Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) · DAO 2026-23
Amending DAO No. 2025-36 or the 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. 2026-23
Subject: Amending DAO No. 2025-36, Guidelines for ECC and CNC Applications for Projects on Boracay Island
Signed: April 29, 2026; Published: The Manila Times, May 27, 2026; Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, May 28, 2026
Rationale
Streamlines ECC and CNC applications for Boracay Island consistent with RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act), keeping the ECC process efficient, science-based, and proportionate to environmental risk while maintaining the substantive standards of the Philippine EIS System.
Key Amendments
- Scope: new national government projects include projects serving public interest and welfare, such as water supply, energy generation and supply, ports, telecommunications, and other public infrastructure.
- Existing projects are defined as projects constructed or begun on Boracay Island before DAO 2025-36 that have not secured an ECC or CNC.
- Geohazard requirements for new government and expansion projects: a Geohazard Identification Report (GIR) forms part of the ECC application. An MGB-endorsed Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment Report (EGGAR) becomes an ECC condition for all land development projects except housing and subdivision projects, and must be completed before any ground disturbance, construction, or implementation.
- Existing projects without an ECC submit a Geohazard Assessment Report evaluating existing site conditions, post-construction geohazard risks (slope stability, liquefaction, flooding, erosion), and risks posed by or to existing structures, with mitigation measures.
- MGB remains a resource person in the EIA Review Committee, is consulted on geohazards for IEE-based projects, designates a focal person, and may require verification surveys.
- Carrying capacity: the ERDB letter of endorsement based on a carrying capacity assessment report is dispensed with. Instead, the EIS or IEE Checklist must demonstrate consistency with Boracay's environmental carrying capacity, describing the project's footprint, density, water use, wastewater, solid waste, and traffic generation, and measures to maintain compliance throughout operations. ERDB is consulted on carrying capacity for IEE-based projects and designates a focal person.
- LGU submission: ECC applications require proof of submission of the EIS or IEE Checklist to the LGU; CNC applications require proof of submission of the Project Description to the LGU, each showing consistency with carrying capacity.
All other provisions of DAO 2025-36 remain in force.
Effectivity
Takes effect immediately after publication and upon acknowledgment of receipt by ONAR.
Signed by Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, CESO I. Source: official DENR issuance (DAO-2026-23).
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
Need Help Complying?
Our permitting team can guide you through compliance requirements.
Talk to a consultant →