EMB is guided by the vision of a nation empowered to protect its finite natural resources in pursuit of sustainable development, to ensure a healthy environment that enhances the Filipino quality of life for present and future generations. Its mission is to restore, protect, and enhance environmental quality towards good public health, environmental integrity, and economic viability.

EMB is the national authority in the Philippines that sets air and water quality standards and monitors ambient and point source pollutants. It manages hazardous and toxic wastes under the Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act and implements the Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system.

To promote compliance with environmental standards, EMB has innovated an approach to engage industry and environmental agencies in voluntary self-regulation. Under the Philippine Environmental Partnership Program, the EMB provides a suite of technical and regulatory assistance as an incentive for industry to explore and implement cost-effective and sustainable pollution management strategies.

EMB has also made public participation and transparency key elements of its EIA system, involving affected communities and stakeholders at various stages of project developments to ensure safe, smart, and sustainable development.

EMB operates offices at the central, regional, provincial and community levels throughout the Philippines.