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The fast-food industry is a growing industry in the Philippines, with lots of fast-food outlets mushrooming left and right, both homegrown and franchised internationally. However, this growth in the industry has also contributed to the pollution in the country particularly in our rivers. Reports say that the water pollution generated by the industry has reached substantial growth in urban areas.

Because of this, The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has included fast-food companies in the coverage of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System, and they would soon be required to secure an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) to operate as a business.

DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said “we have seen the continuing growth of the fast-food industry, particularly in the cities. The volume of wastewater generated by the fast-food stores, restaurants and other similar food establishment has been increasing, which, when left untreated, poses hazards to our environment, especially to our water bodies. This, we could no longer ignore, especially now that the department is dead set on rehabilitating our river and lakes.”

ECC should be secured by fast-food stores, restaurants and other quick-service establishments from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). While those who are planning to operate within the Laguna de Bay should secure their ECC from the Laguna Lake Development Authority.

Regardless of the volume of wastewater generated in their operations, Atienza said that all fast-food stores should secure a discharge permit from EMB. This is in compliance with Section 27 of Republic Act 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act, which prohibits the discharge of regulated water pollutants without proper treatment.

In the EMB Memorandum Circular 002, series of 2009, EMB Director Julian Amador also requires food establishment with project areas equal to or greater than 2.5 hectares to submit an EIS, while a checklist for initial environmental examination (IIEE) would be require for those with project areas less than 2.5 hectares.