Government Planning Organizations and Environmental Planning

Considerations in Planning

Submitted to,
Ar./EnP.Gerelson Ray R. Bernardino,UAP,PIEP, MSCM, CIPM

Submitted by,
Khlarenze G. Peña
Arch-3A

March 8, 2024
Table of Content

Title.............................................................................................................................I
Table of Content.........................................................................................................II
Introduction.................................................................................................................1
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.......................................................................1
1.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...............................................................................2
1.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY...................................................................................3
II BODY.......................................................................................................................4
NEDA..........................................................................................................................5
How is the public helped by NEDA?...........................................................................6
DBM...........................................................................................................................7
CHR...........................................................................................................................8
DH&UD.......................................................................................................................9
Planning Strategies..................................................................................................10
Planning for land use................................................................................................11
Eco friendly facilities.................................................................................................11
Transportation that is sustainable............................................................................11
Waste management..................................................................................................11
Precautionary principle.............................................................................................12
Public participation Involving stakeholders...............................................................12
Water bodies............................................................................................................12
Mountains................................................................................................................13
Forests.....................................................................................................................14
How do we protect the forests?...............................................................................14
CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................15
RECOMMENDATION..............................................................................................15
Reference.................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION:
 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

City and municipal governments are required by the Local Government Code of
1991 (also known as Republic Act 7160) to create a Comprehensive Land Use Plan,
which is a plan for managing local territories. In addition, there is the Comprehensive
Development Plan (CDP), a multi-year, multi-sectoral plan that “consolidates the
programmed and projects” of various development sectors. The CDP is the medium-
term plan, and the CLUP is the long-term framework plan. The areas of infrastructure
development, environment and natural resources, social development, economic
growth, and institutional development are all considered when creating the CDP.
Social development is a field that includes housing as a service. The CDP receives
local shelter plans from cities and municipalities as an input.

The executive institutions in the Philippines have development plans that usually
become the backbone of the policy of the executive administration. This is the same
with the administration of Benigno Aquino III (PNoy), whose development plan
consists of the Philippine Development Plan of 2011 - 2016 (PDP). But before a
development plan is implemented, it first goes - in theory - through a thorough
process of study and assessment before it is approved by the administration for i
This is the study's goal; the article focuses on the Philippine government's
socioeconomic planning system, emphasizing the step-by-step process of how
development plans are developed in the Philippines, from the national to the local
levels.

A sustainable city 'must establish a balance among environmental protection,

economic development, and social wellness (Wu, 2010, p. 2). Landscape
conservation planning and management frequently incorporate biophysical and
economic values, but social and ethical values based on integrity, the stability and
beauty of the biotic community, and love, respect, and admiration for the land are
rarely considered (Bryan et al., 2010; Jacobs, 2011; Leopold, 1949).

Ecological planners could benefit from accurate assessments of the values of

ecosystem services (Bryan et al., 2010, van der Horst, 2011). For instance, by
adopting the concepts and principles of "strategic environmental assessment," which
offers a great platform for spatial planning (Geneletti, 2011), and "adaptive
management," the key component of which is the implementation of monitoring to
evaluate how environmental targets and ecosystem services respond to specific
landscape pattern designs (Jones et al., 2012).

Analyzing changes in ecosystem service values and landscape changes together

has not been attempted very often (Su et al., 2012). Therefore, more realistically
based and scientifically supported approaches are still required to effectively
incorporate the ideas of ecosystem services and landscape conservation into the
planning of urban and landscape development.

1.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 The purpose of the study is to investigate how adding green infrastructure

might improve the functionality and quality of urban areas.
 To encourage the integration of permeable surfaces, urban forests, green
spaces, and other nature-based solutions into planning projects to boost
biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and lessen the effects of urban
heat islands.
 to investigate how to find and fix environmental injustices by giving
underprivileged communities' needs top priority, addressing gaps in
environmental health, and encouraging environmental equality in decision-
making processes.
 To study if development programs meet current demands while preserving
future generations' ability to meet their own.
 Investigate and develop techniques to ensure that planning activities address
the interests and concerns of all residents, especially marginalized or
vulnerable communities.

