November 8 is ‘Environmental Planning Day of PH’

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has declared November 8 of every year as the “Environmental Planning Day of the Philippines” in a bid to address the “urgent issues and concerns on environmental hazards” in the country.

Duterte made the declaration through Proclamation 847 signed on November 15.

Under the presidential proclamation, Duterte highlights the need to raise awareness on the significance of urban and regional planning, as well as environmental planning.

The Chief Executive also stresses the importance of land planning and balanced use of resources to attain “a quality of life conducive to the well-being of all Filipinos.”

“The commemoration of an Environmental Planning Day in the Philippines will provide an opportunity to disseminate information,” Duterte said in his proclamation.

“[It will also] raise awareness on the importance of environmental planning in managing uncontrolled urbanization and development, as well as ensuring ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment which are among the foundations of sustainable development,” he added.

November 8 is celebrated worldwide as the “World Town Planning Day” to advance public and professional awareness in local and international planning, as well as on the environmental impacts that resulted from the development of cities and territories.

Article 2, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right of the people to a “balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

The proclamation also acknowledges the existence of Republic Act 10587 or the Environmental Planning Act of 2013, which recognizes the importance of environmental planning in nation-building and economic development.

“For this purpose, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, specifically those involved in environmental planning and sustainable use of resources, are hereby enjoined,” the order read.

Proclamation 947 also encourages all local government units, the private sector, relevant civil society organizations, and professional groups to “actively support and provide the necessary assistance for the successful conduct of programs, projects and activities relative to the observance and celebration of the Environmental Planning Day of the Philippines.”

Palace released a copy of the proclamation on Tuesday.