| Abstract |
The Philippine environmental statutory state in the mid-'60s to late '80s can best be described as a "command-and-control" regulatory approach. Legislations were related mostly to pollution mitigation, emphasizing compliance with water, air and waste management standards. Environmental management at the time was equated with permitting systems, which in turn, were biased towards "end-of-pipe" controls. In the 1990's, the government's regulatory framework has dramatically shifted towards the environmental sustainable development paradigm as a result of the country's commitment in the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. As a signatory to other international environmental protocols, Philippine laws are now being rationalized through innovative policy reforms and strategies. Environmental management is a vital component of PNOC EDC's corporate philosophy. The key to PNOC-EDC's environmental strategy lies in the fact that its management programs are continually evolving. Since its Environmental Management Division (EMD) was created in 1978, PNOC EDC has progressively modified its thrusts and programs to adapt to changes in national policies and regulations. The recent trend in government environmental policies of simultaneously achieving economic development, environmental improvement and social progress has always been manifested in PNOC-EDC's management strategies. The Company is continuously undertaking various proactive approaches with the end view of harnessing the country's indigenous energy resources in a manner that is environmentally enhancing, socially responsive and economically uplifting for both the Company and its host communities, and the country as a whole. Clearly, PNOC EDC has complied beyond the requirements regulating the Philippine energy and environment sector. |