1.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The goal of this study is to investigate the various types of government planning
agencies and their effects on economic development. Investigate environmental
planning considerations and the effects of developing with the environment and users
in mind. Investigating the roles and duties of various government entities engaged in
environmental planning and management. Evaluating how agencies coordinate and
interact to achieve shared environmental objectives. Identifying gaps or redundancy
in agency mandates and offering streamlined solutions.

II BODY

What are government planning agencies?

Government planning agencies are organizations established by government

authorities at various levels (national, regional, or municipal) to plan, develop, and
manage resources, infrastructure, and policies that promote socioeconomic growth
and address societal requirements. These agencies are often responsible for
developing long-term plans, policies, and strategies in areas such as urban
development, transportation, housing, land use, the environment, and economic
growth.

Strategic planning involves creating long-term strategies and policies to drive

development goals and investment decisions. Infrastructure development involves
planning and managing the construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as
water supply, sewage systems, energy facilities, and telecommunications networks.
Economic development entails devising measures to boost economic growth, attract
investment, create jobs, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Community
Development promotes measures that improve the quality of life in communities,
such as affordable housing, recreational facilities, and social services.

Government planning agencies can work at several levels of government,

including national ministries or departments, regional planning authorities,
metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and local planning departments. They
frequently collaborate with other government agencies, corporate sector entities,
non-profit organizations, and community groups to achieve shared goals and address
society's complicated concerns.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

The Philippine President oversees NEDA, which is led by the Director-General and
assisted by a team of technical specialists and staff. The agency is critical in directing
the country's economic and social development activities, promoting inclusive
growth, and solving important development concerns in the Philippines.
Philippine government organization in charge of developing and implementing
national socioeconomic development programs and strategies. Established in 1972,
NEDA is the country's principal planning and policy coordinating organization, with
the mission of encouraging sustainable and inclusive growth, alleviating poverty, and
increasing Filipinos' quality of life.

NEDA oversees creating medium- and long-term development plans, such as the
Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which specifies the government's
socioeconomic objectives, strategies, and priorities for achieving sustainable
development goals. NEDA oversees the creation and integration of sectoral plans
and policies among government departments to achieve consistency and alignment
with national development goals. NEDA provides technical help and support to
regional and local governments in developing development plans and programs that
are consistent with national priorities and objectives.

How is the public helped by NEDA?

Contributes significantly to the improvement of Filipinos' lives by planning, forming,

and coordinating policies for social and economic growth. This is one way that NEDA
supports the Filipino people. expanding the welfare of the Filipino people and
encouraging inclusive progress. Through giving priority to socio-economic
development programs that cater to the needs of the most marginalized groups in
society, NEDA contributes to the establishment of a more resilient, equitable, and
prosperous Philippines.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

 A Philippine government institution in charge of creating and implementing the
national budget, managing public funds, and ensuring that government resources are
allocated and used efficiently. The DBM, established in 1936, plays a critical role in
the Philippines' budgetary management and governance.

DBM collaborates with the Philippine Congress, civil society organizations, and
other stakeholders on budget formation and legislative processes, encouraging
conversation and collaboration to meet national development priorities and issues.
The Department of Budget and Management is crucial to the Philippines' financial
management and governance, supporting the government's efforts to promote
economic growth, decrease poverty, and improve public service delivery to the
Filipino people.

DBM oversees the creation of the yearly national budget, collaborating with other
government agencies to assess financing needs, allocate resources, and prioritize
expenditure in accordance with national development goals and priorities. DBM
controls the government's financial resources, such as cash flow, debt servicing, and
revenue projections, to ensure fiscal stability and sustainability.

What economic benefits does the Department of Budget and Management

(DBM) provide?
 By supervising the distribution and administration of public monies, encouraging
fiscal restraint, and assisting government programs aimed at fostering economic
growth and development, it plays a vital role in the Philippine economy. creates the
national budget, distributing funds to important sectors like social services,
healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic stimulus projects. DBM supports
economic growth and development goals by carefully distributing funds to important
sectors and projects. It also prudently manages public finances, guaranteeing fiscal
sustainability and stability through debt management, revenue mobilization initiatives,
and sound budgetary procedures. DBM encourages investor confidence, supports
macroeconomic stability, and supports sustainable economic growth by upholding
budgetary restraint and credibility.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

A separate constitutional body in the Philippines entrusted with safeguarding and

advancing human rights. Following the overthrow of the Ferdinand Marcos regime
and the subsequent restoration of democracy, it was founded in accordance with the
1987 Philippine Constitution. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is the
principal government organization in charge of maintaining human rights norms,
looking into human rights abuses, and defending the rights of all people in the
Philippines.

