Recognizing National Issues and Concern

ENVIRONMENTAL
AWARENESS
According to Frontiers 2018/19: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern (UN Environment 2019), there is
an alarming concern with respect to balancing the need for advancement and environmental preservation. Here
are some parts of the report:

Large-scale industrialization has resulted in widespread fragmentation of previously intact landscapes around the
globe. From the clearance of richly populated rainforests to the damming of mighty, arterial rivers, the knock -on
effect of isolated, impacted ecosystems is detrimental to the health of flora and fauna alike, and in severe cases,
threatens species extinction. Landscapes are also not limited to the terrestrial realm as ecosystem connecti v i ty
extends beyond continental shores into marine seascapes and the oceans.

Initiatives to promote landscape connectivity are offering hope in various global locations, but much more focus
in planning to reconnect habitat patches or preserve existing connectivity is needed. This is vital to preserving the
remaining biodiversity and to protect the interlinked ecosystems on which we all depend. National efforts require
expansion to the international level, as ecosystems are not bounded by country borders. From marine reserves to
wildlife corridors and beyond, this wide-ranging chapter explores the issues of, and solutions to, fragmentation in
the natural world and the imperative for joined-up thinking in planning for the preservation and conservation of
biodiversity and species survival.

With rising global temperatures, the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average and scientists are
becoming increasingly alarmed at the accelerating rate of permafrost thaw. While research is ongoing, too little is
currently known of the intricate relationships and dynamics between the perennially frozen ground that is
permafrost and the insulating layer of dead plant remains – or peat – that covers a significant percentage of the
Northernmost areas of our planet.

Permafrost thaw not only has direct impacts on the ecology and infrastructure of the peatland regions, it is also a
potential ‘tipping element’ towards a runaway greenhouse effect. Preservation of these rich soil-carbon deposits is
imperative to cushion the global effects of climate change and to avoid the worst effects and risks of unlocking
these frozen assets, which keep carbon and other greenhouse gases sequestered underground and out of the
atmosphere. Likely scenarios and the collaborative research urgently needed to ensure preservation of these
crucial deposits are thoroughly explored in this chapter, from the ground up.

Broadly speaking, evolution depends on successful adaptation, and maladaptation results in failure. In terms of
climate change, strategies for adaptation need to address vulnerabilities and increase resilience on a global scale,
and avoid short-term fixes that may only have local benefits. It is becoming clear that international cooperati on
and planning are needed to avoid adaptations that may appear to offer mitigation, but which actually compound
the problem.

PHILIPPINES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

As cited in the Philippine Climate Change Commission Report, major institutions have provided their projections
about the country’s environmental condition.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather over periods of time that range from decades
to millions of years. It can be a change in the average weather or a change in the distribution of weather events
around an average (for example, greater or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change may be limited to
a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth.

WHAT MAKES THE CLIMATE CHANGE?

The Earth‘s climate is influenced by many factors, mainly by the amount of energy coming from the sun, but
also by factors such as the amount of greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, and the properties of
the Earth‘s surface, which determine how much of this solar energy is retained or reflected back to space.

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

A . NATURAL CAUSES

1. Continental drift - The continents that we are familiar with today were formed when the landmass
began gradually drifting apart, millions of years back. This drift also had an impact on the climate
because it changed the physical features of the landmass, their position and the position of water bodies.
The separation of the landmasses changed the flow of ocean currents and winds, which affected the
climate.

2. Volcanoes - When a volcano erupts, it throws out large volumes of sulfur dioxide, water vapor, dust,
and ash into the atmosphere. Although the volcanic activity may last only a few days, yet the large
volumes of gases and ash can influence climatic patterns for years. Millions of tons of sulfur dioxide gas
can reach the upper levels of the atmosphere (called the stratosphere) from a major eruption. The gases
and dust particles partially block the incoming rays of the sun, leading to cooling. Sulphur dioxide
combines with water to form tiny droplets of sulfuric acid. These droplets are so small that many of
them can stay aloft for several years. They are efficient reflectors of sunlight, and screen the ground
from some of the energy that it would ordinarily receive from the sun. Winds in the upper levels of the
atmosphere, called the stratosphere, carry the aerosols rapidly around the globe in either an easterly or
westerly direction. Movement of aerosols north and south is always much slower.

