The School of Environmental Science and Management-Continuing Education and Training Division (SESAM-CETD), in partnership with the Philippines Network of Educators on Environment (PNEE) recently concluded 5-day Short Online Course on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) held from 05 to 09 May 2025. With the main objective of capacitating and updating the participants with the scientific basis and regulatory guidelines of the EIA process, 155 participants representing various national and international sectors: Academe, National Government Agencies (NGAs), Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC), Local Government Units (LGUs), Private Organizations, and individual practitioners attended the training. 

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mark Dondi M. Arboleda, OIC-Dean of SESAM, emphasized the critical role of EIA in balancing national development with environmental protection. Meanwhile, Dr. Cecilia S. Navasero-Gascon, President of PNEE, also graced the event with an inspiring message.

On the first day, experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) shared their knowledge and expertise on the history, legal foundations, institutional arrangements, and baseline data collection related to air quality and climate. The speakers were For. Riza C. Arjona, Senior Environmental Management Specialist; Mr. Jhonel S. Siarez, Environmental Management Specialist; and Mr. Jovel L. Rogando, Senior Environmental Management Specialist and Head of the Ambient Air Unit and Stack Sampling Unit.

Day 2 began with a lecture from Dr. Eduardo C. Calzeta, who discussed EIA in the Context of Sustainable Development and Carrying Capacity as Integrated in the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS). Followed by Prof. Eduardo F. Roquiño who presented Environmental Economics. In the afternoon, Dr. Loucel E. Cui delivered a session on Water Quality Analysis and Terrestrial Aquatic Ecosystems; while Prof. Antonio Gabino P. Sobremisana, faculty f3rom the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT), lectured on Water Resources Quantification.

On the next day, Dr. Pastor L. Malabrigo, Jr., a Professor from the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), started with a discussion on Biodiversity for Terrestrial Ecosystems. This was followed by Dr. Evaristo Niño T. Cando III, Assistant Professor from the UPLB College of Human Ecology (CHE), who presented the People Component of the PEISS and Social Impact Assessment. In the afternoon session, Dr. Badi R. Samaniego, Assistant Professor at SESAM, delivered a lecture on EIA in Marine Ecosystems.  Dr. Victorio B. Molina, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, talked about Health Impact Assessment.

The fourth day of the training featured lectures from SESAM faculty members. Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon lectured on Environmental Risk Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaptation as Integrated in the PEISS and Dr. Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava on the Geophysical Aspects (Geology, Soil, and Land Use). Dr. Eduardo C. Calzeta discussed the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP), Social Development Plan (SDP), and the Preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  For. Sofia A. Alaira, Head of SESAM-Continuing Education and Training Division (CETD), meanwhile delivered the event synthesis.

The final day of the training featured lectures, workshops, presentations, and a closing program. Dr. Hussein S. Lidasan, Professor and Former Dean of the School of Urban and Regional Planning at UP Diliman, and a member of the EIA Review Committee of the Environmental Management Bureau, lectured on Review of EIA Quality and Decision-Making. A workshop on EIA case studies was facilitated by For. Alaira, Ms. Cherry S. Padilla, Ms. Jessa O. Aquino-Cando, and Mr. Robert Patrick M. Cabangbang, with outputs reviewed and critiqued by Dr. Lidasan. During the closing program, Dr. Angela Grace Toledo-Bruno, PNEE Vice President, gave a closing message.

Also during the closing program, Arch. Marvin Tejada, EnP., participant from Qatar, mentioned that in the future he is planning to integrate what he learn to further researches pertaining to biodiversity conservation and architecture environmental planning. Meanwhile, Engr. Eugenio Diaz of the National Water Resources Board, said that this training is very important to apply in issuing permits in big ticket projects. 

“We gained a lot of knowledge from this training that helps in doing projects that will require ECC”, Engr. Aileen Castañeda, who works in a private firm. Engr. Winda Ellaga, professor from Southern Luzon State University said this training on EIA provided a comprehensive overview of EIA processes- covering the legal framework, scoping and mitigation strategies.

Due to high demand, SESAM-CETD is planning to conduct another EIA training this year. Headed by For. Alaira, with members Dr. Thaddeus P. Lawas, Ms. Padilla, En.P. Aquino-Cando, and Mr. Cabangbang, with PNEE Secretariat member, Ms. Evangeline L. Alcantara, SESAM-CETD will also soon announce the training schedules for Ecosystems Valuation and Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment for 2025. (JOAquino-Cando)