Through teaching, training, and advocacy activities, CHR seeks to increase

awareness and understanding of human rights principles and values among
government institutions, civil society organizations, and the public. The commission
investigates human rights breaches such as extrajudicial killings, enforced
disappearances, torture, arbitrary detention, and violations of civil, political,
economic, social, and cultural rights.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)

a Philippine government body set up to handle the country's housing and urban
development issues. It was formed in 2019 by merging the Housing and Urban
Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board. The DHSUD is the major agency in charge of developing and implementing
policies, programs, and projects for human settlements and urban development. The
department provides technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support to
government agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders involved in housing
and urban development projects. Disaster risk reduction and climate change
adaptation strategies are integrated into housing and urban development plans to
boost resilience and reduce the impact of natural catastrophes on vulnerable
communities. HSUD collaborates with government agencies, local governments,
corporate sector entities, civil society organizations, and community groups to
address housing and urban development concerns.

What functions does the Department of Urban Development and Human

Settlements perform?

The Philippines' Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHSUD)

oversees handling the nation's housing and urban development issues. Its objectives
are to provide sufficient housing, encourage sustainable urbanization, and enhance
living circumstances for all Filipinos. The agency supports government agencies,
local governments, and other stakeholders engaged in housing and urban
development programs by offering technical support, training, and capacity-building
assistance.

How does urban development affect environmental planning considerations?

Urban development requires comprehensive and integrated approaches to

manage environmental concerns, promote sustainability, and increase the resilience
of cities and human settlements. These implications have a significant impact on
environmental planning considerations. Policymakers, planners, and stakeholders
may minimize adverse effects, optimize environmental advantages, and develop
healthier, more livable cities for present and future generations by integrating
environmental considerations into urban planning procedures.

Buildings, utilities, roads, highways, and bridges must all be constructed to

support urban growth. The destruction of habitats, changes to natural drainage
patterns, and contamination of air and water supplies are just a few of the negative
effects that infrastructure projects can have on the environment. Increased land
consumption, habitat fragmentation, and the loss of natural ecosystems and
agricultural land can arise from unplanned or improperly managed urban sprawl,
which causes cities to expand into periphery areas. Furthermore, aggravating air and
water pollution, energy usage, and traffic congestion is urban sprawl.
What are the environmental planning strategies?

 Planning for Land Use

Create land use plans that prevent urban development, encourage economical land
use, and safeguard environmentally delicate regions like wetlands, forests, and
wildlife habitats. To direct growth away from high-risk locations like floodplains and
landslide-prone areas, zoning restrictions and land use controls should be
implemented.

 Eco-Friendly Facilities

To increase biodiversity, promote air and water quality, lessen the effects of urban
heat islands, and provide recreational and cultural amenities for communities,
integrate green spaces, parks, urban forests, and green corridors into urban and rural
environments.
  Transportation that is sustainable

To minimize greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance air
quality and public health, prioritize sustainable means of transportation such as
public transit, walking, cycling, and carpools. Invest in non-motorized transportation
infrastructure and encourage alternative fuels and electric vehicles.

 Waste Management

Implement trash reduction, recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy activities to

reduce solid waste creation, alleviate landfill pressures, and promote resource
efficiency. Implement expanded producer responsibility initiatives and enforce
legislation to combat pollution and illegal dumping.

 Precautionary principle

The precautionary principle in environmental planning promotes taking preventive

action when there is an environmental risk or threat, even if there is insufficient
scientific evidence. It underlines the significance of exercising caution whenever
human activities have the potential to harm the environment. At Cypress, our
environmental planners prioritize minimizing harm over waiting for solid evidence of
damage.

