DE LA SALLE LIPA

College of Education, Arts and Sciences

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM

School Year 2014-

2015

MODULE # 4:
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

I. OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

1. understand and verbalize the concepts and principles of environmental protection;
2. value the importance of environmental protection as a way of developing the youth to be
good citizens; and
3. become socially responsible citizens by initiating simple environmental acts.

II. ALLOTTED TIME:

Lecture 2 hours
Group Dynamics hour

III. PRE DISCUSSION ACTIVITY:

Let the students listen to the song Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran by ASIN or Anak ng Pasig by
Smokey Mountains, and let them reflect on the message it conveys.

List down some factors that cause environmental decay.

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What are the effects of ecological crisis to humans?
What is the relationship of man to his environment?

Ask the students if they have watched the movie AVATAR. Based on the movie, let them
describe the connection of the local tribe of Navi and the environment. Then ask them about
their insights on the present situation of the environment if the ones living on earth are the Navi,
not us.

IV. CONTENTS

Part 1. Introduction
Part 2.Philippine Environment Code and National Environmental Awareness and Education
Part 3. Environmental Concerns
A. Pollutions
a. Air
b. Water
c. Land
B. Climate Change
C. Flooding and deforestation
D. Seven Environmental Principles

PART 1. INTRODUCTION

Environmental education refers to the organized efforts to teach about how natural environments
function and, particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and ecosystem
s 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, through 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 its associated challenges;
develops the necessary skills and expertise to address these challenges; and fosters attitudes, motivations,
and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible actions
(http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Environmental_education).

Environmental 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 the key to sustainable development. It is also an
opportunity especially for the youth to participate actively in making their respective locality clean and green,
and a pleasant place to live in. Through relevant undertakings, the youth becomes a great force to combat
the ill effects of climate change (Labuguen, et.al., 2010).

Environmental protection is a practice of protecting the environment on individual, organizational or

governmental level, for the benefit of the natural environment and (or) humans. Due to the pressures of
population and our technology the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently. This
has been recognized and the government began placing restraints on activities that caused environmental
degradation. Since the 1960s, activisms by environmental movements have created awareness on the
various environmental issues. There is not a full agreement on the extent of the environmental impact of
human activity and protection measures are occasionally criticized
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_protection). Thus, one must be knowledgeable and informed
about the present situation in terms of protecting the environment.

PART 2. PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT CODE and NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL

AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

Presidential Decree No. 1152 (August 8, 1977)

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Purpose:
To achieve and maintain such levels of air quality as to protect public health and to prevent to the
greatest extent practicable, injury and/or damage to plant and animal life and property, and promote
the social and economic development of the country.

Control Area: Nationwide

Overview:
The broad spectrum of the environment has become a matter of vital concern to the government.
The national leadership has taken a step towards this direction by creating the National
Environmental Protection Council.
It is necessary that the creation of the Council be complemented with the launching of the
comprehensive program of environmental protection and management.
Such a program can assume tangible and meaningful significance only by establishing specific
environment management policies and prescribing environment quality standards in a Philippine
Environment Code.

Features:
Provided a comprehensive program of environmental protection and management. The Code
established specific environment management policies and prescribed environmental quality
standards.
Prescribed management guidelines to protect and improve water quality through: classification of
Philippine waters, establishment of water quality standards, protection and improvement of the
quality of the Philippine water resources, and responsibilities for surveillance and mitigation of
pollution incidents
Set guidelines for waste management with a view to ensuring its effectiveness, encourage, promote
and stimulate technological, educational, economic and social efforts to prevent environmental
damage and unnecessary loss of valuable resources of the nation through recovery, recycling and
re-use of wastes and wastes products, and provide measures to guide and encourage appropriate
government agencies in establishing sound, efficient, comprehensive and effective wastes
management covering both solid and liquid wastes.

Republic Act No. 9512 (December 12, 2008)

AN ACT TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Environmental Awareness and Education Act
of 2008".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - 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.

Section 4. Environmental Education and Activities as Part of National Service Training Program. - The
CHED and the TESDA shall include environmental education and awareness programs and activities in the

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National Service Training Program under Republic Act No. 9163, as part of the Civic Welfare Training Service
component required for all baccalaureate degree courses and vocational courses with a curriculum of at least
two (2) years.

Section 5. Declaration of Environmental Awareness Month. - Pursuant to the policy set forth in this Act,
the month of November of every year shall be known as the "Environmental Awareness Month" throughout
the Philippines.

PART 3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Environmental problems in the developed and developing countries worldwide are among the
important concerns facing people and their governments. These problems include population growth;
poverty; deforestation; pollution of water, air, and soils; waste disposal; and loss of species.

