Coastal Resource Management - LGRC DILG 10

POLICY AND OPERATIONAL ISSUES THAT IMPACT ON EFFECTIVE COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1On the provincial, municipal or village level, however, the municipalgovernments exercise management functions. Section 17 of the LocalGovernment Code 43 identifies and provides for the devolution of someenvironmental and natural resource management functions from theDENR to the LGUs. The law provides, among others, that:LGU powers andresponsibilities in thecoastal zone includeprotection, regulation,revenue generation, locallegislation, enforcement,provision of services,extension and technicalassistance, performanceof inter-governmentrelations, and relationswith NGOs and POs. It is the duty of every national agency or government-owned orcontrolled corporation authorizing or involved in the planning andimplementation of any project or program that may cause pollution,climatic change, depletion of non-renewable resources, loss of cropland,rangeland or forest cover, and extinction of animal or plant species, toconsult with the local government units, NGOs, and other sectorsconcerned, and explain the goals and objectives of the project orprogram, its impact upon the people and the community in terms ofenvironmental or ecological balance, and the measures that will beundertaken to prevent or minimize the adverse effects; 44 Prior consultations are required and the approval of the local councilconcerned must first be had before any such project or program maybe implemented; 45 Every local government shall exercise those powers that are essential to the promotion of thegeneral welfare and shall enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology. 46Given the array of management powers exercised by the LGUs within their territorial jurisdictions,coastal resource management can be considered as among their inherent functions. LGU powersand responsibilities in the coastal zone include protection, regulation, revenue generation, locallegislation, enforcement, provision of services, extension and technical assistance, performance ofinter-government relations, and relations with NGOs and POs.In Palawan, where a special law governs the management of the sustainable development of itsnatural resources, the PCSD, as the policy-making and governing body, issues resolutions andSERVICE DELIVERY WITH IMPACT: RESOURCE BOOKS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT17