Pollution Control Officer – Category B
What is Pollution Control Officer – Category B?
Pollution Control Officer (PCO) – Category B is a training program designed for PCOs assigned to medium-risk industries with moderate environmental impacts. The training, mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under DAO 2014-02, focuses on environmental laws, pollution control strategies, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices. It ensures that companies meet Philippine environmental standards while reducing pollution and resource consumption.
Why Pollution Control Officer – Category B?
Medium-risk industries produce significant waste, emissions, or pollutants, requiring stricter environmental management. PCOs in these industries must be well-versed in environmental laws, risk mitigation, and compliance reporting. This training helps prevent legal violations, reduce environmental hazards, and improve sustainability efforts, benefiting both the company and the environment.
Who Needs Pollution Control Officer – Category B Training?
- PCOs from medium-risk industries, including manufacturing, food processing, and chemical handling.
- Environmental officers, safety personnel, and facility managers responsible for pollution control.
- Business owners and operations managers ensuring compliance with DENR regulations.
- Organizations applying for or renewing their Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and related permits.
Objectives of Pollution Control Officer – Category B Training:
- Ensure compliance with Philippine environmental laws and DENR regulations.
- Train PCOs on pollution prevention, waste management, and environmental risk reduction.
- Develop skills in permit processing, compliance reporting, and monitoring environmental impact.
- Strengthen corporate sustainability practices through effective pollution control measures.
- Prepare PCOs for DENR audits and inspections to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Key Components of Pollution Control Officer – Category B Training:
- Overview of Philippine Environmental Laws and Regulations – Understanding RA 8749 (Clean Air Act), RA 9275 (Clean Water Act), RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), and other DENR policies.
- Roles and Responsibilities of a Pollution Control Officer (PCO) – Ensuring proper implementation of environmental policies.
- Pollution Prevention Strategies – Reducing emissions, wastewater discharge, and industrial waste.
- Environmental Permits and Compliance Requirements – Processing ECCs, discharge permits, and hazardous waste registrations.
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting – Submitting compliance reports to DENR and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
- Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal – Proper handling and treatment of industrial byproducts.
- Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Integrating environmental management into business operations.
- DENR Audit and Inspection Preparedness – Ensuring readiness for regulatory site visits and compliance assessments.
- Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents – Handling chemical spills, air pollution control, and wastewater management.
Where can I take PCO Category B?
Petrosphere Incorporated provides various training modalities including face-to-face training, blended training, which is a portion having online lecture and face-to-face classroom training, self-paced training and online instructor-led training.
If you or your company intend to take PCO Category B, you can get in touch with our agents through the chat support located on the left side of your screen. Our team is ready to assist you with inquiries regarding course details, schedules, fees, and registration processes to help you get started with your training.
Certification and Compliance:
- Conducted by DENR-recognized training providers accredited under DAO 2014-02.
- Participants receive a PCO – Category B Certificate, required for medium-risk businesses.
- Certification is mandatory for establishments securing or renewing their Environmental
- Compliance Certificates (ECCs), discharge permits, and hazardous waste registrations.
- Aligns with DENR and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) compliance requirements.
Compliance Benefits:
- Avoids fines, legal penalties, and business disruptions due to environmental non-compliance.
- Ensures smooth processing of permits and renewals with DENR and EMB.
- Reduces environmental impact through proper pollution control and waste management.
- Improves company reputation as an environmentally responsible business.
- Enhances sustainability efforts and supports corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- Prepares organizations for DENR inspections by ensuring full compliance with environmental laws.
Differences Between PCO Managing Head, PCO Category A, and PCO Category B Training:
- PCO Managing Head Training is for executives and decision-makers responsible for overseeing environmental compliance.
- PCO Category A Training is for small businesses with minimal pollution impact and focuses on basic pollution control.
- PCO Category B Training is for medium-risk industries and covers more technical aspects of pollution control, waste management, and compliance reporting.
Can I use PCO Category B certificate for CPD?
Definitely, yes. There are two ways to earn CPD points, it’s either through a self-directed learning or through a direct CPD points issued by PRC. Either way, you can make use of the points issued by the PRC with 40 hours PCO Category B duration.