COURSE: National Service Training Program 1

COURSE CODE: MCWTS01X

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Christoper John M. Pantoja, LPT

Lesson 7:
National Issues and Concerns:
Environmental Education

OVERVIEW
This module discusses the current environmental situation in the Philippines.
It describes the environmental pressures brought about by a rapidly increasing Filipino population. As
you realize the stressful effects of people's environment, we hope that you will also realize that environmental
degradation has become a major social concern. Likewise, we hope that such realization will help you to be
more aware of our responsibilities in protecting and enhancing the Philippine environment. And that with such
new awareness, is the emergence of another Filipino youth who is committed to take an active stewardship
role in "saving the present for the future.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lessons, 100% of the students are expected to:
g. apply the environmental laws and regulations and their role in sustainable development and conservation
efforts; and
h. promote awareness and active involvement in environmental protection and conservation initiatives.

DISCUSSION

Environmental Governance
Environmental Awareness and Protection

I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security.
Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise, what is there to defend?
- Robert. Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985

Environment Education is a process which is very useful to human beings in order to manage well their
environment and instill the right behavior that serves as key to sustainable development.

Basic Concepts and Laws Governing Environmental Education

Environmental Education refers to organized efforts to teach about how natural environments function
and, particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and ecosystems in order to live sustainably.
The term is often used to imply education within the school system, from primary, to post-secondary.
However, it is sometimes used more broadly to include all efforts to educate the public and other
audiences, including print materials, websites, media campaigns, etc. Related disciplines include outdoor
education and experiential education.
Environmental Education is a learning process that increases people's knowledge and awareness
about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the
challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take
responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978).

Importance of Environmental Education

1. All major natural resources in the country are in grave danger of irreparable damage.
2. A society cannot survive if its natural resources are rendered unfit for use by its people.
3. The only hope of salvaging this grave situation is by making the young aware that they need to proactively
begin to protect the environment they will inherit.
4. Science and Technology can help in a limited way but cannot deliver it.
5. It is a moral and ethical education for changing people's attitude.
6. To protect children living in polluted regions, environmental education represents a relevant means of
prevention.
7. It is a need of the time to propose environmental education delivered with moral concept.
8. It is conceived to sustain participation of the citizens especially the youth particularly in combating ill effects
of climate change.

Related Laws and Directives in Promoting Environment Education

CHED Memorandum Order No. 33 Series of 2009

Subject: Integration of Environmental Education in the Tertiary Education Curriculum particularly the Civic
Welfare and Training Service Component of the National Service Training Program.
Republic Act No. 9512 or The National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008
An act to promote environmental awareness through environmental education and for other purposes.
This Act is known as the "National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy states that:

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.

Republic Act No. 9275 or Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

An act providing for a comprehensive water quality management and for other purposes.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner
consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters.

Republic Act No. 9175 or Chainsaw Act of 2002

An act regulating the ownership, possession, sale, importation and use of chainsaws, penalizing
violations thereof and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001
An act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats,
appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.

Republic Act 9003 or The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
This is an act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary
institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties,
appropriating funds thereof, and for other
purposes.

Republic Act 8749 or Philippines Clean Air Act of 1999

"Philippines Clean Air Act of 1999" an act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control policy
and for other purposes.

Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is any change in climate over time whether due to natural processes or as a result of
human activity. It is a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters
the composition of the global atmosphere. An addition to natural climate variability, observed over comparable
time periods (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

What are the Effects of Climate Change?

The warming of the Earth's atmosphere results in the:
1. Melting of snow covers and glaciers.
2. The rise of sea level.
3. Shorter winters
4. Early springs
5. Hotter summers
6. delayed coming of autumns
7. Altered forest productivity and composition.
8. Habitat shifts of some animals.
9. Changes in the behavior patterns of flora and fauna.
10. Spread of diseases.
11. Stronger and more frequent typhoons, more floods, severe droughts, stronger heat waves and heavier
rains and more.

What can be done Locally? The following can be done:

1. Reduce the sources of greenhouse gas emissions or enhance their sink or capture (mitigation).
2. Moderate the harmful effects of climate change and exploit its beneficial opportunities (adaptation).
3. Support or join awareness raising of people in your locality/community about climate change.
4. Carry out concrete disaster prevention, mitigation and management activities (capacity building).
5. Suggest or advocate the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation into
organizational/institutional plans to mainstream this consciousness
6. Lobby for and/or support climate change responsive policies and ordinances (policy development).
7. Synergize efforts with other enlightened individual or group stakeholders.
8. Develop a stable resource mobilization mechanism or system to ensure and facilitate the flow of financial
and technical support to local implementers. Without an adequate and sustainable financial and technical
backing, plans will remain good only in writing.