There are risks associated with all of these problems that affect almost every activity in life. There
are risks of environment degradation and overexploitation of natural resources brought about by the ever-
increasing human and animal population. The risk that Mother earth is facing is not only a national concern
but also a global one.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, particularly typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis, lying as it does astride the typhoon belt, in the active volcanic region
known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, and in the geologically unstable region between the Pacific and Eurasian
tectonic plates. The Philippines also suffers major human-caused environmental degradation aggravated by
a high annual population growth rate, including loss of agricultural lands, deforestation, soil erosion, air and
water pollution, improper disposal of solid and toxic wastes, loss of coral reefs, mismanagement and abuse
of coastal resources, and overfishing. According to Greenpeace SouthEast Asia, the Philippines major
historical river, the Pasig River is now biologically dead due to negligence and industrialization. Currently, the
Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been busy tracking down illegal loggers
and has been spearheading projects to preserve the quality of many remaining rivers that are not yet polluted
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_Philippines).

These environmental problems become issues for all of us to solve and be concerned about.

A. Pollutions

Pollution is defined as the alteration of our surroundings, wholly or largely as a product of mans
actions, through direct or indirect effects that change every pattern of chemical and physical constituents of
organisms.

a. Air Pollution

Air Pollution is the physical and chemical alterations of the properties of air which render the air
harmful to human health, vegetation, and animals.

The problem of air pollution has become a worldwide phenomenon. If left unabated, it can cause
major health problems and even death. In Metro Manila, air pollution has reached an alarming level with a
total suspended particles (TSP) five times greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of
particulate matters of 10 microns (PM 10) and the lead levels even higher or twice the WHO guidelines.

Major Types of Air Pollution

Outdoor Air Pollution is a type of pollution derived from the mixture of additional loads of chemicals
produced by natural events and human activities which react with the natural components of the atmosphere,
thereby producing harmful effects to living systems.

The following are the major sources of outdoor pollution:

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burning of fossil fuels for power consumption
photochemical and industrial smog
volcanic eruption that emits sulfur dioxide and suspended particulates
forest fire, kaingin or the St. Elmos Fire and Lightning
evaporation of volatile organic compounds from decaying organic matters
natural radioactive 222- gas from uranium deposits

Indoor Air Pollution is a type of pollution derived from the accumulation or build up of chemicals,
SPM, and VOCs inside offices, buildings, houses, schools, and commercial stores. This chemical build-up is
harmful to health. Table 1 shows the sources, types of indoor pollutants, and the threat these pollutants pose
to health.

Table 1. Sources and Classes of Indoor Pollutants and the Health Threats They Pose

Sources Class Type Health Threat

Aerosol sprays
Chlorine treated water
Air freshener crystal and moth
balls
Tobacco and cigarettes
Carpets and plastic products
Paint stripper and thinner
Gas stove, kerosene , heater,
wood, stone
Dry cleaning fluids
Trichloroethane Breathing difficulty
Chloroform Cancer
Par-chlorobenzene Cancer
Nicotine Lung cancer, heart disease
Styrene Liver and kidney damage
Methylene Chloride Diabetes and nerve disorder
Nitrogen oxide Respiratory disorder
Tetrachloroethylene Nerve, liver, and kidney damage

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution is responsible for major health problems. It has ruined or endangered the health of
countless people.
Damages to human health include:
Over loading and degrading of bodys defense mechanisms;
Chronic bronchitis;
Emphysema (rapture of lung air sacs); and
Lung cancer
Damages to plants include dehydration and inhibition of photosynthesis
Damages to materials are discoloration of clothing materials and cars
Depletion of the ozone layer leads to increase global warming caused by green house
effect.

What can the NSTP students do to help clean the air?

NSTP students can conduct information campaign on how the communities can help clean the air.
CWTS students can help educate the people in the community by relaying to them the following suggestions
to help clean the air.

1. For vehicle owners/ motorists:

Maintain vehicle by changing oil regularly (every 5,000 kilometer-mileage).
Keep the engine well-tuned based on the owners manual.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Plan trips and observe proper driving habits.
Remove unnecessary things from the trunk. Dont overload and travel only at the speed
required by traffic regulations and road conditions.

2. For commuters:

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Try talking to the jeep/bus/ tricycle drivers about the high health risks of poor vehicle
maintenance.
Patronize mass transits such as buses and trains (MRT, LRT).

3. For office workers:

Reduce the use of air conditioning units.
Make sure that lights are energy-efficient.
Use company vehicles wisely.
Use natural lighting by opening window curtains at daytime.

