ICP had successfully conducted one of the much-awaited and a very relevant seminar entitled – PHILIPPINE CHEMICAL REGULATIONS: An Inter-Regulatory Agency Overview last August 15-16, 2013. Speakers from the PRC Board of Chemistry, DENR, PDEA, PNP, FDA, DOLE-OSHC, and BOC all came together and provided an overview of their regulatory mandates on chemicals in the Philippines.
The Board of Chemistry Chair, Dr. Dory Resurreccion provided an overview of the rules and regulations governing the inspection, appraisal, and licensing of chemical laboratories. She defined the chemistry laboratory and related firms or establishments performing chemical testing and research as well as the labs in academic setting. Inspection guidelines are as follows: the practice of GLP, lab chemicals and equipment, laboratory personnel, facilities and reports. She emphasized that only registered chemists may engage in the practice of chemistry and only registered chemists can head a chemical laboratory.
Engr Jose Maleon of the DENR-EMB gave a very fascinating presentation on TOXIC CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT AND PERMITTING. He discussed the policies and regulations with regards to the control of any chemical substance through the: PICCS, PCL, CCO and for new chemicals through the SQI and PMPIN. He also discussed the different permits for the importation and use of these chemicals. The CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT SCHEME was presented which includes HANDLING, STORAGE, DISPOSAL, SUBSTITUTION PLAN and ACCOUNTABILITIES and RESPONSIBILITIES. As Hazardous Waste generators, it is our responsibility to check the handling of the toxic chemicals we generated from CRADLE to GRAVE. He also discussed about contingency plans in case of exposure, spills and leaks and environmental contamination.
No less than the Director of the Compliance Service of PDEA herself, Director Helen Maita Reyes, provided a very dynamic presentation on the Regulatory Control of the Licit Use of Dangerous Drugs and Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals Substances. She identified the different international drug treatise of which the Philippines is a signatory. Hence, the Dangerous Drugs Board was created to serve as the policy and strategy formulating body while the PDEA is its implementing arm. She presented listings of Dangerous Drugs and the Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals. The regulatory enforcement of the DD and CPEC is through the two PDEA divisions: Licensing and Records Division and the Compliance and Investigation Division. The presentation itself gave the participants the very simple guidelines on the licensing and permitting processes of PDEA.
Police Chief Inspector Dorothy A. Du gave a very interesting presentation on the Rules and Regulations for the Control and Supervision of Importation, Sale and Possession of Chemicals Used as Ingredients in the Manufacture of Explosives and for other purposes (RA 8294, EO 552) focusing on the following points:
a. Laws governing the Licensing of Explosives
b. Kinds of Explosives Licenses and Permits
c. Requirements for Issuance of Licenses and Permits
d. Licenses and Permits Fees
e. Salient Features of RA 8294 and RA 9516
f. Memoranda, Rules and Regulations re: Handling of Explosives/ explosive ingredients
Ms. Winnie A. Aguilar of DOLE-OSHC presented the Rules and Regulations in the Implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Standards when handling Chemicals in the Workplace (PD 442). The presentation was well-received for the new information that Ms. Aguilar emphasized especially on the number of Safety personnel needed based on the number of employees that a company has.
Ms. Maria Theresa T. Gutierrez provided updates on the Rules and Regulations for Implementing RA 9711 for Household/ Urban Hazardous Substances (FDA Act of 2009) which assured the participants of FDA’s true commitment to service as the updates promise a more efficient processing of product registration.
And last but not the least, The Importation Regulations as Implemented by the Bureau of Customs was presented by Dr. Jesus Garcia Llorando. He exemplified that different government regulatory agencies have their own schedule of fees with regards importation and exportation of chemicals.
Ms. Arlene Villanueva of DOW CHEMICALS COMPANY shared industry best practices on regulatory compliance. She encouraged the industry to become members of industry organizations and to attend public hearing and consultations especially with regards to topics on revisions and amendments to existing government laws and regulations. Mr. Jonathan Chong of DU PONT FAR EAST, INC. expounded on Product Stewardship, Product Review and Life Cycle Analysis and Risk assessment and risk management.
The 129 participants from government, academe, and industry were able to take home valuable information. And a 2nd part forum is already being requested. It is truly time that we revise and possibly harmonize the Implementing Rules and Regulations. Overall, the 2-day seminar was well worth the wait.