Pasig City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Productivity and Development Center , addressed regulatory challenges in the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) and Water Utility industries during the launch of the Modernizing Government Regulations Program (MGRP) 2024 Regulatory Review. Held on September 30, 2024, at the DAP Pasig office, the event featured breakout sessions where experts and stakeholders explored key regulatory issues in these sectors, both crucial to the nation’s sustainable development agenda.
DAP President and CEO, Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, highlighted the importance of regulatory reforms in advancing the country’s long-term national goals under Ambisyon Natin 2040. She emphasizes that these reforms play a critical role in enhancing competitiveness and efficiency across both the public and private sectors. Dr. Ravago stressed the need for streamlined regulations to support the ease of doing business, as required by Republic Act No. 11032.
“Our regulatory reforms must produce SMART—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound—regulations that streamline processes, reduce unnecessary burdens, and create a business-friendly environment that drives economic growth,” she stated.
Dr. Casper Agaton, Professor of Environmental Economics at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, led discussions on aligning WtE projects with environmental regulations. He explored innovations like Anaerobic Digestion and Gasification as viable alternatives for energy recovery from waste. The session also addressed outdated laws hindering the advancement of WtE infrastructure and technology adoption, particularly the need to update RA 9003 (The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003) and RA 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999), which restrict incineration processes. The session emphasized the importance of harmonizing local government units (LGUs) policies with national regulatory frameworks to simplify project approvals.
Atty. Mark Anthony Gamboa, a licensed environmental planner and assistant professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman School of Urban and Regional Planning, led discussions on the regulatory challenges facing the water utility sector. He highlighted inefficiencies such as delays in water permit issuance and tariff adjustments, which hinder the operations of water districts. The participants called for clearer pricing policies, better resource management, and improved coordination among regulatory agencies. They also underscored the need for robust policies to ensure equitable water distribution and responsible management of water as both a public resource and a strategic commodity.
The event attracted 136 participants from various sectors, including the government, industry players, and civil society. The insights gained from these discussions will inform future regulatory reforms aimed at boosting national productivity, enhancing the ease of doing business, and fostering a more competitive economic landscape.
The MGRP continues its mission to reduce regulatory burdens across industries. For more information about the MGRP Regulatory Review and upcoming activities, please contact Ms. Rosario E. De Castro, Project Manager, at mgrp2@dap.edu.ph or through (02) 8631-2163.