Policy Settings and Contributions

SIMPLE Policy Settings and Contributions

SIMPLE supports multiple policies within the umbrella of environment and natural resources sector. Priorities outlined in the implementation of national action plans on forests and watersheds, coastal and marine resources, climate change and disaster risk management are supported and described in Table 1. The main key policy supported is The Philippine Development Plan (2011-2016), where the Integrated Ecosystem-based Management is adopted as a major strategy. SIMPLE supports the National Convergence Initiative agencies tasked to carry out this strategy to improve rural development.

In support of pushing forward sustainable management of the country’s environment and natural resources, SIMPLE’s contribution in the policies described in Table 1 are in the areas of:

Effective environmental governance • Encourage multi-stakeholder participation to manage their own natural resources • Tenurial security both in the upland and coastal areas by encouraging

Co-Management agreements with DENR • Improving database and digitization of spatial information

Institutional strengthening and capability-building • Providing assistance to local governments to develop and implement local environment and natural resources management plans • Integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in local development plans in the updating of Comprehensive Land Use

Plans by municipal governments and enforcement of zoning ordinances

Implementing Convergence Initiative • Build partnerships between and among the local communities, local governments and government agencies to ensure that local development interventions are based on actual needs and aspirations of the community • Achieve spatial integration within the different ecosystems and ensure environmental integrity and sustainability

Table 1. Key relevant policies supported and complemented by SIMPLE

Year of adoption

1987

1991

2011-2016

2009

2010

2010

2009

2008

1999 Key relevant policy / framework/ regulations Areas of priorities / action

Constitution, Article XII, Sec.6

Sec. 20 (c), Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) The Philippine Development Plan The Climate Change Act (2009) Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF) Joint Memorandum Circular 2009 for the Harmonization and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Comprehensive Development Plan Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC No. 001, Series of 2007) on Harmonization of Local Planning, Investment Programming, Revenue Administration, Budgeting and Expenditure Management Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 1999) and succeeding related policies The use of property bears a social function, and all economic agents shall contribute to the common good. Individuals and private groups, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall have the right to own, establish, and operate economic enterprises, subject to the duty of the State to promote distributive justice and to intervene when the common good so demands.

The local government units shall, in conformity with existing laws, continue to prepare their respective comprehensive land use plans enacted through zoning ordinances which shall be the primary and dominant bases for the future use of land resources: Provided, that the requirements for food production, human settlements, and industrial expansion shall be taken into consideration in the preparation of

such plans. Improved conservation, protection and rehabilitation of natural resources. Integrated ecosystem-based management will continue to be adopted as a major strategy for sustainable natural resource management

Ensure and strengthen the adaptation of the country’s natural ecosystems and human communities to climate change

National Framework Strategy on Climate Adopted by the Climate Change Commission and is the country’s Change roadmap towards climate change resiliency. It is to be implemented at the local level with the local government unit as the frontline agency in the formulation, planning and implementation of its climate change action plan. Building an economically stable and ecologically

Republic Act 10121 (Philippine DRM Act Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation of 2010) and the National Disaster Risk in planning and implementation

sustainable town, also known as Ecotown, is a key approach. Provide description of how the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Comprehensive Development Plan can be formulated jointly and more

efficiently To harmonize all local governments’ relevant schedules and requirements for planning, investment programming, budgeting as

well as revenue and expenditure management Establishes the Convergence Initiative towards rural sustainable development of the three rural development agencies DA, DAR and the DENR

National Guidelines supported and implemented by SIMPLE

Guidelines on Provincial and Local Planning and Expenditure Management (PLPEM), 2007 | NEDA Comprehensive Land Use Plan Guide Book: A Guide to Comprehensive Land Use Plan Preparation | HLURB Budget Operations Manual for Local Government Units (2008 Edition) | DBM Rationalized Local Planning System, A Source Book, 1st Edition 2008 and Comprehensive Development Plan, 1st Edition 2008 | DILG The Statement of Receipts and Expenditures Manual For Local Government Units (2008) | BLGF Guidelines on Forest Land Use Planning (FLUP) | DENR

Environment and natural resource financing • Ensure rightful share of environment and natural resources activities and priorities in local government budgets • Enhance collection of taxes / revenues pertaining to environment • Utilize disposable public and government land assets and resources, balancing economic environmental, and social development objectives.

SIMPLE draws on the Rationalized Planning System promoted by

the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The Rationalized Planning System is currently implemented following the passage of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2007 signed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DoF), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) as an extended member.

SIMPLE in itself is not a policy guideline. It is rather a collection of processes, management tools and methods to implement existing guidelines and policies more efficiently to capacitate the local governments nationwide.

All relevant guidelines used and supported by SIMPLE can be found at www.jmc2007compendium.com.

SIMPLE

Goals & Objectives • Pillars for Sound Territorial Development • Stakeholders’ Role • Phases • Estimated Costs