EMB National Capital Region

𝗘𝗠𝗕-𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗘𝗣𝗔 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘 𝗥𝗔 𝟵𝟬𝟬𝟯 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

METRO MANILA, Philippines — The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), in partnership with local government units and stakeholders, successfully conducted a series of Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities across the cities of Valenzuela, Malabon, and Mandaluyong throughout May 2026. The campaign focused on the implementation of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and related environmental laws and initiatives that promote community participation in proper waste management.

The CEPA campaign started on May 5 through a collaborative initiative with the Trash to Cash Program of Valenzuela City. The morning session was conducted at the 3S Center in Barangay Punturin, while the afternoon session was held at the WES Court in Disiplina Village, Barangay Bignay, where Environmental Monitoring Officers (EnMOs) Mr. Nathaniel L. Villa and Ms. Angelica Kaye Bal-Ut discussed RA 9003 and highlighted the importance of community participation in solid waste management. Representatives from BEST emphasized the significance of public cooperation in ensuring the success of the Trash to Cash Program, while representatives from Apeiron Bioenergy demonstrated how proper liquid waste management may become an additional source of income. The activity was attended by representatives from MMDA, CENRO–Valenzuela, Barangay Punturin and Barangay Bignay officials, and Disiplina Village Housing Officers.

The activity continued on May 19 at the Dalandanan Community Complex and the Multi-Purpose Hall 3S Center in Barangay Palasan, Valenzuela City. The initiative maintained its focus on empowering communities through sustainable waste management practices and the conversion of waste into reusable and valuable resources. EnMOs Ms. Donna Illanan and Ms. Lyra Bayucan, together with Ms. Kaye Angelica Bal-Ut, discussed RA 9003. Representatives from BEST and RHC Oil Company also expressed their support for environmental sustainability efforts. The activity was attended by representatives from MMDA, CENRO–Valenzuela, and residents of Barangays Dalandanan and Palasan.

On May 21, the series continued at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City. EnMO Ms. Sarah Dela Cruz discussed the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, while Mr. John Paul Alcos discussed the provisions of Republic Act No. 9275, or the Clean Water Act. The activity aimed to strengthen the awareness and active participation of barangay officials and residents in implementing proper solid waste management and environmental sanitation practices in accordance with RA 9003 and RA 9275. The activity was attended by DENR-NCR MEO-North representatives, CENRO Valenzuela, Barangay Gen. T. De Leon officials and residents, and Estero

The series of activities further expanded to Malabon City on May 25 at Kadima Court, Barangay Tonsuya. The activity focused on improving waste segregation practices and increasing community participation in the proper implementation of solid waste management policies. EnMOs Mr. John Paul Alcos discussed the RA 9003, including proper waste segregation and sustainability practices. The activity highlighted the importance of shared responsibility among barangay officials and residents in promoting environmental compliance and maintaining a clean and healthy community. The activity was attended by Barangay Tonsuya officials, residents, homeowners, and Estero Rangers.

This month-long initiative concluded on May 26, when EMB-NCR and CENRO Valenzuela once again collaborated for a CEPA activity under the Trash to Cash Program held at the Old Barangay Hall in Ugong, Valenzuela City. The program continued to encourage communities to convert waste into valuable resources while promoting sustainable waste management practices. Mr. Nathaniel L. Villa, EnMo, discussed RA 9003, emphasizing the current status and challenges of solid waste management in the Philippines and the National Capital Region. Mr. Paul Darren San Mateo, EnMo, presented EMB-NCR initiatives regarding solid waste management and practical methods for reducing waste generation. Representatives from BEST and Apeiron Bioenergy also reinforced the importance of active community involvement and innovative waste management strategies. The activity was attended by representatives from MMDA, CENRO Valenzuela City, Barangay Ugong officials and constituents, and Disiplina Village Housing Officers.

Simultaneously, another CEPA activity was conducted on May 26 at the Barangay Hall of New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City, focusing on RA 9003 and Marine Litter awareness. EnMos Ms. Lo**ta Ilad, Ms. Rea Stephanie Cid, and Mr. Jerald Nico Pascual facilitated discussions on proper solid waste management and the harmful effects of marine litter on the environment. The activity gathered Barangay New Zaniga officials, community residents, TUPAD members, senior citizens, and representatives from MMDA and CENRO.

Simultaneously, another CEPA activity was conducted on May 26 at the Barangay Hall of New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City, focusing on RA 9003 and marine litter awareness. EnMOs Ms. Lo**ta Ilad, Ms. Rea Stephanie Cid, and Mr. Jerald Nico Pascual facilitated discussions on proper solid waste management and the harmful effects of marine litter on the environment. The activity attended by the Barangay New Zaniga officials, community residents, TUPAD members, senior citizens, and representatives from MMDA and CENRO.EMB-NCR reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental awareness, encouraging active community participation, and promoting sustainable waste management practices throughout Metro Manila.