Ecological Solid Waste Management

Solid waste management refers to the supervised handling of waste material from generation at the
source through the recovery processes to disposal. Much had been written about the worsening problem of
solid waste especially in urban centers in the country.

Republic Act R.A. No. 9003, otherwise known as the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000"
Salient features of R.A. No. 9003
a. Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the National Ecology Center
(NEC) and the Solid Waste Management Board in every province, city and municipality in the country. The
NSWMC shall be responsible in the formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework and
other policies on solid waste, in overseeing the implementation of solid waste management plans and the
management of the solid waste management fund.
b. Formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework; 10-year solid management plans by
LGUs consistent with the NSWM;
c. Mandatory segregation of solid waste to be conducted primarily at the source such as household,
institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural sources;
d. Setting of minimum requirements to ensure systematic collection and transport of wastes and the proper
protection of the health of garbage collectors;
e. Establishment of reclamation programs and buy-back centers for recyclable and toxic materials;
f. Promotion of eco-labeling in local products and services;
g. Prohibition on non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging;
h. There shall be established a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay. It shall receive waste for
final sorting according to its type for composting and recycling. It shall be designed to receive, sort, process
and store compostable and recyclable material efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner.
i. Prohibition against the use of open dumps;
j. Setting of guidelines/criteria for the establishment of controlled dumps and sanitary landfills;
k. Provision of rewards, incentives both fiscal and non-fiscal, financial assistance, grants and the like to
encourage LGUs and the general public to undertake effective solid waste management; and
l. Promotion of research on solid waste management and environmental education in the formal and non-
formal sectors.

How can we help solve the solid waste problem?

There are many ways to do it. A highly recommended formula is to adopt the 3Rs of Ecological Waste
Management: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
In addition to that, let us refrain from doing what have been prohibited under the law, to include but are
not limited to the following:

a. littering, throwing, dumping of waste materials in public places like roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks
and establishments;
b. open burning of solid waste;
c. allowing the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste;
d. squatting in open dumps and landfills;
e. open dumping or burying of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials in flood-prone areas;
f. unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons;
g. mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other solid waste in any vehicle, box, container or
receptacle used in solid waste collection or disposal;
h. manufacture, distribution or use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials;
i. establishment or operation of open dumps; and
j. importation of consumer products packaged in non-environmentally acceptable materials.
Hazardous Wastes
These are solid wastes or a combination of solid waste which identify concentration or physical,
chemical or infectious characteristics may do the following:

1. cause or significantly contribute to the increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or

incapacitating reversible illness; and
2. cause a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly
treated, stored or transported.

Hazardous Waste Management

A comprehensive and integrated management of toxic substances and hazardous wastes which
adheres to the waste management hierarchy of source reduction, recycling, treatment and safe disposal for
the protection of personnel, environment and property.

Four Characteristics of Hazardous Wastes

1. Ignitable - the substance causes or enhances fires
2. Corrosive - the substance destroys tissues or metals
3. Reactive - the substance reacts with others and may explode
4. Toxic - the substance is a danger to health, water food and air

The Three Main Goals of Hazardous Waste Management

1. Protection of the environment
2. Improvement of public health
3. Conservation of energy integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM). It is the selection of combination of
techniques, technologies and management programs to achieve waste management objectives.

Zero waste management

Zero waste management is an ecological method of handling wastes that does not degrade the
environment nor pollute air, water, soil and facilitate their sanitary retrieval, reuse or recycling.
This is one of the most friendly, economical tools of contributing ecological welfare for human beings and the
community.

Modern waste reduction consists of three (3) components namely:

1. Reuse. Means re-utilization of materials for particular purpose.
2. Reduce. The process of lessening the fresh raw materials that affects air, water and land pollution through
proper waste disposal.
3. Recycling. Involves processing used, unwanted materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of
potentially useful materials.

Air Pollution Awareness and Prevention

Sources of Air Pollution
1. Mobile Sources. There are 3.9 million vehicles registered in the whole country. Around 80% use gasoline
and 30% use diesel. Only a small percentage of Filipinos own cars, 20% in Metro Manila. The rest take public
transportation.
2. Stationary Sources. Stationary sources that account for most of the air pollution are emissions from power
plants, cement plants and oil refineries.

