Duterte declares November 8 as Environmental Planning Day of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has declared November 8 of every year as Environmental Planning Day of the Philippines to address “environmental hazards” in the country.

Duterte signed Proclamation No. 847 on November 15, a copy of which was released to the media on Wednesday.

The President said the 1987 Philippine Constitution guaranteed “the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

He said the Constitution also mandated the government to “undertake in cooperation with the public sector a continuing program of urban land reform and housing, which will make available al affordable cost decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas.”

The President said Republic Act No. 10587 or the Environmental Planning Act of 2013 “recognizes the importance of environmental planning in nation-building and economic development.”

“[T]here is a need to increase awareness of the significance of urban and regional planning and environmental planning. as a means to address the urgent issues and concerns on environmental hazards. and to highlight the importance of land planning and balanced use of resources as a tool in attaining quality of life conducive to the well-being of all Filipinos,” Duterte said in his proclamation.

He added the “the commemoration of an Environmental Planning Day in the Philippines will provide an opportunity to disseminate information and raise awareness on the importance of environmental planning in managing uncontrolled urbanization and development as well as ensuring ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment, which are among the foundations of sustainable development.”

November 8 is celebrated worldwide as the “World Town Planning Day,” which aims “to advance public and professional awareness in local and international planning, and to raise awareness on the environmental impacts resulting from the development of cities and territories.”