3. The earth's tilt - Changes in the tilt of the earth can affect the severity of the seasons - more tilt means
warmer summers and colder winters; less tilt means cooler summers and milder winters.

4. Ocean currents - The oceans are a major component of the climate system. They cover about 71% of
the Earth and absorb about twice as much of the sun's radiation as the atmosphere or the land surface.
Ocean currents move vast amounts of heat across the planet - roughly the same amount as the
atmosphere does. But the oceans are surrounded by land masses, so heat transport through the water
is through channels. Winds push horizontally against the sea surface and drive ocean current patterns.
Certain parts of the world are influenced by ocean currents more than others. Ocean currents have
been known to change direction or slow down. Much of the heat that escapes from the oceans is in the
form of water vapour, the most abundant greenhouse gas on Earth. Yet, water vapor
also contributes to the formation of clouds, which shade the surface and have a net cooling effect.
B . HUMAN CAUSES
Greenhouse Gases and their Sources

a . Carbon dioxide - the most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Changes in land use pattern,
deforestation, land clearing, agriculture, and other activities have all led to a rise in the emission of
carbon dioxide.

b. Methane - about ¼ of all methane emissions are said to come from domesticated animals such as dairy
cows, goats, pigs, and horses. These animals produce methane during the cud-chewing process.
Methane is also released from rice or paddy fields that are flooded during the sowing and maturing
periods. When soil is covered with water it becomes anaerobic or lacking in oxygen. Under such
conditions, methane-producing bacteria and other organisms decompose organic matter in the soil to
form methane. Methane is also emitted from landfills and other waste dumps. If the waste is put into
an incinerator or burnt in the open, carbon dioxide is emitted. Methane is also emitted during the process
of oil drilling, coal mining and also from leaking gas pipelines (due to accidents and poor maintenance
of sites).

c. Nitrous oxide - a large amount of nitrous oxide emission has been attributed to fertilizer application.
This in turn depends on the type of fertilizer that is used, how and when it is used and the methods of
tilling that are followed.

d. Nitrogen - contributions are also made by leguminous plants, such as beans and pulses that add
nitrogen to the soil.

HUMAN CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

All of us in our daily lives contribute our bit to this change in the climate. Give these points a good, serious
thought:
▪ Electricity is the main source of power in urban areas. All our gadgets run on electricity generated mainly
from thermal power plants. These thermal power plants are run on fossil fuels (mostly coal) and are
responsible for the emission of huge amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

▪ Cars, buses, and trucks are the principal ways by which goods and people are transported in most of
our cities. These are run mainly on petrol or diesel, both fossil fuels.

▪ We generate large quantities of waste in the form of plastics that remain in the environment for many
years and cause damage.

▪ We use a huge quantity of paper in our work at schools and in offices.

▪ Timber is used in large quantities for construction of houses, which means that large areas of forest
have to be cut down.

A growing population has meant more and more mouths to feed. Because the land area available for agriculture
is limited (and in fact, is actually shrinking as a result of ecological degradation!), high-yielding varieties of crop
are being grown to increase the agricultural output from a given area of land. However, such high-yielding
varieties of crops require large quantities of fertilizers; and more fertilizer means more emissions of nitrous oxide,
both from the field into which it is put and the fertilizer industry that makes it. Pollution also results from the
run-off of fertilizer into water bodies.
WHAT IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE HAVE ALREADY BEEN OBSERVED?
Regional climate change is already affecting many natural systems. For instance, it is increasingly being observed
that snow and ice are melting and frozen ground is thawing, hydrological and biological systems are changing
and in some cases being disrupted, migrations are starting earlier, and species' geographic ranges are shifting
towards the poles.

Despite remaining gaps in knowledge, it is likely that these effects are linked to human influence on climate. At
the regional level, however, responses to natural variability are difficult to separate from the effects of climate
change.

Some previously unanticipated impacts of regional climate change are just starting to become apparent. For
instance, melting glaciers can threaten mountain settlements and water resources, and damage associated
with coastal flooding are increasing.

HOW DO PEOPLE ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

▪ Humans need to adapt to the impacts of climate change, for instance through technological solutions such
as coastal defenses and changes in consumption habits.

▪ Vulnerability of human populations to climate change and its consequences can be affected by other factors,
such as pollution, conflicts, or epidemics such as AIDS. An emphasis on sustainable development can help
human societies reduce their vulnerability to climate change.