4. At home:
Use low-watt bulbs or energy saving lights.
Limit the use of air-conditioning units.
Do not burn garbage.
Avoid using aerosols.
Properly dispose refrigerant, refrigeration equipment and used coolants.

5. For everyone:
Talk to people on what they can do about air pollution.
Report smoke-belchers to LTO, MMDA, and/or the appropriate local government units.
Walk or ride the bike.
Take the bus or ride mass transit transportation.
Do not burn garbage in the community.
Plant trees.
Do not smoke in public places.

Philippine Clean Air Act Of 1999 (June 23, 1999)

The Clean Air Act (taken from the Primer on the Clean Air Act of DENR)
Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act is a comprehensive air quality
management policy and program that aim to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. The guiding
principles of the Clean Air Act (CAA) provide that the state shall:
Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature;
Promote and protect the global environment while recognizing the primary responsibility of local
government units to deal with the environmental problems;
Recognize that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and the environment is primarily area-based;
and
Recognize that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should therefore be the
concern of all.

Coverage of the Clean Air Act

All potential sources of air pollution (mobile, point, and area sources) must comply with the provisions
of the law. All emissions must be within the air quality standards.
Mobile sources refer to vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, and vans.
Point sources refers to stationary sources such as industrial firms and the smoke stacks of power
plants, hotel, and other establishments.
Area sources refer to sources of emission other than those mentioned above. These include smoking,
burning of garbage, and dust from construction, unpaved ground, and so forth.

b. Water Pollution
Water pollution is defined as the physical or chemical changes in the surface and ground
water caused by pollutants which can adversely affect living organisms. Every year, 14 billion pounds

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of sewage, sludge, and garbage are dumped into the worlds oceans. The problem of ocean pollution
affects every nation around the world. This is true because water is able to transport pollution from
one location to another. With industrialization and rapid population growth, the problem of water
pollution has intensified.

Causes of Water Pollution

One of the reasons for the severity of the problem on water pollution is the unmonitored
dumping of pollutants into bodies of water. Sewage, sludge, garbage and even toxic pollutants are all
dumped into the water. Across the world, about half of all sewages are dumped into bodies of water
in their original form. No efforts are made to disinfect the sewage or to remove specially harmful
pollutants.

Effect of Water Pollution

The main problem caused by water pollution is the destruction of water-based ecosystems.
Dead fish and much of marine life often wind up on beaches killed by pollutants in their habitat.
Eventually, humans are affected by this process as well. People can get diseases such as hepatitis
by eating seafood that has been poisoned. Death may result by eating seafood infected by red tide,
for example.

Republic Act No. 9275 (March 22, 2004)

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004."
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.
To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable development shall be pursued. As such, it shall be the policy
of the State:
a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of pollution of the
country's water resources;
b) To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of control
mechanisms for the protection of water resources;
c) To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that recognizes that water
quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns about water sources and
ecological protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;
d) To formulate an integrated water quality management framework through proper delegation and
effective coordination of functions and activities;
e) To promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment friendly and
energy efficient;
f) To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through the application
of incentives and market-based instruments and to promote the role of private industrial
enterprises in shaping its regulatory profile within the acceptable boundaries of public health
and environment;
g) To provide for a comprehensive management program for water pollution focusing on pollution
prevention;
h) To promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of an informed and
active public in water quality management and monitoring;
i) To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse environmental
impact of a project, program or activity; and
j) To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and business
undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate and motivate
the people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the local and
national levels.

SECTION 3. Coverage of the Act. - This Act shall apply to water quality management in all water bodies:
Provided, That it shall primarily apply to the abatement and control of pollution from land-based sources:
Provided, further, That the water quality standards and regulations and the civil liability and penal provisions
under this Act shall be enforced irrespective of sources of pollution.

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c. Land Pollution
Land pollution basically is about contaminating the land surface of the Earth through
dumping urban waste matter indiscriminately, dumping of industrial waste, mineral exploitation, and
misusing the soil by harmful agricultural practices. Land pollution includes visible litter and waste
along with the soil itself being polluted. The soil gets polluted by the chemicals in pesticides and
herbicides used for agricultural purposes along with waste matter being littered in urban areas such
as roads, parks, and streets.

Land pollution refers to the presence of any solid waste in the land in such quality, of such
nature and duration, and under such conditions that are injurious to human health and to the
existence of plants.

Land Pollution Comprises Solid Waste and Soil Pollution.

