Why IEG?
With the devolution of government powers accompanying the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. 7160), local government units (LGUs) were granted powers to effect governance in their respective jurisdictions. Among the devolved functions are those that used to be solely under the environment department, like pollution regulation and solid waste management, management of communal forests and adoption of integrated social forestry, small scale mining regulation, and other related functions. Fisheries management and regulatory functions in municipal waters have likewise been devolved to local governments. Barangay Captains are specifically tasked to “enforce laws and regulations relating to pollution control and protection of the environment.” Mayors, on the other hand, are mandated to adopt measures to safeguard and conserve the natural resources of the municipality or city. Indeed, with the passage of the local government code and other relevant environmental legislations, increasing power and responsibility on the environment have been passed or granted to local governments. However, the devolution of these powers and responsibilities does not necessarily equate to actual transfer of capacity, thus there is a challenge of providing the much- needed capacity to enable local executives and local policy makers better perform their given mandate.