𝗘𝗠𝗕-𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗢𝗔𝗧𝗛-𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗟𝗬 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗘𝗘𝗦

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) joined the mass oath-taking ceremony for the newly appointed and promoted personnel of EMB on 26 May 2026 at the Air Quality Management Training Center, EMB Central Office, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

During her opening remarks, Asec. Jacqueline A. Caancan, CESO III, encouraged the newly appointed and promoted employees to embrace opportunities for growth and step beyond their comfort zones. “Find your niche, find that opportunity, shine, and do your best,” she emphasized, inspiring employees to maximize their potential in public service. As the final batch of oath-takers during her term as EMB Director, Asec. Caancan administered the oath and extended her congratulations to the 20 appointees, whom she described as part of her legacy in the Bureau.

Among the newly promoted EMB-NCR personnel who took their oath were Mr. Foilan P. Neverio, Administrative Officer III (SG 14); Ms. Karen S. Montevirgen, Administrative Assistant II (SG 8); and Mr. Jose Mari G. Teran, Administrative Assistant II (SG 8 ), together with their fellow newly hired and promoted employees of EMB.

We extend our congratulations to all newly appointed and promoted personnel!

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚

ATTY. NORMA SINGSON-DE LEON (RECEIVER) proposes the SMOKEY MOUNTAIN LAND REHABILITATION project to be located in Smokey Mountain, Brgy. 128, Balut, Tondo, City

Here is the Air Quality Status (PM 2.5) in the National Capital Region as of 12:00 PM, May 21, 2026.

Click the link for real-time Air Quality Index: https://bit.ly/EMBNCRAQI

(The upgrade and system configuration of Air Quality Monitoring Stations(AQMS) in other cities are currently in progress).

𝗘𝗠𝗕-𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗚 𝗡𝗚 𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗡: 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗛-𝗧𝗢-𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠

MALABON CITY, Philippines – The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), conducted the Tinig ng Kalikasan at Kababaihan Learning Caravan with Green Trading (Trash-to-Goods) Program on May 16, 2026, at the Santiago Syjuco Memorial School in Brgy. Ibaba, Malabon City.

Hon. Martin M. Claro, Jr., Chairperson of Barangay Ibaba, delivered the welcome remarks and expressed his gratitude to the organizers for bringing the event to their community. He emphasized that the activity greatly benefited both their barangay and neighboring communities—particularly the women participants—as it not only strengthens awareness of Gender and Development (GAD) but also reinforces local environmental protection initiatives.

Mr. Jake Layola of the Malabon City Environment and Natural Resources Office delivered the opening message. He highlighted the significance of the activity and outlined various environmental and support services being implemented by his office for the benefit of Malabon City residents.

Offering her full support to the program, Atty. Janice R. Pammit, OIC Regional Director, delivered an inspirational video message warmly welcoming the participants and thanking the partner agencies for making the activity possible. She briefly discussed the background of the caravan, emphasized the importance of promoting a gender-equal, safe, and healthy environment, and encouraged participants to continue supporting the Bureau’s projects and initiatives.

On behalf of Hon. Glenn P. Santiago, Chairperson of Barangay Baritan, Kagawad Noel Espino delivered a message of support, expressing appreciation for the opportunity given to their barangay to participate. Similarly, representing Mr. Nathaniel Padilla, President of Malabon Soap and Oil Industrial Co., Inc., Mr. Jake Guevarra shared the company’s continued commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. He provided a brief history of the company and highlighted several community support programs and environmental activities conducted as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Ms. Monette S. Santos of the Philippine Commission on Women discussed the Legal Framework Protecting Women’s Rights, including the SOGIESC framework. During her lecture, she emphasized that raising gender awareness within communities is a critical step toward achieving Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. She also discussed the interconnectedness of gender and the environment, explaining how social norms influence human interaction with nature and how environmental issues such as pollution and climate-related disasters often disproportionately affect women and girls.

Atty. Dennie Vieve DP. Idea, OIC of the Legal Unit, discussed the Rights of Solo Parents in the Philippines, highlighting their valuable contributions to families, communities, and society. She emphasized that parenting transcends gender and recognized the resilience and capability of solo parents—making her discussion one of the clear highlights of the event.

Following this, Ms. Ivy A. Arenas, Information Officer II, discussed the State of the Urban Environment. Her presentation highlighted the effects of rapid urbanization, the current environmental conditions of Metro Manila, and actionable initiatives that support environmental sustainability and protection.

Engr. Jeffrey Bancifra, Senior Environmental Management Specialist, discussed Republic Act No. 9003 (the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000). He covered the salient provisions of the law, Metro Manila’s current waste generation situation, and the vital importance of implementing ecological solid waste management practices to protect both public health and the environment.

After the lecture series, Ms. Lelia Frades, Pollution Control Officer of Malabon Soap and Oil Industrial Co., Inc., presented the environmental activities and community initiatives that are continuously supported by their company under the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program in partnership with the Bureau. She concluded her presentation by expressing gratitude to the participants and partner agencies for their continued cooperation.
The event formally concluded with closing remarks delivered by Ms. Jennifer Ternate, River Protection Officer of the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office – North.

