(5) Recommend rules and regulations for environmental impact assessment and provide technical assistance for their implementation and monitoring; (6) Formulate rules and regulations for the proper disposition of solid wastes, toxic and hazardous substances; (7) Advise the Assistant Regional Secretary for LEF on the legal aspects of environmental management and pollution control and assist in the conduct of public hearings on pollution cases; (8) Coordinate inter-agency initiatives on the preparation of the Regional Environmental Report and the Regional Conservation Strategy; (9) Provide assistance to the Field Offices in the formulation and dissemination of information on environmental and pollution matters to the general public; (10) Assist the Assistant Regional Secretary for LEF and the Field Office by providing technical assistance in the implementation of environmental pollution and pollution laws; and (11) Provide scientific assistance to the Field Offices in the conduct of environmental research programs. SEC. 15. Ecosystems Research & Development Bureau. - The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau shall be headed by a Director II. It shall: (1) Formulate and recommend integrated research program relating to Philippine ecosystems and natural resources such as minerals, lands, forests, as holistic and interdisciplinary fields of inquiry; (2) Assist the Assistant Regional Secretary for PARM in determining a system of priorities for the allocation of resources to various technological research programs of the department; (3) Provide technical assistance in the implementation and monitoring of the aforementioned research program; (4) Generate technologies and provide scientific assistance including accessing of resources nationally or internationally, governmental or otherwise, to enhance capability to conduct research and in the development of technologies relevant to the sustainable uses of Philippine ecosystem and natural resources; and (5) Assist the Assistant Regional Secretary for PARM in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the implementation of programs and projects of the bureau. SEC. 16. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. - The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau shall be headed by a Director II, shall: 98