▪ Mitigation measures that aim to reduce greenhouse gases emissions can help avoid, reduce or delay impacts,
and should be implemented in order to ensure that adaptation capacity is not exceeded.

NSTP AND THE ENVIRONMENT

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 579: ENCOURAGING THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF

GREEN PHILIPPINES PROGRAMS THROUGH THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM
(NSTP)

SEC. 1 The National Service Training Program (NSTP) shall endeavor to build a new quality of life that
will keep the nation young and beautiful. In order to ensure its realization, all students under
NSTP, Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Literacy Training Services (LTS), and Civic
Welfare Training Service (CWTS), shall be involved in Green Philippines Activities which include
among others:

a. Taking back our forests and replenishing fallen trees with new, protected forests;
b. Beautifying our barangays and cities;
c. Building more urban parks and recreation areas;
d. Purifying our water;
e. Cleaning up industrial sites;
SEC. 2 At least 36 hours per semester or 72 hours in case of one summer program shall be dedicated
for the implementation of the activities enumerated under Section 1 hereof.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9512: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SEC. 2 Consistent with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, and in
recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of education to foster
patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation
and development, the state shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources
in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance
towards sustained national development.
SEC. 3 Environmental education shall encompass environmental concepts and principles,
environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, local environmental best
practices, the threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well -being, the
responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of conservation, protection and
rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in the context of sustainable
development. It shall cover both theoretical and practicum modules comprising activities,
projects, programs including, but not limited to, tree planting; waste minimization, segregation,
recycling and composting; freshwater and marine conservation; forest management and
conservation; relevant livelihood opportunities and economic benefits and other such programs
and undertakings to aid the implementation of the different environmental protection law.

SEC. 4 The CHED and the TESDA shall include environmental education and awareness programs and
activities in the National Service Training Program under Republic Act No. 9163, as part of the
Civic Welfare Training Service component required for all baccalaureate degr ee courses and
vocational courses with a curriculum of at least two (2) years.
Recognizing National Issues and Concern
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
SEVEN (7) ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES
1. Everything is connected to everything else. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkakaugnay.)
Human interaction with nature oftentimes alters the ecosystems. The waste we improperly dispose of brings
about the deterioration of land and water quality. This may in turn reduce their capacity to provide life for
other organisms. Deforestation causes soil erosion and the earth deposited on the water bodies covers the
coral reefs resulting to fishery loss. Suspended particulates from vehicular and stationary sources may cause
lung problems among city residents. War causes destruction of wildlife and habitats. There is a cause and
effect chain, even when it is neither always visible nor observable.

2. All forms of life are important. (Ang lahat na may buhay ay mahalaga.)
All living organisms were created for a purpose in relation to humans, other species on earth and global
ecosystem in general. Thus, when a species becomes extinct, it is like removing a piece of a jigsaw puzzle
from the web of life. The variety of life forms, manifested by the different levels of biological diversity –
community, species and genes – contributes to the stability of the environment. Food webs, food chains and
ecological relationships link plants and animals together in the web of life. Even bacteria, insects, snakes
and rats have ecological functions even though humans perceive them as parasites or pests.

The composition of biological diversity naturally changes slowly but the rate of transition has become
faster due to factors such as habitat destruction. Deforestation may diminish forest species such as birds
that are vulnerable to modification of their home. Pollution of waters reduces the quantity of fishes, shells,
algae and other aquatic life. Over harvesting of natural products likewise contributes to the unsustainable
use of food and material resources.

To maintain ecological balance, therefore, the conservation of genes, species and ecosystems becomes
essential to keep life together. Biodiversity conservation strategies commence with the protection of both
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Land uses, such as protected areas, ensure that the natural state of
these habitats continue to exist in designated areas. Community-based approaches in conservation maximize
citizens’ participation in protected areas. Integrity of natural ecosystems can likewise be guarded through the
preservation of indigenous species.