 Public participation Involving stakeholders

Public participation is an important component of environmental planning. It entails

including a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, organizations, and
individuals, in the decision-making process. Their suggestions, ideas, and concerns
are important in developing successful and equitable environmental policies.
Environmental planning that is inclusive results in more informed, democratic, and
collaborative decisions. It improves transparency, trust, and the legitimacy of plans
and projects. At Cypress, we involve stakeholders to provide our environmental
planners with a broader view of the difficult issues they encounter.

What environmental elements should be considered during planning?

  Water bodies are bodies of water on Earth's surface, whether natural or
man-made. These bodies of water, which vary significantly in size, shape,
depth, and other characteristics, are critical to ecosystem management,
species habitat provision, climate regulation, and human activity continuation.

1. Oceans- are the Earth's largest bodies of water, accounting for approximately
71% of its surface. The five major oceans are: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian,
Southern, and Arctic. The oceans play an important role in climate regulation
by absorbing heat and dispersing moisture over the world.
2. Lakes- are bodies of water surrounded by land and usually contain
freshwater. The size of lakes varies from little ponds to massive inland
oceans such as North America's Great Lakes. Lakes provide habitat for fish,
birds, and other species, as well as leisure activities such as boating, fishing,
and swimming.
3. Rivers are naturally occurring waterways that eventually empty into lakes,
seas, or oceans after flowing from higher elevations to lower elevations.
Rivers are essential for maintaining terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,
carrying sediment, nutrients, and freshwater to coastal regions, and supplying
water for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes.
4. Ponds- are tiny, shallow bodies of water that can be man-made or naturally
occurring. They are typically smaller than lakes. Ponds are frequently utilized
for aquaculture, irrigation, and leisure. They also provide as home for insects,
aquatic plants, and amphibians.
5. Seas - are vast saltwater bodies that are connected to other seas or partially
surrounded by land. Seas like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South
China Sea are called for the nearby landmasses or regions. Seas offer vital
resources for travel, fishing, and leisure as well as a variety of marine
ecosystems.

Which building design incorporates water features?

A common water element in many architectural styles, fountains can be seen at

building entrances, public squares, and gardens. Simple cascades to intricate
sculptures with synchronized water jets and lighting effects are examples of
fountains. Shallow pools of water with a mirror-like surface that reflects the
surrounding scenery, and buildings are called reflecting pools. Reflecting pools are
frequently employed to produce striking visual effects in conjunction with municipal
buildings, monuments, and memorials. Water walls are made out of sheets of
cascading water that cascade down walls made of stone or glass. Water walls can be
used both indoors and outdoors, and they are frequently used to create a sense of
calm and movement in modern architectural projects.

 Mountains are enormous formations that rise sharply above their

surroundings. They are usually distinguished by their lofty peaks, harsh
terrain, and steep slopes. Mountains shape landscapes, affect weather
patterns, and provide habitats, among other important biological, geological,
and cultural aspects.

What characteristics does a mountain have?

Mountains emerge because of geological processes such as tectonic action, volcanic

eruptions, and erosion. Over millions of years, tectonic phenomena such as
continental plate collisions and crustal block uplift can cause mountain ranges to
emerge.

Types of Mountains:

1. Fold Mountains are formed by the folding of rock layers owing to tectonic
compression.
2. Fault-Block Mountains are formed by the uplift of crustal blocks along fault
lines, which results in steep escarpments and valleys.
3. Volcanic mountains are formed by the deposition of lava and volcanic debris
during volcanic eruptions.
4. Dome Mountains are formed by the uplift of rock layers owing to magma
intrusion beneath the Earth's surface.

Mountains contain different ecosystems with various vegetation zones that differ
depending on altitude, climate, and exposure. Mountain ecosystems support unique
species adapted to extreme conditions, manage water flow and quality, and
contribute to global biodiversity and ecosystem services. Water Source Mountains
are also known as "water towers" because they supply rivers, streams, and
freshwater to downstream communities and ecosystems. Snowmelt and rainfall in
mountainous areas flow into watersheds, which support agriculture, hydropower
generation, and city water supply.

Are there any regulations in place for protecting mountains?

There are regulations and policies in place aimed at protecting mountains and
promoting sustainable mountain management. These regulations are primarily
implemented by government agencies responsible for environmental conservation,
natural resource management, and land use planning.