The Clean Air Act of 1999

1. Principles which state the over-all mandate of the State
2. Recognition of rights of citizens which the State shall guarantee
3. The noteworthy features of the Air Quality Management Systems are the provisions regarding airsheds and
non-attainment areas.
4. The Act gives an initial list of hazardous air pollutants and guidelines for ambient air quality.
5. Prohibition and regulation of other substances
a. Ozone-depleting substances. Consistent with the Montreal Protocol of which the Philippines is a signatory.
ODS shall be phased out.
b. Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases identified in Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework on Climate
Change.
c. Framework convention on Climate Change, the DENR shall prepare a plan to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.

Seven Environmental Principles

By Donna Paz. T. Reyes Environmental Studies Institute Environmental Studies Institute Miriam College

1. Nature Knows Best

a. Any disruption of the natural processes/cycles would have detrimental effects on the environment.
b. We cannot command Nature except by obeying her. ~Francis Bacon.

2. All forms of life are important

a. Each organism has a role:
b. Nature's decomposer Nature's pest control
c. Human activity is rapidly depleting the number of plants and animal species that live on the planet. Industry
and agricultural depend on this biological diversity for many of their needs.

3. Everything is connected to everything else.

Excerpts from the letter of Chief Seattle in 1845 sent to the President of the United States
a. Every part of this earth is sacred, every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every clearing and humming
insect is holy the rocky crest, the juices of the meadow, the beast and all the people, all belong to the same
family.
b. Teach the children that the earth befalls the children of the earth.
Excerpts from the letter of Chief Seattle in 1845 sent to the President of the United States
c. The wind gave our children the spirit of life. This we know, the earth does not belong to us; we belong to
the earth. This we know, all things are connected. Our God is the same God, whose connected. Our God is
the same God, whose compassion is equal to all. For we did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand
in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
d. Any unit that includes all of the organisms in a given area interacting with the physical environment within
the system

4. Everything changes.
"I am"Nothing lasts forever. That's the tragedy and the miracle of existence-that everything is impermanent.
Everything changes. All we can do is make the best of the time we have. And go down shooting, naturally". -
Mira Grant

5. Everything goes somewhere

a. Stuff doesn't exist in some sort of undefined space. A thing (anything) must be located somewhere.
In ecological terms, that means it must have some sort of interactions with both living and non-living parts of
the world around it. In a household, anything that's not in an "appropriate" place gets moved to a "better" place
or is discarded. It stretches the analogy a bit to try to fit it to ecology, but it's not grotesquely different.

6. Ours is a finite earth.

a. It just means that there is only so much of it. If it was infinite, it would be limitless. Finite resource in other
words can be termed as a source by which people have taken 100% advantage and further it cannot be
utilized. Our entire society rests upon and is dependent upon our water, our lands, our forests, and our
minerals. How we use these resources influences our health, economy and well-being (John F. Kennedy).

7. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation.

STEWARDSHIP
a. Nature is beautiful and we are all Stewards of God's Creation

COOPERATION
a. Improvement and management of the environment at all levels involve the concerted effort of many people.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
a. Economic activities may be pursued without jeopardizing the survival of future generations and not at the
expense of a degraded environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

Environmental law, also known as environmental and natural resources law, is a collective term
describing the network of treaties, statutes, regulations, common and customary laws addressing the effects
of human activity on the natural environment The core environmental law regimes address environmental
pollution. A related but distinct set of regulatory regimes, now strongly influenced by environmental legal
principles, focus on the management of specific natural resources, such as forests, minerals, or fisheries.
Other areas, such as environmental impact assessment, may not fit neatly into either category, but are
nonetheless important components of environmental law.
Those who have violated environmental laws will be held accountable, the Philippine environmental
laws and government regulations are in place with the intent of protecting the environment and aid people
from all walks of life on their pursuit to a balance and health ecology.
Indeed, the environment has become such an important issue. It is imperative that people should be fully
informed on what the relevant environmental laws are, so that they may be fully aware on what are allowed
and what are prohibited in relation to the actions they take towards the environment. (Environmental
Management, Bureau IX, Zamboanga Peninsula)

1. P.D. 1586 - The Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System.

This law requires private corporations, firms or entities including agencies and instrumentalities of the
government to prepare an Environmental Impact System (EIS) for every proposed project and undertaking
which significantly affect the quality of environment.