3. Everything must go somewhere. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay may patutunguhan.)

By-products of consumption go back to the environment. Everything that we throw away – pieces of
paper, left-over food, peelings of fruits, plastic wrappers, used containers – have to go somewhere. Even
plants and animals have their own wastes – feces, urine, dead leaves and branches. It is the law of nature
that the by-products of metabolism return to the soil, acted upon first by worms, bacteria and fungi, and
then converted into minerals, to be again absorbed by plants and eaten by animals. In short, they enter into
a material cycle that is an integral part of the ecosystem. But what happens if what we throw is an artificial
product such as plastic? Then natural bacteria can not recognize them and may not be capable of breaking
them apart. These non-biodegradable products must enter another material cycle – the one that goes to the
factory to be manufactured into a new product. Thus the retrieval, collection and recycling of these materials
become necessary so that they do not pollute land and water habitats.

4. Ours is a finite earth. (Ang kalikasan ay may hangganan.)

Everything that we need is provided by nature in abundance – food, water, energy, minerals and air.
However, some resources that we depend upon nowadays are extracted excessively but are slow to replace.
These non-renewable resources experience limits of supply. For instance, fossil fuels produced over
thousands of years may be exhausted in a hundred years. Some energy sources like water, and wood may
be replaced easier but have become inaccessible due to pollution and excessive extraction. Diminishing
forest cover have resulted from logging, ineffective reforestation and continued land conversion. However,
food scarcity and poverty may have resulted from failed distribution systems rather than inability of the land
and water bodies to yield food.
 It can be argued that increasing population decreases the amount of resources available to each person.
Carrying capacity, or the ability of the ecosystem to support a number of people, may be influenced by limit
of resources due to an increasing population. Competition increases as the carrying capacity is reached. Per
capita consumption must also be taken into account because people in Northern countries generally consume
more food, energy and resources than people in the developing Southern countries. Carrying capacity may
be addressed two ways: increase resources and reduce population growth. Agricultural productivity for
instance may be increased with better availability of water and farm inputs.

Pollution reduces the absorbing capacity of air and water. Pollution likewise reduces the availability of land
and water to produce food for human consumption. A river classified a Class IV means that it becomes fit
only for only for navigation and can no longer sustain life forms. Likewise, oil spills from accidents or war
destroy bays and rivers. Waterways that have become cesspool of domestic wastes cannot contain fishes
and shells or if they do might transmit toxins and harmful bacteria to consumers.

5. Nature knows best. (Ang kalikasan ang mas nakakaalam.)

Nature manifests certain processes that enable it to maintain balance and remain in a state of equilibrium.
The nutrient cycling of nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and phosphorous in the air, water and land indicates that
minerals are utilized within the confines of the earth. The flow of energy from the sun enables light to be
converted into sugar in plants through photosynthesis, and later for consumer organisms to obtain energy
from plant starch. Food chains and food webs allow transfer of energy from producers and consumers and
provide the means for all living organisms to acquire nutrition. Population control also occurs naturally
through predator – prey relationships.

The equilibrium in the ecosystem is maintained, thus if humans intervene, unforeseen negative impacts
known as ecological backlash, may arise. Floods are often times backlashes of excessive felling of trees. The
importation of golden kuhol, that became a pest, reminds us that biological organisms may not acclimatize
in a new environment or may cause harm to indigenous species.

6. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. (Ang kalikasan ay maganda at tayo
ang tagapang asiw a ng lahat na nilikha ng Diyos.)
Different religions from Islam to Buddhism to Judeo-Christian to indigenous people’s animism express the
belief of caring for the earth, including all creatures. Thus it is the goal of environmental educatio n and
biodiversity conservation education to motivate target audiences towards developing an eco-spirituality
that moves them into a more meaningful relationship with nature and a greater participation in the
biophysical economic processes that make this world a better place to live in.

7. Everything changes. (Ang lahat ay nagbabago.)

Changes in the biophysical world occur naturally. As they say, there is nothing more permanent in this world
than change. Consider the following examples. Metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies illustrates
morphological changes that occur in living forms. The increase of vegetation on earth augmented the amount
of oxygen in the atmosphere through time. Seasons are cyclic changes that contribute to the diversity of
flowers, fruits, vegetables and other crops during the year. Random changes manifested by natural
catastrophe such as typhoons destroy forests, coral reefs and mangroves. Volcanic eruptions annihilate
surface flora and submerge rivers.

