Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga is optimistic over the effective implementation of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act with the launch of the “Sukat ng Kalikasan” (SnK) framework and toolkit during the International Day for Biological Diversity last May 22. 

The PENCAS law will serve as a tool for determining the contributions of ecosystems to economic development and therefore contribute to a science-based approach in the management of natural resources and improving climate and disaster resilience. 

The DENR, with the establishment of the Geospatial Database Office, is encouraging a science-informed and risk-based approach to address the complex, and interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, energy transition, and sustainable development.

The environment chief noted that SnK will strengthen PENCAS’ implementation as SnK will allow for “more effective natural resource management to reduce biodiversity loss, increase private sector engagement and investment, and make more resilient communities and a more resilient economy.” 

Republic Act No. 11995, or the PENCAS Act, is the Philippines’ first law establishing a system to measure the country’s natural resources and stop unchecked development and resource exploitation. Under this law, the DENR shall work together with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Interagency Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Statistics (IACENRS), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).