LET’S LOCALIZE ENVIRONMENT FUNCTIONS

LET’S LOCALIZE ENVIRONMENT FUNCTIONS In the Philippines, the management of our environment and natural resources is a shared responsibility among various levels of government, each with its own structure and challenges. Yet, as the current system demonstrates, these roles often overlap or operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. To truly address the pressing environmental issues we face, it’s time to rethink and localize environment functions for more effective governance. A Tale of Two Offices: PENROs and MENROs At present, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs) are employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They may occupy offices within Provincial Capitol Buildings but do not report directly to governors. Instead, their chain of command runs vertically, with the DENR Secretary at the helm, operating through designated Undersecretaries. This limits the ability of provincial leaders to directly influence or coordinate environmental initiatives at the local level. On the other hand, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs) are employed by Local Government Units (LGUs) and report to their respective mayors. Unlike PENROs, MENROs operate independently of DENR oversight. This means there is no formal chain of command linking MENROs to PENROs, creating a fragmented system where municipal actions may not align with provincial goals or national priorities. The Case for Coordination Environmental concerns transcend municipal boundaries. Rivers flow through several LGUs, lakes straddle multiple jurisdictions, and forests span entire provinces. Addressing these issues requires cooperation across municipalities and a cohesive plan at the provincial level. However, the current structure—where MENROs and PENROs work independently—hampers collaboration. In theory, every province should have environmental targets, with mayors contributing to these through local actions. But how can PENROs mobilize MENROs towards shared goals when they lack direct authority over them? The result is often a disjointed approach where each LGU implements its own plans, programs, and projects, without considering their impact on the larger ecosystem. Practical Solutions To bridge these gaps, we must rethink how environment functions are localized. Here are some suggestions: 1. Strengthen Provincial Oversight o Consider placing MENROs under the direct supervision of the provincial government or establishing a formal reporting mechanism to the PENRO. This could ensure alignment of municipal actions with provincial and national priorities. 2. Encourage Inter-LGU Cooperation o Create provincial environmental councils comprising mayors, MENROs, and the PENRO to plan and implement unified environmental programs. Shared funding and resources can also incentivize collaboration. 3. Enhance Coordination Between DENR and LGUs o Develop joint programs where DENR provides technical expertise and funding, while LGUs handle on-the-ground implementation. Clear guidelines should delineate responsibilities and expectations. 4. Provide Capacity Building for MENROs o Equip MENROs with the necessary skills and knowledge through regular training and workshops led by DENR or provincial offices. Empowered MENROs can implement more effective and sustainable programs. 5. Incentivize Performance o Introduce performance-based rewards for LGUs that achieve environmental targets. This could foster healthy competition and encourage LGUs to prioritize environmental management. Questions to Ponder Should MENROs become employees of the provincial government to ensure better coordination? How can we balance local autonomy with the need for unified environmental strategies? What role should the DENR play in fostering collaboration among LGUs? Conclusion The current environmental governance system in the Philippines, while well-intentioned, suffers from fragmentation and a lack of coordination. By localizing environment functions—whether through structural changes, enhanced cooperation, or capacity building—we can create a more cohesive and effective approach to managing our natural resources. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that every level of government, from municipalities to provinces, works in harmony to protect our environment for future generations. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 02-06-2025