Human-induced alteration such as climate change may cause more massive repercussions. Land use change
– from forests to agricultural land to human settlements – change the composition of vegetation and animals.
Human-induced changes can be managed so that the negative impacts are minimized and positive changes
accentuated. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) provides a tool for the projection, planning and
management of change brought about by industrialization and human settlement expansion. Effluents can
be managed through policy and pollution control techniques by both industry and government to achieve
clean air and water.
 Sustainable development presents a paradigm of change for the 21st Century. Sustainable development
promotes ecological integrity, equitable sharing of resources and people empowerment as pillars of growth.
Biodiversity conservation contributes to ecological integrity, through both in-situ and ex-situ techniques.
Biodiversity conservation becomes successful only if coupled with poverty alleviation, improving equity of
access to resources and instituting social change. Environmental education facilitates social transformation
by modifying attitudes and behavior of people towards an ecological ethic.

SOURCE: http://www.wetlands.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Handout-1_Module-1-The-Seven-Environmental-Principles.pdf

IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

LAW DESCRIPTION
R.A. 9003 – Ecological Solid In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a
Waste Management Act of 2000 systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste
management program that shall ensure the protection of public
health and environment. The law ensures proper segregation,
collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste
through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste
products.
R.A. 9275 – Philippine Clean The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution
Water Act of 2004 from land-based sources (industries and commercial
establishments, agriculture and community/household
activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated strategy
to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi- sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

R.A. 6969 – Toxic Substances, The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution
Hazardous and Nuclear Waste from land-based sources (industries and commercial
Control Act of 1990 establishments, agriculture and community/household
activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated strategy
to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi- sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

R.A. 8435 – Agriculture and It establishes that the Department of Agriculture, together with
Fisheries Modernization Act of other appropriate agencies, should take into account climate
1997 change, weather disturbances and annual productivity cycles in
forecasting and formulating appropriate agricultural and
fisheries programs.

R.A. 8749 – Clean Air Act of 1999 This moves for an effective air quality management program that
will mitigate the worsening problem of air pollution in the
country.
R.A. 9512 – National This promotes national awareness on the role of natural
Environmental Awareness and resources in economic growth and the importance of
Education Act of 2008 environmental conservation and ecological balance towards
sustained national development.
R.A. 9513 – Renewable Energy It promotes the development, utilization and commercialization
Act of 2008 of renewable energy resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE
A . House & Garden
1. Grow your own food. Planting things like garden vegetables and herbs will help you eat locally and
organic.
2. Redecorate with Eco-products. If you need to repaint your house, use latex paint rather than oil- based.
Latex paint releases significantly fewer harmful fumes while drying and smells a lot better - it's healthier
for you, too.
3. Buy energy-efficient appliances. These will require less energy to do their job, meaning lower bills and
less fossil fuels being burned.

If you can't do this, use your existing appliances efficiently; make sure the dishwasher and washing
machine are full before running them to save energy and money.

Hang-dry your laundry rather than putting it in the dryer and put them outside on a clothesline on dry
days. Hang-drying will also make your clothes last much longer.

4. Reduce your electricity use.

Unplug your cell phone charger, TV and other electronics from the wall when you are not using them,
because they use energy when plugged in and on standby. The process can be made easier if you
have everything plugged into a surge protector with its own switch.

Turn off lights and other energy-sucking devices when they aren‘t being used.

Replace older light bulbs with energy-saving fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs are a little more
expensive, but much more efficient - they use about a seventh of the power and last about 12 times
longer.

Replace fluorescent light bulbs with Ultra Compact LEDs (UCLEDs). These use less energy and last longer
than fluorescent light bulbs. Additionally UCLEDs do not contain any dangerous mercury. Even though
LED light bulbs are currently more expensive, remember that your money is spent for a good cause: it
will pay for the development of cheaper and more effective generation of LEDs.

If you're leaving your computer for a while, put it on stand-by. You'll be able to restart it quickly, and
it'll take less energy than shutting it down and then restarting it.

