Author
Alberto M. Gonzales
Northeastern College
Santiago City, Isabela, Philippines
Abstract
Sustainable resource management has become an essential strategy for addressing environmental degradation while promoting responsible economic activities at the local level. However, despite the implementation of environmental policies in many municipalities, empirical evidence assessing the effectiveness of local environmental governance offices in promoting eco-friendly business practices remains limited. This study evaluated the efficiency of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in promoting eco-friendly business practices in Palanan, Isabela. Using a descriptive–comparative quantitative design, data were collected from 33 stakeholders through a structured survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests. Results revealed generally positive perceptions of MENRO’s sustainability initiatives, particularly in implementing eco-friendly programs and encouraging business compliance. However, challenges related to limited monitoring mechanisms, financial constraints among businesses, and restricted community participation were identified. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, monitoring systems, and stakeholder engagement to enhance local environmental governance and sustainable business practices.
Keywords: Sustainable resource management, environmental governance, eco-friendly business practices, MENRO, local government sustainability.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0501874
Recommended citation:
Gonzales, A. M. (2026). Evaluating the efficiency of municipal environment and natural resources offices in promoting eco-friendly business practices: Evidence from Palanan, Philippines. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (1), 9832-9840. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0501874
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