The Environmental Planning Board in the Philippines, as defined by Republic Act No. 10587, plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable development and proper environmental management. This article delves into the specifics of the Environmental Planning Board's establishment, its duties and responsibilities, and the requirements for environmental planners, as outlined in RA 10587, also known as the Environmental Planning Act of 2013.
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Establishment and Structure of the Environmental Planning Board
Creation and Composition
RA 10587 establishes the Professional Regulatory Board of Environmental Planning, hereinafter referred to as the Board. The Board is composed of a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of recommendees submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). These recommendees are nominated by the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) of environmental planners.
- Appointed by the President
- Must be recommended by the PRC from a list provided by the APO
- Serve a term of three years, with a possibility of one reappointment
The Board operates under the administrative supervision of the PRC, which also handles the Board’s records and support services.
Qualifications of Board Members
To be eligible for appointment to the Board, members must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizenship and Residency: Must be a Filipino citizen and resident
- Moral Character and Mental Soundness: Must possess good moral character and sound mind
- Educational Background: Must hold a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning or its equivalent
- Professional Experience: Must be a registered and licensed environmental planner with at least seven years of relevant practice
In addition, Board members must not be affiliated with any academic institution offering environmental planning courses and must be members in good standing of the APO.
Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities
The Environmental Planning Board is endowed with a broad range of powers and responsibilities to regulate and enhance the practice of environmental planning in the Philippines. Key responsibilities include:
- Rule-Making: Formulating and implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of RA 10587
- Licensure and Registration: Supervising the licensure, registration, and practice of environmental planners
- Examination Administration: Preparing, administering, and grading the licensure examinations for environmental planners
- Ethics and Standards: Adopting a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards in collaboration with the APO
- Curriculum Development: Assisting the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure that academic offerings in environmental planning meet prescribed standards
The Board also investigates violations of the Act and has the authority to issue subpoenas to secure necessary evidence.
Functions and Roles of Environmental Planners
Scope of Practice
The practice of environmental planning in the Philippines, as outlined in RA 10587, includes a diverse range of activities aimed at the sustainable development and management of land and water resources. The primary functions of an environmental planner encompass:
- Development Planning: Preparing national, regional, or local development frameworks and comprehensive land-use plans
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Drafting zoning ordinances, codes, and other legal instruments for environmental management
- Specialized Planning: Developing specific sites for special purposes such as economic zones, tourism development, and housing projects
- Technical Studies: Conducting feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and institutional reviews
Educational and Professional Development
Environmental planners are also involved in educational activities, including curriculum development and teaching. They may serve as lecturers, resource persons, or jurors in various public fora and academic settings .
- Teaching and Training: Developing curricula and conducting courses in environmental planning
- Consultation Services: Providing technical advice and consultation on various planning projects
- Compliance and Enforcement: Ensuring adherence to environmental laws and obtaining necessary regulatory permits
Code of Ethics and Technical Standards
A crucial part of an environmental planner's professional life is adherence to the Code of Ethics and the Code of Technical Standards established by the APO. These codes ensure that planners conduct their duties with integrity, accountability, and technical excellence .
The Role of the Environmental Planning Board in Professional Regulation
Licensure Examinations
One of the Board's key functions is the administration of licensure examinations for aspiring environmental planners. These exams are designed to assess the competence and readiness of candidates to practice professionally. The Board is responsible for:
- Exam Content: Preparing the contents of the licensure exams
- Scoring and Results: Scoring the exams and submitting the results to the PRC for approval
- Certification: Issuing Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards to successful candidates
Continuing Professional Development
The Board also promotes the continuous professional development of environmental planners. This includes:
- Continuing Education: Mandating participation in ongoing education and training programs to keep planners updated with the latest trends and practices
- Professional Growth: Encouraging involvement in research, policy formulation, and other activities that contribute to the advancement of the profession
Disciplinary Actions
To maintain high standards of professional practice, the Board has the authority to take disciplinary action against practitioners who violate the provisions of RA 10587. Grounds for disciplinary action include:
- Gross Negligence or Incompetence: In performing professional duties
- Dishonesty: In licensure examinations or professional practice
- Violations of the Act: Including unethical behavior and non-compliance with the Code of Ethics
- Administrative Supervision and Support
The Board functions under the administrative supervision of the PRC, which provides the necessary support services, including record-keeping and administrative assistance. This ensures that the Board operates efficiently and effectively in fulfilling its regulatory mandate.
Key Takeaways
- Establishment and Qualifications: The Environmental Planning Board, created under RA 10587, comprises a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the President, all of whom must have a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning and at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
- Duties and Responsibilities: The Board is responsible for rule-making, supervising licensure and registration of environmental planners, administering licensure exams, adopting ethical and technical standards, and assisting in curriculum development for environmental planning education.
- Scope of Practice: Environmental planners engage in diverse activities, including development planning, regulatory compliance, specialized planning projects, technical studies, teaching, and consultation services, all while adhering to a strict Code of Ethics and Technical Standards.
- Professional Regulation: The Board oversees licensure examinations, promotes continuous professional development, and has the authority to discipline practitioners who violate professional standards, ensuring high standards of practice within the profession.
