House Bill Number 8 authored by Cong. Irvin Alcala

House Bill Number 8 or the Philippine Environmental Assessment (PEA) Act of 2010 is being discussed by a Technical Working Group (TWG) created by the Committee. The TWG is composed of members of the academe, NGO’s, concerned government agencies and other stakeholders.  As experts and stakeholders, the TWG members are tasked to review the proposed measure to determine its feasibility, implementability, and relevance --- thresh out provisions of the bill. Its output will be recommendatory to the Committee Members.  The bill was filed by Hon. Irvin M. Alcala of the 2nd district of Quezon in 2010 having the conservation of nature in mind.

As most of us know, environmental awareness has been one of the main focal points of most governments in the world today. Various states, nations and forms of government are passing, enacting and implementing different means in which the environment is the main recipient of aid, protection and restoration. The PEA act of 2010 aims to develop a system of assessment that means to protect the environment through an environmental assessment of a proposed policy, plan or program proposals from government agencies, private entities and the like.

Once it is passed, the bill will prove to be an effective filter to sift through environmentally unsafe PPP’s that can damage natural habitats and eco systems.

The main beneficiary of the bill will practically be the people who may be affected by irresponsible environmental projects. Health, socio-economic and other various by-products of industries that use up natural resources may it be in land or water but not limited to it will be rigorously screened and reviewed.

Living in a healthy natural environment is a right of every Filipino, not a privilege or commercial venture for the wealthy few. Philippine soil, water and air are a natural gift for its sons and daughters, protecting it from harm is a return investment for all.

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