contents; hence, the quality of water for
domestic use is different from industrial use.

d. Water Quality Surveillance means a close and continuous

supervision of the water quality to detect development,
movement, or charges in the characteristics of the water.

e. Water Quality Standard means a plan that is established

by governmental authority as a program for water pollution
prevention and abatement. Such standard may include water
classification and the criteria to support the uses of the
water.

f. Effluent Standards means restrictions established to

limit levels of concentration of physical, chemical, and
biological constituents which are discharged from point
sources.

g. Clean-up Operations refers to activities conducted in

removing the pollutants discharged or spilled in water to
restore it to pre-spill condition.
 h. Accidental Spills refers to spills of oil or other
hazardous substances in water that result from accidents
such as collisions and groundings.

i. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern are areas where

uncontrolled development could result in irreparable damage
to important historic, cultural, or aesthetic values or
natural systems or processes of national significance.

j. Hazardous Substances means elements or compounds which

when discharged in any quantity present imminent or
substantial danger to public health and welfare.

k. Areas Impacted by Public Facilities refers to areas

where the introduction of public facilities may tend to
induce development and urbanization of more than local
significance or impact.

l. Environmental Impact is the alteration, to any degree,

of environmental conditions or the creation of a new set of
environmental conditions, adverse or beneficial, to be
induced or caused by a proposed project.

m. Government Agencies refers to national, local and

regional agencies and instrumentalities including
government-owned or controlled corporations.
TITLE VII
FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 63
Separability of Provisions

If any provision of this Code, or the application of such

provisions to any person or circumstances, is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Code or the application of
such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be
affected by such declaration.

Section 64
Effectivity

This Code shall take effect upon its approval.

Done in the City of Manila, this 6th day of June, the year of our
Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-seven.

Approved: June 6, 1977