Soil Pollution: Soil pollution is chiefly caused by chemicals in pesticides, such as poisons that are
used to kill agricultural pests like insects and herbicides that are used to get rid of weeds. Hence, soil
pollution results from:
Unhealthy methods of soil management.
Harmful practices of irrigation methods.

Solid Waste: Semisolid or solid matter that are created by human or animal activities, and which are
disposed because they are hazardous or useless. These are known as solid wastes. Most of the
solid wastes, like paper, plastic containers, bottles, cans, and even used cars and electronic goods
are not biodegradable, which means that they do not get broken down through inorganic or organic
processes. Thus, when they accumulate, they pose a health threat to people, plus, decaying wastes
also attract household pests and result in urban areas becoming unhealthy, dirty, and unsightly
places to reside in. Moreover, they also cause damage to terrestrial organisms, while also reducing
the uses of the land for other, more useful purposes.

Solid waste disposal is an issue in all countries. Most countries produce millions of tons of
household wastes and industrial toxic wastes from factories, industries, and hospitals. These wastes
pollute the air, soil, and water because most countries and communities do not have safe means of
disposing them. When solid wastes are burned, toxic gases spread into the air, causing air pollution.
Some wastes are dangerous to public health because acids and non-decomposable organic
materials seep through the soil, thus contaminating the drinking water and polluting farmlands. Solid
wastes take up space and produce unpleasant smell.

Wastes or garbages can be divided into four categories: (a) combustibles, (b) non-
combustibles, (c) recyclable, and (d) hazardous wastes.

Sources of Garbage (Solid Wastes)

Throw-away and disposable society
Overpopulation of the earth
Over production of packaging materials, bottles, diapers and other non-degradable materials
Over production of newspapers, plastic bags and containers made up of Styrofoam or
polysterene foam which are difficult to recycle.
Lawn clipping which make up about a fifth of all garbage in landfills
Medical wastes or infectious wastes (red bag)
Tires that are designed to last due to their durability; burning tires that create harmful fumes
Household wastes (both degradable and non-biodegradable) thrown everywhere

Garbology: Garbage Management and Disposal Activities: What the NSTP Students can do
Reuse items whenever possible.
Encourage source reduction.
Compost the natural degradable organic wastes.

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Reuse and recycle plastics.
Reuse returnable and refillable glass bottles.
Wash and reuse plastic and silverware plates. Use paper plates instead of Styrofoam.
Save paper whenever possible, reuse paper bags, and use scrap paper for notes.
Reuse paper and plastic bags.
Share newspapers and magazines with others.
Conduct garage sale or charity pick-ups.
Carry your own clean cups, forks, knives, spoons and plastic straw.
Do not use an incinerator.
Save magazines, Styrofoam and the like for childrens arts.

The 4Rs of Waste Management: A Guiding Principle

REDUCE- avoid wasteful consumption of goods. Begin by asking the question: Do I really need it?
In doing so, wastes can be minimized and our natural resources can be conserved. Conservation is
like charity that begins at home.

REUSE- Whenever practicable, reuse useful items instead of throwing them away. It would greatly
help if reusable goods are patronized.

RECYCLE- Wastes can be valuable resources. Items that are useless or of very little value to
someone who wants to dispose them may still have significant value to others. The process of
sorting out and using these wastes into something beneficial is called recycling.

REPAIR- Have items repaired to make them functional and reusable. Avoid throwing them.

Republic Act 9003 (January 26, 2001)

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 THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

What is R.A. No. 9003?

Improper solid wastes disposal is probably the most important environmental concern facing local
governments. This is particularly true in the Philippines. In response to a garbage crisis, the first that then
Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law in 2001 was Republic Act No. 9003 or
Ecological Solid Waste Mangement (ECOSWAM) Act, which requires municipalities to dispose of wastes
in a sanitary and environmentally friendly manner.

The Act created the National Solid Waste Management (SWM) Commission and prescribed the
establishments of a SWM board in each local government unit (LGU), (i.e., province, municipality, city and
barangay) and the formulation of ten-year local ECOSWAM plans. The Act states that the LGUs shall be
primarily responsible for the implementation of ECOSWAM services. It authorizes the local SWM Board to
impose fees on the SWM services that the LGU or any authorized organization provides and pool these
fees into a solid waste management fund.

Republic Act No. 9003 provides the legal framework for the countrys systematic, comprehensive
and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure protection of public health and the
environment. It underscores, among other things, the need to create the necessary institutional
mechanisms and incentives, as well as imposes penalties for acts in violation of any of its provisions.

The implementing rules and regulations of RA 9003 are contained in DENR Administrative Order
No. 2001-34.