2. R.A. 8749- Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1999.

It provides for a comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve
and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.

3. R.A. 9275 - Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

This law aims to protect the country's water bodies from land-based pollution sources (industries and
commercial, establishments, agriculture and community household activities). It provides for a comprehensive
and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach
involving all the stakeholders.

4. R.A. 9003 - Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (PESWM).

It provides the legal framework for the country's systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste
management system program that shall ensure protection of public health and environment.

5. R.A. 9512 - Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

It is an act to promote environmental awareness through Environmental Education (EE) and covers
the integration of EE in the school curricula at all levels, be it public or private including day care, pre-school,
non-formal, technical, vocational, indigenous learning and out-of-school youth courses or programs.
(Environmental Education and Information Section, DENR, Zamboanga City).

6. R.A. 8550 - Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

It is an act providing for the development, management, and conservation of fisheries and aquatic
resources, integrating all laws pertinent thereto, and for other purposes. This code makes provision for the
management and conservation of fisheries and aquaculture in the Philippines and the reconstitution or
establishment of fisheries institutions both at the national and local level.

7. R.A. 6969 - Philippine Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Act of 1990.
This act shall cover the importation, manufacture, processing, handling, storage, transportation, sale,
distribution, use and disposal of all unregulated chemical substances and mixtures in the Philippines, including
the entry, even in transit as well as the keeping or storage and disposal of hazardous and nuclear wastes into
the country for whatever purpose.

8. R.A. 9729 - Climate Change Act of 2009.

It is an act mainstreaming climate change into government policy formulations, establishing the
framework strategy and program on climate change, creating for this purpose the climate change commission,
and for other purposes.
It is the policy of the State to afford full protection and the advancement of the right of the people to a
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. In this light, the State has adopted the
Philippine Agenda 21 framework which espouses sustainable development, to fulfill human needs while
maintaining the quality of the natural environment for current and future generations.

The Role of the Youth in Environmental Protection and Management

The youth play a vital role in the environmental protection and management because they constitute
a large part of the world's population and young people will have to live longer with the consequences of
current environmental decisions than will their elders. Future generations will also be affected by these
decisions and the extent to which they have addressed concerns such as the depletion of resources,
biodiversity loss, and long-lived radioactive wastes.
 Young people can play an active role in protecting and improving the environment. They can change
their lifestyle and how it affects the environment. They can make their homes, schools and youth organizations
more environmentally friendly by adopting environmentally friendly practices, recycling of different materials
as well as preserving resources such as water and electricity. Engaging youth in environmental protection not
only creates direct impact on changing youth behaviors and attitudes, but possibly influence their parents,
relatives and families.
Youth are back bone of the nation. They can change the future of the society with their well-being and
courageous behavior. Unfortunately, today we find the youth those who are more interested in other places
which are not useful to them as well as nationally. They choose to spend their days doing drugs and playing
video games. They spend their nights partying and living it up, so to speak. More and more young men of this
age group are sitting at home in front of their televisions playing games all day instead of bettering themselves
or going to work. They have ho vision and if they do have dreams, they do not have the drive to make any
attempt at achieving them.
The environment is simply defined as our surrounding, including both living and non-living things and
youth are the young people, Environmental protection is a broad subject Environmental problems are rising
day by day and everyone is concerned about global warming and climate change as globally but local and
national environmental problems are less concerned.
Protecting the environment starts with pollution control therefore, youth can help reduce waste by
paying attention to minor details in their daily lives, for example, not to take extra plastic bags when we go
shopping. Actually, there are many other tips for greener environment.
By applying the greening knowledge at home and schools, we can help to market city, a greener city.
Discarding computers, electrical appliances and rechargeable batteries can seriously harm the environment.
Youth role is to implement recycling programs for used computers and electrical appliances. You can arrange
for collection services with them. There are also many collection points for recycling of rechargeable batteries,
so do not simply throw them away. Youth have a role to play in environmental and conservation efforts that
will improve livelihoods.
 REFERENCES
• Dela Cruz, S. G., Dela Cruz, E. G., Mapue, P. M. (2019) National Development via National Service
Training Program RA 9163 Common Modules for CWTS, LTS and ROTC. Books. Atbp. Publishing
Corp.
• Labuguen, F. C. (2019) NSTP in the 21 st Century Transforming and Mobilizing. Mutya Publishing
House Inc.