DENR holds experts forum to review PH reclamation policy

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday conducted an experts’ forum targeted to the review and enhance Philippine policies on reclamation.

“The expected output is a set of policy recommendations on reclamation that will inform the review and enhancement of the country’s policies related to reclamation,” the DENR said.

According to the agency, among the reclamation laws and policies needing review and enhancement include Executive Order No. 74 s. 2019, Philippine Reclamation Authority Administrative Order No. 2019-4 s. 2019, DENR Administrative Orders No. 2003-30 and 2018-14, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2022-018.

The DENR’s concept note also said the global sources showed reclamation can potentially contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal. 

It added there are differing opinions on what makes for a successful reclamation based on the experience of Hong Kong and Indonesia, which, while fostering economic growth, also came at significant ecological and social costs as claimed by various stakeholders.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News