An analysis on how the provisions of the Clean Water Act (R.A. 9275) is being implemented on gas stations and service stations in Metro Manila and by its neighboring cities and municipalities

• Main Author: Montoya, Juan Paolo S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Water quality management—Law and legislation—Philippines; Water quality management—Philippines; Business Administration, Management, and Operations; Environmental Law
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6583; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/12967/viewcontent/CDTG004518_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The thesis “An Analysis on How Certain Provisions of Republic Act 9275 is being Implemented by car service stations and gasoline stations in Metro Manila and its neighboring cities and municipalities, ” was performed by Juan Paolo S. Montoya as a partial compliance for the fulfillment of MBA-JD of the Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Graduate School for Business. It determined the extent to which certain provisions of Republic Act No. 9275, also known as Clean Water Act of 2004, an Act Providing for a Comprehensive Water Quality Management and for other Purposes, are being instigated and put to practice by conveniently selected car service stations and gasoline stations in Metro Manila and its neighboring cities and municipalities. The provisions considered in this study were those under Sections 8, 16, 19 and 20. The study was conducted from June 2008 to October 2008, involving 280 car service stations and 500 gasoline stations, which conceded to be a part of the study. Each station was well represented by an expert/knowledgeable representative. A specially drafted Survey Sheet was the main tool for the study, with additional interview for further clarification was conducted. Utilizing the non-experimental non-probability method through convenience sampling with expert survey, the researcher was able to determine that 61.67% of the participating respondents have not fully implemented the chosen provisions. Furthermore, the study determined through the data collated the reasons why the Clean Water Act of 2004 is not applicable and just to the majority of the participating respondents. The reasons cited were: economic and financial factors, failure of the mandated government agencies to completely apply the law resulting to poor public compliance and poor public awareness and information. Through this study, the researcher is submitting 7 recommendations that can be instrumental in the full implementation of the noble provisions of Republic Act 9275. These recommendations are as follows: 1. Reconsideration of the provisions of Republic Act no. 9275. This aspect may be mandated as the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other mandated government agencies as supplemented and augmented by several non-governmental organizations. 2. Massive public information campaign and education awareness in all levels of the society. This is not solely the responsibility of the DENR but the Department of Education and Department of Health likewise play a significant role in inculcating public awareness. It was determined that people “know” that there are existing rules but it was also evident that the people “do not know” their roles, their duties, their rights and their responsibilities not only to what is imposed by the law but more importantly with regards our major role of being stewards of God’s wonderful creations. Catchy slogans can be used to inform and educate the people. Example: BABALA: P.umapatay A.ng T.ubig A.sidong K.umakalat 3. Mass media in all forms are effective tools in information dissemination. Therefore, it is recommended that these is most efficient and effective media be used as a way to send messages and timely lessons as to proper measures and activities that will not be harmful to the environment. Well known and people with a good image and good following can inspire, motivate and encourage the members of the society to partake in the endeavor. Example: Popular Actor A: Promoting the importance of READING product labels Popular TV Host B: Endorses cheap pro-environment products Popular Band C: Sings, records and promotes pro-environment songs like Earthkeeper, Anak ng Pasig and Paraiso TV Network Artists: make video to campaign for certain pro- environment messages like “Iwas P.A.T.A.K.” 4. Re-education of all business operators and management staff must be a requirement for the granting of the permit to operate in any locality. This may be like the other preventive measures like First Aid, Fire Preventive Measures and Earthquake Drills, Seminars and Workshops that will be facilitated by able agencies mandated by the law to ensure public compliance. 5. Implementation of higher fines and penalties if ever the laws are put into action and implemented. 6. Public information campaign about the newly formed Green Court, the branch of the judiciary that will handle court cases and concerns about the environment. By doing so, the people will know that indeed there is a judicial entity that handles cases filed against people and institutions who failed to promulgate and put into practice the law. 7. The Philippine Water Act of 2004, An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Water Quality Management and for Other Purposes, can be simplified for the common masa to better understand their roles as citizens of a nation and as responsible people of God.