Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) · DAO 2025-06
Designation of the Davao Gulf (Digos City - Municipality of Sta. Cruz) as Water Quality Management Area and Creation of Its Governing Board
DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-06
Subject: Designation of the Davao Gulf (Digos City - Municipality of Sta. Cruz) as Water Quality Management Area and Creation of Its Governing Board
Signed: January 13, 2025 . Published: Daily Tribune, April 16, 2025 . Acknowledged: ONAR, U.P. Law Center, April 25, 2025
Legal Basis
Section 5 of RA 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004), its IRR (DAO 2005-10), and DMC 2009-15 (Procedural Manual for the Designation of Water Quality Management Areas).
SECTION 2. Objectives
Formulate an integrated WQMA program; sustain and improve Davao Gulf water quality supporting industries, fisheries, and tourism; empower Digos City, Sta. Cruz, and their barangays; streamline pollution prevention and control; promote economic instruments; and support LGU and civil society initiatives.
SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage
The WQMA covers the watershed along the boundaries of Digos City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, up to their municipal water boundaries, delineated by 134 corner coordinates (Annex A map).
SECTION 5. Political Jurisdiction
City of Digos and Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
SECTION 6. WQMA Governing Board
Chaired by the Regional Director of EMB Region XI, with members including the Mayors of Digos City and Sta. Cruz, the Governor of Davao del Sur, the Provincial ENR Officer, the city and municipal planning and ENR officers, Region XI offices of national agencies (DENR, MGB, DA, DPWH, DOH, DepEd, DOST, DTI, DOT, NEDA, CHED, DHSUD, NCIP, PIA, NIA, the Philippine Army, PNP, and the Philippine Coast Guard), and representatives of industry, NGOs, academe, and water utilities.
SECTION 7. Functions of the Governing Board
- Review the initial WQMA Action Plan prepared by EMB Region XI and adopt succeeding Action Plans for DENR Secretary approval.
- Assist LGUs in preparing Compliance Schemes and local legislation.
- Undertake interventions for non-point sources of pollution.
- Publish a regular Water Quality Status Report and manage the Area Water Quality Management Fund.
Supporting Structures
The Board meets quarterly and may form a Technical Working Group. A four-member Technical Secretariat at the EMB XI Regional Office provides technical support, and a Multi-Sectoral Group may conduct authorized monitoring and surveillance.
SECTION 17. Effectivity
Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon acknowledgement by ONAR.
Signed by Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga. Summary prepared by EnviSynergy from the official DENR issuance; refer to the full text for binding provisions.
Important Notice
EnviSynergy exercises due diligence in researching and summarizing this policy. This summary is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice or an official interpretation of the issuance. The policy may have been amended, superseded, or clarified after publication, and this summary may not capture every provision of the original text. For the complete, accurate, and most current version, users are advised to consult the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or the relevant issuing agency directly before making any compliance or project decision.
Policy Details
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