RA 10587: Mastering Philippine Environmental Planning

Understanding Republic Act No. 10587, or the Philippine Environmental Planning Act of 2013, is crucial. This law formally established Environmental Planning as a regulated profession in the Philippines, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated systematically into national and local development processes.

This article breaks down the essential components of RA 10587, focusing on what it means for your professional journey.

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What is RA 10587 and Why Does It Matter?

Prior to 2013, environmental planning activities were often performed by professionals from allied fields (like Architecture or Civil Engineering) without a specific, unified standard for environmental planning expertise. RA 10587 addressed this gap by:

1. Professionalizing the Field: Creating a standardized definition of an Environmental Planner and setting minimum competency requirements.
2. Protecting the Public: Ensuring that only qualified individuals, licensed by the government, can provide professional environmental planning services.
3. Integration: Mandating the integration of environmental considerations into physical and development planning.

The Core Definition

Section 3(a) of RA 10587 defines an Environmental Planner as a person who is qualified by education, experience, and examination to practice environmental planning, and who is licensed and registered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Key Components of the Environmental Planning Act

RA 10587 is built around three main pillars: Scope of Practice, Licensure Requirements, and the Regulatory Board.

1. Scope of Professional Practice

This section outlines exactly what a licensed Environmental Planner (ENP) is authorized to do. It covers the entire spectrum of planning, from policy formulation to project execution.

Activities of an Environmental Planner (ENP):

• Policy and Program Development: Formulating national, regional, sectoral, and local development plans that integrate environmental sustainability.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Preparing and reviewing complex environmental impact statements and assessments as required by law (like the PEISS/EIA Review System).
• Land Use Planning: Preparing comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs) and zoning ordinances for local government units (LGUs).
• Resource Management: Designing systems for managing critical environmental resources, such as water, coastal zones, and protected areas.
• Advisory Roles: Serving as consultants or technical advisors on environmental planning and management issues to public and private entities.

2. The Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Environmental Planning

To enforce the law, RA 10587 established the PRB under the PRC. This Board is responsible for administering exams, issuing licenses, and monitoring the practice.

Functions of the PRB:

Function	Detail
Examination	Prepare, administer, and grade the licensure examination for Environmental Planners.
Registration	Issue Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards (PICs) to passers.
Regulation	Investigate and decide complaints involving violations of the Act or professional ethics.
Accreditation	Accrediting continuing professional development (CPD) programs relevant to environmental planning.

3. Requirements for Licensure

To become a licensed ENP, you must meet specific educational and examination prerequisites. This ensures a minimum standard of competence is upheld across the profession.

Who can take the exam?

1. A citizen of the Philippines, at least 21 years old.
2. A holder of a professional degree in Environmental Planning or a related field recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) AND who has two (2) years of relevant experience.
3. OR A holder of a Master’s Degree in Environmental Planning AND one (1) year of relevant experience.

Note: The specific curriculum required for the bachelor’s or master’s degree must be approved by the PRB.

Environmental Planning vs. Allied Professions

It is common for students to confuse Environmental Planning with related fields like Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or Environmental Management. While these fields overlap significantly, RA 10587 specifically carves out the niche for the Environmental Planner (ENP).

Profession	Primary Focus under RA 10587 Context
Environmental Planner (ENP)	Integrating ecological limits and sustainable principles into all scales of development planning (the overarching framework).
Urban Planner	Focuses specifically on the physical organization and functional design of cities and metropolitan areas.
Environmental Manager	Often focuses on the implementation, monitoring, and compliance aspects of specific environmental projects (more technical/operational).

The key takeaway for students: If you intend to sign documents related to the synthesis of environmental science and development planning policy, the ENP license under RA 10587 is your professional anchor.

Conclusion: Your Role in National Development

RA 10587 transforms environmental planning from an optional consideration into a mandatory, professionally regulated service. As aspiring Environmental Planners, your education must equip you not only with technical skills but also with the ethical framework necessary to uphold the standards set by the PRC. Mastering this law is the first step toward shaping a more resilient and sustainable Philippine landscape.