Miriam files bill authorizing DENR to provide grants to barangays

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is seeking to authorize the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide grants to assist barangays in complying with environmental requirements under the law.

She also sought authority for the DENR to use penalty amounts collected under laws to finance the grants.

Santiago filed Senate Bill 3086, also known as the Environmental Compliance Assistance Act, wherein the DENR shall create grants for projects and activities to assist communities in complying with environmental requirements under laws administered by the DENR.

She said the massive floodings that devastated Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and other areas in Northern Mindanao and some parts of the Visayas opened the eyes of the world to the necessity of protecting our environment. 

Santiago said the Constitution provides that the state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

“Our country has enacted laws on the national and local levels establishing a more proactive approach to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of human activities,” she said.

“But protecting the environment seems to always take the backseat to our continuous struggle to fight corruption and alleviate poverty.”

Santiago said compliance with existing laws is neglected due to the lack of funds.

“There needs to be a bill that will provide for an alternative and/or complementary source of funding for compliance to environmental law to ensure that even though such efforts are given a small share in local government funding, the barangays will be empowered to be in the forefront of protecting the environment,” the bill said.

Santiago sought the immediate passage of the bill, which she filed a few days after tropical storm “Sendong” devastated Northern Mindanao.

To receive the grant, the DENR shall select among the applicants on the urgency and necessity of their request for grant. 

Santiago said the DENR shall formulate guidelines to determine the priority for receiving grants.

The grant shall be made available from the Environmental Compliance Trust Fund sought to be established.

The DENR and the Department of Finance shall establish a trust fund known as the Environmental Compliance Trust Fund, Santiago said.