Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) · DAO 2025-36
Guidelines for the Processing of Applications for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) for Projects on Boracay Island
DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-36
Subject: Guidelines for the Processing of Applications for ECC and CNC for Projects on Boracay Island
Signed: December 15, 2025 . Published: The Manila Times, December 26, 2025 . Acknowledged: ONAR, U.P. Law Center, January 6, 2026
Legal Basis
RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act); PD 1586 (Philippine EIS System) and its IRR; Executive Order No. 53, s. 2018 (Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force); and BIATF Resolution No. 2022-01 confirming the lifting of the construction and permitting moratorium.
Policy
All Boracay projects are evaluated against the island's physical and ecological limits. Only new National Government Projects, existing structures, and expansion projects consistent with the approved land use, zoning, and development framework are eligible for an ECC or CNC. The Order provides guidance on evaluating carrying capacity and geological hazards in ECC and CNC review.
Scope
Existing structures without an ECC, expansion projects, and new National Government Projects within the EIS System. New government projects classified as Category C or D under EMB MC 2014-05 must obtain a CNC. Family dwellings, local small businesses (sari-sari stores, carinderias), places of worship, and minor public infrastructure are outside the EIS System but may secure a CNC if needed.
Section 5. ECC Requirements
- EIS or IEE Checklist Report. EIS submissions must include (per DMO 2023-01 and 2025-01) commitments to avoidance, mitigation, rehabilitation, and compensation; an SDP/CSR component protecting the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park; proximity to the park; water and power sources; and the names of EIA preparers.
- LGU land use compatibility or zoning certification.
- Project layout overlaid on a location map and a site development plan signed by registered professionals.
- Proof of authority over the site: DENR tenurial instruments (FLAg, FLAgT, foreshore lease) for public lands, with work barred until issued; title or lease for private lands; and NCIP filing for ancestral domains, with FPIC required before implementation.
- PENRO certification on land classification and a Certificate of Compliance with the 25+5 meter beachfront easement and/or 15 meter road easement from centerline under Proclamation No. 1064.
- New projects: MGB-endorsed Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment Report (EGGAR) or MGB Geohazard Verification Report. Existing structures without ECC: MGB-endorsed EGGAR with a recommendation on site suitability and safety.
- ERDB endorsement based on a carrying capacity assessment, and LGU clearance on physical carrying capacity.
Section 6. CNC Requirements (New National Government Projects)
Project description, notarized accountability statement, geotagged photos from the last 15 days (four quadrants), signed site development plan, proof of authority, PENRO land classification certification and easement Certificate of Compliance, and LGU carrying capacity clearance. Boracay CNC applications are filed and processed manually at EMB Region VI with site validation.
Review and ECC Conditions
ERDB and MGB sit as resource persons in the EIA Review Committee for EIS/EPRMP-based projects. ECCs must require treatment of all wastewater through established treatment or sewerage facilities, no discharges causing exceedance of Class SB and SC water quality guidelines, solid waste management through the Municipality of Malay under RA 9003, and adherence to Boracay traffic management plans.
Fees and Processing Time
Fees follow DAO 2016-28; proponents also bear review and public hearing publication costs under DAO 2017-15.
| Application | Timeframe | Approving Authority |
|---|---|---|
| ECC (ECP) | 40 working days | DENR Secretary / EMB Director |
| ECC (non-ECP) | 20 working days | EMB Regional Director, Region VI |
| CNC | 7 working days | EMB Regional Director, Region VI |
No new government or expansion project may commence without an ECC or CNC and all other required permits.
Effectivity
Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication and upon acknowledgement by ONAR.
Signed by Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. 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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