Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7638 (RA 7638), the Environmental Protection and Monitoring division (EPMD) is hereby placed under the direct supervision of EUMB. As such, it shall continue to exercise the following functions as mandated by law:

a. Monitor the implementation of energy projects in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure compliance with prescribed environmental standards; and

b. Recommend appropriate courses of action to resolve major issues which may impede energy project siting or result in adverse environmental impact.

Likewise, the EPMD shall remain as the environmental unit of the Department and act as an Inter-Agency secretariat of the energy sector for environment as stipulated in Section 23 (Relationship With Other Government Departments) of RA 7638.

This Department Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 8 Dec. 1995

(SGD.) FRANCISCO L. VIRAY
Secretary