The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) issues various clearances and permits to regulate activities that may impact the environment. It includes the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for projects that pose potential environmental risks, the Permit to Operate (PTO) Air Pollution Source and Control Installation for businesses with emissions, and the Discharge Permit for facilities releasing wastewater into bodies of water or sewer systems.

Other essential permits include the Hazardous Waste Generator Registration for establishments handling hazardous waste and the Transporter and TSD (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal) Facility Permit for companies involved in hazardous waste management. Businesses may also need a Wastewater Discharge Permit, Chemical Control Order (CCO) Registration, or compliance certificates depending on their operations. 

DENR-EMB requires businesses to submit periodic reports to monitor environmental compliance and ensure adherence to regulations. Two key reports are the Self-Monitoring Report (SMR) and the Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR).

The SMR is a quarterly report submitted by establishments with an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and/or a Permit to Operate (PTO), Discharge Permit, or Hazardous Waste Registration. It details compliance with air, water, and hazardous waste regulations, including pollutant emissions, waste generation, treatment, and disposal. The report follows a prescribed format and requires supporting documents such as laboratory test results and manifests.

The CMR, on the other hand, evaluates a company's compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and ECC conditions. Non-compliance findings in a CMR can lead to penalties or corrective action requirements. Both reports play a crucial role in monitoring industrial and commercial activities to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development.

Obtaining an ECC is mandated by law for projects that are deemed to have a significant impact on the environment, such as heavy industries, large-scale mining, major infrastructure, and those located in sensitive ecological areas. 

Failure to comply with the conditions of the ECC or proceed with a project without obtaining one can result in heavy penalties, including fines, temporary suspension of operations, or even the permanent shutdown of the project. 

The Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) zoning system, established under the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan (Republic Act 7611), plays a crucial role in land use planning and investment decisions in Palawan due to its land use restrictions. 

ECAN implements a graded system of protection and development control across these diverse ecosystems, ensuring a balance between environmental conservation and responsible resource utilization.

The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) Clearance is a mandatory environmental permit issued by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) for projects and activities within Palawan. It ensures that developments align with Republic Act No. 7611, also known as the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act, which aims to protect and sustainably manage the province’s natural resources.

The SEP Clearance is a vital regulatory requirement that ensures development in Palawan adheres to sustainability principles and environmental protection laws. Any project within the province must secure this permit before implementation to avoid legal violations and environmental damage.

In the Philippines, forestlands are owned by the State and cannot be the subject of private ownership. This principle is rooted in Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which declares that all lands of the public domain, including forestlands, belong to the State and shall not be alienated. 

However, while forestlands cannot be privately owned, the government allows their use through lease agreements. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) administers leasing programs that permit the utilization of forestlands for specific purposes.