 The Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment System (EIAS) is governed

by Presidential Decree No. 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations,
and it requires environmental impact assessments for proposed projects,
including those that may affect mountainous areas. EIAs aid in identifying
potential environmental consequences and mitigation strategies to reduce
negative effects on mountain ecosystems.
 The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, also known as
Republic Act No. 7586, provides a comprehensive framework for the
establishment and management of protected areas in the Philippines,
including mountainous terrain. Protected areas established under the NIPAS
Act, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural monuments, are
managed to preserve biodiversity, safeguard watersheds, and maintain
ecological balance.
 The DENR administers the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM)
initiative to empower local communities, especially indigenous peoples, to
manage and conserve forest resources in their traditional domains, which
frequently encompass mountainous environments. CBFM encourages
sustainable forest management, biodiversity protection, and livelihood
development while bolstering community tenure and governance rights.
 Local Government Initiatives: Many local government units (LGUs) have
passed ordinances and land use plans that include provisions to keep
mountainous areas under their control. LGUs play an important role in
 enforcing environmental laws, regulating land use activities, and encouraging
sustainable development practices in mountain communities.

 Forests are vast ecosystems dominated by trees and defined by a complex

web of interactions between creatures and their surroundings. Forests
encompass over 31% of the Earth's total area and can be found in a variety of
biomes, including tropical rainforests and boreal forests. They serve critical
roles in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, ecological service
provision, and human livelihood sustainability.

Here are some important elements of forests:

 Environmental Conservation and Restoration: Forest conservation and

restoration activities are critical for combating deforestation, land degradation,
and biodiversity loss. Sustainable forest management methods, protected
areas, reforestation, and afforestation activities are critical for preserving
forest ecosystems and reducing environmental concerns.
 Forests provide vital habitat for a varied range of plant and animal species,
including some that are endangered or vulnerable. They provide intricate food
webs, ecological interactions, and migration pathways, all of which help to
sustain biodiversity and improve ecosystem resilience.
 Forests provide a variety of ecological services that are critical to human well-
being, including water purification, soil fertility, pollination, insect control, and
cultural and recreational aspects. They also help millions of people around
the world, particularly indigenous and rural populations, to maintain their
livelihoods and traditions.

How do we protect the forests?

To protect forests, a multifaceted strategy is required, including government

regulations, community participation, sustainable land management techniques, and
international cooperation. Forest Conservation Policies and Legislation:
Governments should create and implement rules and regulations to preserve forests,
prevent deforestation, and promote sustainable forest management. This includes
designating protected areas, regulating land use, and enforcing sanctions for
unlawful logging and forest encroachment.

CONCLUSION

Finally, government planning organizations play an important role in incorporating

environmental issues into planning processes to ensure long-term development and
natural resource protection. Government agencies can promote ecosystem
protection, reduce environmental degradation, and increase resistance to the effects
of climate change by incorporating environmental considerations into policies, laws,
and decision-making frameworks. Key initiatives include conducting environmental
impact studies, establishing protected areas, enforcing environmental laws, and
promoting sustainable resource management techniques.

RECOMMENDATION

 Prioritize sustainable design methods that reduce environmental impact,

preserve resources, and improve energy efficiency. This involves adopting
passive design principles, maximizing building orientation for solar access,
and using environmentally friendly materials.
 Use renewable energy sources in infrastructure projects and building design,
such as geothermal heating, wind turbines, and solar panels, to lessen
dependency on fossil fuels and the effects of climate change.
 Buildings and infrastructure should be designed to endure the effects of
climate change, including heatwaves, sea level rise, and extreme weather. To
improve resilience, use green infrastructure, natural flood management
techniques, and climate-resilient design elements.
 Urban areas should designate and preserve natural habitats, green spaces,
and wildlife corridors to preserve biodiversity, support native species, and
foster ecological resilience.
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Ayson, D. (2018). Community mapping and data gathering for city planning in the Philippines.
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08_Structure of the Planning System in the Philippines.pdf (pssc.org.ph)

Philippine Local Government Planning and Budgeting Framework (grips.ac.jp)

Republic Act No. 9125 (lawphil.net)

Laurian, L., Day, M., Backhurst, M., Berke, P., Ericksen, N., Crawford, J., ... & Chapman, S.
(2004). What drives plan implementation? Plans, planning agencies and developers. Journal of
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