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This Department is in full support to the effort of the government to phase-out the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and use of paints containing lead, a toxic chemical above the threshold limit of 90 parts per million (ppm), pursuant to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued Administrative Order No. 2013-24 dated December 23, 2013 (or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds).

With the global goal of eliminating such paints by 2020 and their associated hazards and risks to human health, particularly the health of children, workers and women, local government units are also encouraged to take full cognizance of this national and global drive to get rid of lead paints.

In this connection, all Provincial Governors, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors and
Punong Barangays are enjoined to:

1. support the phase-out of lead-containing paints and eventually, reduce the hazards and risks posed by such paints to human health.
   
   
2. adopt a “Lead-Safe Paint Procurement Policy” to make sure LGUs only purchase and use lead-safe paints for painting jobs paid out of public funds.
   
   
3. ensure that the other prohibited uses of lead and lead compounds such as the ban on their use in the manufacture of school supplies, toys and other children’s products, including indoor and outdoor playground equipment, are duly observed.
   
   
4. carry-out appropriate activities that will sensitize government personnel, as well as, the general public about lead exposure sources, symptoms and effects, and preventive measures, and
   
   
5. support  the  annual  observance  of  the  UN-backed  International  Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action every last week of October each year.

The DILG-ARMM Regional Governor and all DILG Regional Directors are also directed to cause the widest dissemination of this Memorandum Circular within their respective areas of jurisdiction.