PHILIPPINES Law and Practice Contributed by: Patricia A O Bunye and Rafael Raymundo A Evangelista, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
international commitments on climate change. In November 2023, the DENR and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement a project aimed at enhancing the adaptive capacity of key cities in the Philip - pines to climate change impacts. The five-year PHP836.5 million (USD15 million) project will help enable the cities of Batangas, Borongan, Cotabato, Iloilo, Legazpi and Zamboanga adapt to, mitigate and endure the impacts of climate change through knowledge-enhancement and improving access to climate change financing. On 3 December 2023, the Philippines joined the Blue Carbon Action Partnership of the World Economic Forum (WEF), taking another step to solidify the government’s pursuit of a green and blue socio-economic agenda. The three- year partnership agreement aims to strengthen coastal ecosystems, boost blue carbon conser - vation and mitigate climate change. Further, the partnership agreement will bring support from WEF for the Philippine government to work with businesses, communities and civil society organisations to restore, conserve and sustain - ably manage coastal ecosystems. On 22 November 2024, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) successfully enlisted more partners from several government and non- government agencies to promote responsible mining through the signing of a memorandum of agreement in Baguio City, Philippines. The memorandum of agreement embodies the col - lective commitment of the parties to a sustain - able and inclusive mining industry in the country. It is envisioned that the extended partnership will enable the government to implement stricter environmental and social safeguards, improve transparency and accountability, and ensure that
mining operations adhere to international best practices. 3.2 Climate Change Legislation and Proposals Related to Mining No climate change legislation specifically related to mining has been enacted. However, the DENR called on the mining industry to innovate and align with the principles of sustainability, stew - ardship and resilience in their development of the country’s natural resources. Mining compa - nies are being encouraged to further integrate social and ecological considerations into their operations, including promoting biodiversity, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing effective waste management practices. The DENR emphasised that these efforts should not only be considered as regulatory requirements but must also become essential elements of a progressive and responsible mining sector. The DENR is undertaking a series of initiatives to formalise small-scale mining operations, recog - nising their vital role in the industry. The DENR is reviewing laws that cover small-scale mining, with the goal of modernising industry standards and increased protection for small-scale min - ers. According to the DENR Undersecretary, “a properly regulated small-scale mining industry will benefit the community in terms of job crea - tion and livelihood, and the country in terms of mining assets and taxes. More importantly, it will address the violation of environmental laws and mining regulations and minimize environmental risks and promote mine safety”. 3.3 Sustainable Development Initiatives Related to Mining The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (see 3.1 Climate Change Effects ) adopted the Min - ing Association of Canada’s “Towards Sustain - able Mining” (TSM) sustainability standards
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