1. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Administrative Order No. 2013-24 dated December 23, 2013 entitled Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Lead and Lead Compounds prohibiting the use of lead additives in paints and setting a phase-out deadline by January 1, 2017 for leaded architectural, decorative and household paints.
2. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme have jointly led the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP), a cooperative initiative focused on achieving international goals of preventing lead exposure in children. GAELP underscored that childhood lead poisoning can have lifelong health impacts, including learning disabilities, anemia, and disorders in coordination, visual, spatial and language skills.
3. The Department of Health (DOH) expressed its support in the advocacy during the observance of the Third International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action from October 25 to 31, 2015. According to DOH Secretary Janette Garin, the country’s shift to lead-free paints is an important step and contribution in the attainment of the government’s ‘Kalusugang Pangkalahatan’ and the United Nations’ newly adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal No. 3 which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. In this connection, the Department of Education (DepEd) supports the advocacy of GAELP and unites with the DENR, DOH, and other non government organizations in promoting children’s health, chemical safety and waste management.
5. Therefore, the use of lead-free paints in schools must be observed at all times, especially during the conduct of activities related to Brigada Eskwela and other preparations for the opening of classes.
6. Immediate dissemination of this Memorandum is desired….
