Consistent or uniform standards don allow LGUs to determine what works best in their community. Why isn the DNR providing performance “guidelines” so LGUs can set their own standards?
This is currently how the program is administered under Executive Order 79-19, which provides broad performance guidelines for local plans and regulations, but no specific standards. As a result, standards for the MRCCA vary from one local ordinance to another. The Legislature directed the DNR to establish new districts and standards that local ordinances will have to comply with. The DNR is considering the guidelines in the Executive Order as it develops the standards, as well as the standards already in place in local ordinances. The DNR is considering putting provisions in the new rules to allow for some flexibility to deal with special circumstances, provided the level of protection is at least that of the new rules.
