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The recognition of the importance of MEAs

Integrating international agreements into domestic policy in the Philippines

- Policy formulation: At present, no formal mechanisms (tools) and systems (institutional arrangements) are in place or being utilized in integrating multilateral agreements at the policy level. That is apparent from the list of initiatives undertaken thus far by the respective focal agencies related to integrating environmental agreements at the policy level. Policy formulation has proceeded in an academic manner, involving the creation of interagency committees and multisectoral task forces, which are relied upon to evaluate policy issues and formulate applicable compliance provisions. Systems continually evolve as the need for such arrangement arises.

- Recognition of interconnection of environmental concerns: Environmental concerns have traditionally been viewed as falling within the scope of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, mainly because of the highly sectionalized planning approach. The failure to recognize the interconnection of environmental concerns has resulted in other departments becoming largely detached from the process of contributing to solutions to environmental problems. That situation essentially reflects the state of the response mechanism accorded to multilateral environmental agreements prior to the creation of the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as the focal agency in charge of environmental concerns, retains the adjunct responsibility of translating agreements into policy initiatives. (more.) Link this to Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Integrating Environmental Considerations into Economic Policy Making Processes, Background Readings, Volume I: Institutional Arrangements and Mechanisms at National Level, Philippines, IV. Consideration of Multilateral Trade and Environmental Agreements in Domestic Policy Formulation, B. Integrating agreements into domestic policy formulation