Whereas, Article 2, Section 12 of the Constitution mandates as a policy of the
State the protection and advancement of the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature;
Whereas, the government adheres to the sustainable development principles embodied
in the Rio Declaration and adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992, and to which the Philippines is a
signatory;
Whereas, the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), created by
virtue of Executive Order No. 15 (Series of 1992) is mandated to coordinate the
formulation of Philippine Agenda 21;
Whereas, the Philippine Agenda 21 was formulated after an extensive and intensive
process of coordination, cooperation, counterparting and consensus-building among the
various stakeholders of society;
Whereas, the operationalization of the Philippine Agenda 21 shall provide the
overall direction and serve as an enabling environment in achieving sustainable
development;
Now, therefore, I, Fidel V. Ramos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by
virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
Section 1. Adoption and
Operationalization of the Philippine Agenda 21. The Philippine Agenda 21, as the
national action agenda for sustainable development, is hereby adopted.
Section 2. Overall Administration.
The Philippine Council for Sustainable Development shall oversee and monitor the
operationalization of the Philippine Agenda 21. In this regard, the Council shall provide
the coordinating and monitoring mechanisms for its implementation. For this purpose, it
shall mobilize coordinating bodies including the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) and
the local councils for sustainable development.
Section 3. Collaborating Agencies.
All government agencies, departments, and instrumentalities are directed to adopt and
translate the principles and action agenda contained in the Philippine Agenda 21 in their
respective workplans, programs and projects and report on their progress and impacts to
the PCSD.
Section 4. Role of the Department
of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Units (LGUs).
The LGUs, in coordination with the local business and civil society, shall implement the
Philippine Agenda 21 through the integration of sustainable development concerns in their
respective plans, programs and projects and the formulation of their respective Local
Agenda 21, where appropriate.
Section 5. Role of the Civil
Society, Labor and Business Sectors. The PCSD shall coordinate with civil
society, labor and business sectors in operationalizing Philippine Agenda 21. Major
stakeholders from these sectors are thereby enjoined to adopt and implement the principles
and action agenda contained in the Philippine Agenda 21.
Section 6. Funding. The PCSD,
in the coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), shall
identify funding sources in implementing and monitoring the Philippine Agenda 21.
Section 7. Effectivity. This
Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 26th day of September in the year of Our Lord,
Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Six.
By the President:
(signed)
(signed)
Ruben D. Torres
Fidel V. Ramos
Executive Secretary |