The Philippine Statistics Authority- Cordillera Administrative Region (PSA-CAR) hosted the Luzon Cluster Consultative Workshop for the Crafting of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) from 02 to 04 April 2025 in Baguio City.

PSA-CAR was chosen to host the consultative workshop in recognition of its endeavors on accounting the environment at the sub-national level. Cordillera is the pioneer among regions in compiling and developing environmental statistics and accounts under the Environment and Natural Resources Accounting (ENRA) Project with accomplishments on CAR regional environmental asset accounts on land, water, timber, mineral resources and the on-going estimation of solid waste and energy accounts.

The consultative workshop was organized by the PSA through the Environment and Natural Resources Accounts Division (ENRAD) of the Macroeconomic Accounts Service (MAS) and the Legal Service to prepare the IRR for the effective implementation of the PENCAS Act.  The resource persons were the Officer-In-Charge Assistant National Statistician Mark C. Pascasio of PSA-MAS, Atty. Peter Irish De Leon and Atty. Precious Angelia Eugenio-Paganaje of the PSA Legal Service, Chief Statistical Specialist Virginia M. Bathan of PSA-MAS ENRAD, Ms. Roja Guia Bati-on of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Ms. Likha Malai C. Alcantara of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).  The consultative workshop was facilitated by former PSA Deputy National Statistician Romeo S. Recide, and former PSA Assistant National Statistician Vivian R. Illarina.

The Republic Act No. 11995, also known as the PENCAS Act, was signed into law on 22 May 2024. This act integrates the ecosystem and natural capital considerations into economic and policy frameworks of the government and stakeholders in the country, thus promoting sustainable development by recognizing and valuing the country's natural assets, institutionalizing Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) in the country, and mandating its use in policy and decision-making.

The passage of the PENCAS Act provides the PSA and implementing agencies, such as the DENR, among others, a valuable opportunity to strengthen their compilation of environmental and ecosystem accounts, environment statistics, and other related indicators.

The workshop is deemed essential to gather comments, inputs, and recommendations from various agencies and stakeholders. This initiative aims to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to implementing the law, addressing regional developments, and incorporating specific environmental programs crucial to the regions within the scope of the IRR.

Participants in the consultative workshop represented a diverse range of sectors. Government agencies included the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) along with its regional and provincial offices, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with their Luzon regional offices, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its Luzon regional offices, Department of Agriculture (DA)-CAR, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-CAR, Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRDEC), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Baguio Station, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ), and the local government units of Tublay, Itogon, Tuba, and Baguio City.

Representatives from the academic sector included delegates from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, UP Los Baños, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), Benguet State University (BSU), and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU).

The civil society and private sector were represented by organizations such as Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI), Greenpeace Philippines, Ecowaste Coalition, Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies (REECS), Center for Conservation Innovations PH, Inc., Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), and ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

In total, over 70 participants actively engaged in the workshop, reflecting strong collaboration and commitment to crafting an inclusive and effective IRR of the PENCAS Law.

(SGD)
VILLAFE P. ALIBUYOG
Regional Director

Designation    Initials    Date
SOCD, CSS      AFRB    25 Apr 2025
SOCD, SS II     JRB       25 Apr 2025
SOCD, AS       JPL        24 Apr 2025