Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) · DAO 2026-03
Amending Section 14 of DAO No. 2018-14 or the Guidelines on the Issuance of Area Clearance for Reclamation Projects and Proclamation/Special Patents over Reclaimed Lands
DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-03
Subject: Amending Section 14 of DAO No. 2018-14 on Area Clearance for Reclamation Projects and Proclamation/Special Patents over Reclaimed Lands
Published: The Manila Times, January 29, 2026; Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, January 29, 2026
Rationale
Streamlines the ECC application process in line with Section 6 of Executive Order No. 74 (2019), which requires reclamation projects and their horizontal and vertical development plans to be evaluated based on cumulative impacts. The amendment adopts a holistic, ecosystem-based approach so each project within a reclaimed area is assessed in the context of its collective environmental footprint.
Amended Section 14. Development Projects/Activities within Reclaimed Lands
- Government development projects approved by the DepDev Investment Coordination Committee Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) within a reclaimed area are subject to the applicable provisions of EMB Memorandum Circular 2014-05.
- Other developments within the reclaimed area undergo Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) requirements, considering each ECC of the government development projects.
- Each ECC of the government development projects must, as an ECC condition, be reviewed and updated to reflect the outcome of the PEIS.
- All proposed projects must submit detailed development plans aligned with the reclaimed area's master plan, addressing infrastructure integration, environmental protection and climate adaptation, and sustainable land use and zoning.
- ECCs of development projects within reclaimed lands may be revoked if the reclamation project is discontinued due to loss of Philippine Reclamation Authority permits or other legal grounds determined by EMB.
- DENR may issue Cease and Desist Orders for violations of issued ECCs.
Effectivity
Takes effect immediately after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon acknowledgment of receipt by ONAR.
Signed by Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. Source: official DENR issuance (DAO-2026-03).
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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