Philippines Launches New Environmental Compliance Assistance Website for Slaughterhouses

On October 15, 2007, the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN), the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) of the Philippines launched a compliance assistance website, the first of its kind in the Philippines, to provide clear and updated information for the regulated industry to help them understand environmental regulations so they are able to comply with their obligations.

The website contains information to help slaughterhouse operators to comply with environmental laws, regulations, and standards. This includes an overview of the meat industry in the Philippines; roles and services of the NMIS, LLDA, and other regulating agencies; innovative technologies and practices for operational efficiency and business productivity; methods and practices to generate less waste; and more.

This website is a step in the right direction to helping the Philippines cope with the economic, social and health impacts of urban and industrial pollution. The Philippines has made considerable progress establishing environmental regulatory systems, much work still remains in strengthening environmental compliance and enforcement.

Meat establishments in the Philippines include facilities which slaughter livestock (cattle, hogs and poultry) and process meat into products for sale to consumers or for further processing. The website summarizes the different laws applicable to meat establishments categorized according to the different aspects. For example, the NMIS is the leading government agency in regulating the operations of meat establishments. They act as the regulating body for the accreditation of the operation and facilities of meat establishments including the safety of the meat utilized prior to processing. However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enforces environmental regulations on wastewater, solid waste and air quality in pursuant to relevant environmental laws. Additionally, in areas within the jurisdiction of the LLDA, water discharge quality is being implemented.

The website was launched at the NMIS grounds as part of the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of NMIS. The website will be improved continuously to provide a platform for slaughterhouse operators and owners to share ideas and insights on ensuring that their operations are environmentally acceptable and final wastewater discharges meet the standards set out by LLDA. Promotion of the virtual center and orientation on the use of the website for members of the industry and concerned local government units will be undertaken in the coming months.

For more information please contact Ms. Dolora Nepomuceno, Assistant General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), at +63 2 637 9748 or .