5. Reduce the usage of refrigerants and air-conditioners.

6. Pack your refrigerator more tightly to reduce cooled air.

B . Water Conservation
1. Take short showers and share bathwater. Showers use much less water. The other choice is to fill a
bucket with water and take a can or a jug, and keep filling it with water from the bucket and pouring it
over your head - if you have some extra water save it for some other person to use. You can lather
yourself up with the water turned off in the middle of the shower.
2. Pollute less. When washing dishes, wash greasy pans last to keep the water clean.
3. Turn off taps properly. Especially when brushing your teeth - every little bit helps.
4. Fix dripping taps. The constant drip wastes water, energy and money, so repair them as soon as possible.
You can also save by installing an inexpensive "flow control" device in shower heads and faucets.
5. Use appliances efficiently. Running the clothes washer with a full load and using cold water (30 degrees
Celsius) whenever possible can lead to big energy savings. Use detergents that clean clothes effectively
in colder water.
C . Transportation
1. Use a bike. With gas prices so high, it will pay for itself. Ride it to work or school, for short distances,
to run errands, or to have fun. Everyone benefits when you ride a bike. You help conserve our limited
oil resources, you are not polluting, and you are exercising.
2. Walk short distances rather than drive. It may be convenient to drive, but let's face it, it probably
takes longer than walking would, and emits pollutants to boot.
3. Use public transportation or carpool for long trips. These options may take a little longer, but you can
read, listen to headphones, or talk to people instead of having to stare straight ahead for the length of
your commute.
4. Consolidate your trips. If you must drive to do grocery, shopping, etc., plan to do all weekly errands on
one day. You can get everything you need in one trip, saving you money and time. It's a lso more fuel
efficient to start a car if it's already warmed up.
5. Research biodiesel. This is a diesel made from a percentage of plant and animal fat (in some cases
reused fat). This is not suitable for all diesel engines.
6. Research energy efficient, electric, hybrid and diesel engines when buying a new car, motorbike or
scooter.

D . Shopping
1. Buy only post-consumer recycled paper products, including toilet paper and tissues. The paper industry
is the third greatest contributor to global warming emissions. Buying recycled is as important as recycling
- it’s called “closed loop" recycling.
2. Avoid using plastic bags from grocery stores. Bring canvas bags to carry your grocery items. Use re -
useable bags and boxes. If you need a plastic one, make sure you use it again and again!

E. Community
1. Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about global warming. What is it? How does global
warming work? Why is it happening? What are the causes? What are the critics saying?
2. E-mail relevant articles to your friends and family to get them up to speed about global warming.
3. Write to your local council to ask for environmentally minded services such as recycling collection.
4. Educate yourself, you family, your friends, and everyone you meet. Our culture is just waking up to
issues that have existed for years. The more people are aware of the issues the more likely they are to
make decisions that will be constructive!

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE (GOOD PRACTICES)

SOURCE: https://www.niccdies.ph/storage/cms/CC_Executive%20Brief_V30.pdf
 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: MAPÚA INITIATIVE
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

The “Mapúa Sustainability” is a platform that links the university’s various units such as administration,
finance, procurement, campus maintenance, education, extension, research, and innovation, to harmoniously
work with the least emissions to environment, embed sustainability in all operational functions with a leverage
to produce graduates who could demonstrate sustainable principles and practices in creating designs, new
technologies and knowledge which contribute to the world’s sustainable development.

The University started to embark on carbon footprint reduction (CFR) campaign in 2010 initiated by the Campus
Development Management Office (CDMO) as part of the energy conservation program (ECP). The campaign
involved building redesign with energy efficiency concept. At the end of 2011, Mapúa registered a 7% decrease
in kilowatt – hour per person consumption. In mid2011, the Sustainable Development Research Office (SDRO)
was put up and become instrumental for Mapúa membership to the Global Universities Partnership on
Environment for Sustainability (GUPES) established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Starting 2012, SDRO initiated in-campus research and awareness campaign in cooperation with the Office of
Social Orientation and Community Involvement Program (SOCIP). It also assisted the office of international
linkages for research and development (ILRAD) organized various fora, workshops and conferences involving
international partners and funding agencies.

Research, development and innovation (RDI) with international partners expand which may lead to the
envisioned entrepreneurial ecosystem in the University. The RDI collaborations encompass through various
programs and embraces experts from multiple disciplines resulted to the expansion of the sustainability
programs. In addition to ECP and on Mapúa’s quest to attain its sustainability goals, the University embarks on
water conservation (quality control, treatment and reuse), recycling (resource regeneration), environment
(natural and built – conservation, protection, control and remediation), health (well-being and risks) and
transportation (policy and system). The outcomes of these programs are expected to contribute to the solution
of the societal problems.