In the afternoon, the Green Trading or Trash-to-Goods activity successfully collected a total of 217.5 kilograms of PET bottles. Additionally, 120 seedlings of Calamansi, Guyabano, and Langka were distributed to the participants to further promote environmental awareness, advocacy, and sustainable local greening practices.

The EMB-NCR continues to encourage communities, local government units, and private-sector partners to champion programs that promote responsible waste management and contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation and protection of Manila Bay.

𝗘𝗠𝗕-𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥 𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), through its Legal Unit, conducted a two-day seminar on the latest Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) Rules and Procedures and the Prosecution of Environmental Crimes on 13 to 14 May 2026. The activity aimed to strengthen the legal and technical knowledge of EMB-NCR personnel in handling environmental cases and enforcing environmental laws and regulations.

The seminar formally opened with welcome remarks from Atty. Dennie Vieve DP. Idea, OIC of the Legal Unit, followed by an inspirational message from OIC Regional Director Atty. Janice R. Pammit, who emphasized the importance of upholding environmental laws and ensuring accountability in environmental governance.

The first day of the seminar focused on legal procedures and enforcement mechanisms. Atty. Erika Kristel C. Romero, OIC of the Legal Enforcement & Investigation Section of the EMB Central Office, discussed the Uniform Manual of Procedures, while Atty. Arjunn Marven Calvo, Deputy Board Secretary and Legal Counsel of the PAB, provided updates on PAB Rules and Procedures.

The afternoon session shifted to the investigation and prosecution of environmental offenses. Atty. Marvin R. Matamis, Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Investigation – Environmental Crimes Division, discussed the rules and procedures for investigating environmental crimes and highlighted the role of law enforcement agencies in environmental protection. Justice Sharon E. Millan-Decano, Assistant Solicitor General from the Office of the Solicitor General, also shared insights on prosecuting environmental cases and addressing legal challenges encountered in court proceedings. The discussions were followed by a presentation from Atty. Lloyd David P. Vicedo, Case Decongestion Officer, on recent environmental jurisprudence and relevant case applications. Throughout these complex presentations, the participants demonstrated high levels of engagement, actively participating in the open forum where they challenged assumptions and sought clarification on the practical application of these legal frameworks.

On the second day, the seminar covered updates on major environmental laws and regulatory policies. Engr. Angelo Villegas, Environmental Management Specialist II, and Engr. Michieko Sibunga, OIC of the Water Quality Management Section, discussed the latest updates on the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, respectively. Engr. Kim Geo Bernal, Environmental Management Specialist II, tackled updates on the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, while Engr. Jose Paolo H. Aragoncillo, Senior Environmental Management Specialist, discussed the Environmental Impact Statement System. Meanwhile, Ms. Gabrielle Raine G. Aguzar presented updates on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law.

The seminar concluded with an interactive panel discussion and a closing program, where participants once again engaged in dynamic discussions with the resource speakers. The activity served as a vital venue to enhance the competency of EMB-NCR personnel and reinforce the bureau’s commitment to effective environmental law enforcement and compliance monitoring.

𝗘𝗠𝗕-𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗔 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗣𝗧-𝗔𝗡-𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗢/𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗗𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠

PASAY CITY, Philippines – The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) and SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program on 15 May 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA).

Under the agreement, SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation has formally adopted the entire stretch of the Libertad Channel for a period of five (5) years. This partnership reflects a strong commitment to environmental protection, the sustainable rehabilitation of waterways, and the promotion of cleaner, healthier esteros and waterbodies across the National Capital Region.

During the ceremony, Ms. Catherine C. Neverio, Head of the Ambient Water Unit, presented the current water quality status of the Libertad Channel. Ms. Neverio discussed the results of recent monitoring activities conducted by EMB-NCR, highlighting key environmental indicators and the existing condition of the waterbody.

Hon. Imelda Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano, Mayor of Pasay City, delivered a message of support, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the city’s vision for sustainable urban development and complements global actions to preserve the environment for future generations. Mayor Calixto-Rubiano reaffirmed the Pasay City Government’s continued commitment to ecological sustainability, cleaner waterways, and a healthier environment for all residents.

Ms. Paula Rose Borja, Secretary of Barangay 76, Pasay City, attended and expressed her appreciation for the collaboration, noting its vital role in strengthening local efforts to improve sanitation, promote environmental protection, and support the community-level rehabilitation of the Libertad Channel.

Atty. Janice R. Pammit, CESE, OIC Regional Director of EMB-NCR, delivered the closing remarks, expressing her gratitude to SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation for its steadfast support. She underscored the importance of sustained public-private partnerships in rehabilitating local waterways, emphasizing that collective action is essential to reducing pollution, improving water quality, and ensuring a resilient urban environment.