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B. Climate Change

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
compositions of global atmosphere and which is, in addition to natural climate variability, observed over
comparable time periods. Climate change is caused by the increasing volume of greenhouse gases (GHG) in
the atmosphere.

Global Warming

Global warming is the rise in temperature of the earths atmosphere primarily due to the so-called
greenhouse effect. Global warming, as an issue for global concern, started in the 19 th century with the
news about the thinning of the ozone layer, the earths natural shield from the suns direct radiation, being a
direct result of this phenomenon. The badly affected areas are countries in the tropics, subtropics, and
developing countries. It is expected to bring heavy rainfall in dry months and more frequent tropical cyclones
in the area.

Global warming is the scientific evidence that temperatures of the near surface Earth atmosphere
are rising, and that higher temperatures threaten dangerous consequences on planet Earth - drought,
disease, floods, and loss of ecosystems.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, warming the earths surface
and contributing to climate change. These gases are water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide,
ozone, hydrofluorocarbon, perfluorocarbon, and sulfur hexafluoride. When these gases increase in volume,
more solar heat will be trapped resulting to a warmer atmospheric condition. This phenomenon is known as
the greenhouse effect.

The El Nio and the La Nia Phenomena

El Nio was first used by a fisherman in Peru in the late 1800s to describe the warm current
appearing off the western coast of Peru during December. El Nio means little boy in Spanish. Today, just
like a little child, this phenomenon refers to the disruption of the ocean-atmospheric system in the tropical
Pacific that brings increased rainfall and heavy flooding in one part of the world while drought and wild fires in
the other.

La Nia, a term that means little girl, is also known as El Viejo. Anti-El Nio or simply, a cold
event or episode. This was felt during December 1998 when a cold tongue was felt, cooler by 3 degrees
centigrade. The cold La Nia sometimes follows a hot El Nio.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9729

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the Climate Change Act of 2009.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. 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

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human needs while maintaining the quality of the natural environment for current and future generations.

Towards this end, the State adopts the principle of protecting the climate system for the benefit of humankind,
on the basis of climate justice or common but differentiated responsibilities and the Precautionary Principle to
guide decision-making in climate risk management. As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change, the State adopts the ultimate objective of the Convention which is the stabilization of
greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system which should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow
ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable
economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. As a party to the Hyogo Framework for Action, the
State likewise adopts the strategic goals in order to build national and local resilience to climate change-related
disasters.

Recognizing the vulnerability of the Philippine archipelago and its local communities, particularly the poor,
women, and children, to potential dangerous consequences of climate change such as rising seas, changing
landscapes, increasing frequency and/or severity of droughts, fires, floods and storms, climate-related illnesses
and diseases, damage to ecosystems, biodiversity loss that affect the countrys environment, culture, and
economy, the State shall cooperate with the global community in the resolution of climate change issues,
including disaster risk reduction. It shall be the policy of the State to enjoin the participation of national and local
governments, businesses, nongovernment organizations, local communities and the public to prevent and
reduce the adverse impacts of climate change and, at the same time, maximize the benefits of climate change.
It shall also be the policy of the State to incorporate a gender-sensitive, pro-children and pro-poor perspective
in all climate change and renewable energy efforts, plans and programs. In view thereof, the State shall
strengthen, integrate, consolidate and institutionalize government initiatives to achieve coordination in the
implementation of plans and programs to address climate change in the context of sustainable development.
Further recognizing that climate change and disaster risk reduction are closely interrelated and effective
disaster risk reduction will enhance climate change adaptive capacity, the State shall integrate disaster risk
reduction into climate change programs and initiatives.

Cognizant of the need to ensure that national and subnational government policies, plans, programs and
projects are founded upon sound environmental considerations and the principle of sustainable development, it
is hereby declared the policy of the State to systematically integrate the concept of climate change in various
phases of policy formulation, development plans, poverty reduction strategies and other development tools and
techniques by all agencies and instrumentalities of the government.

C. Flooding and Deforestation

Flooding

Floods often occur after continuous heavy rain. When it rains, some of the water are retained by soil,
some are absorbed by vegetation, some evaporate, and the remainder which reach river channels, are called
run-off.

Today, every time that there is a heavy downpour, many streets in Metro Manila and in other parts of
our country become flooded. Floods are a yearly problem that we have to face. This condition brings a lot of
problems schools; government offices, factories, and even the transport system have to suspend their
operation because of the flood. There are days when 50 percent of Metro Manila is submerged in water due
to continuous rain and high tide. The clogged drainage system due to the indiscriminate garbage disposal
and irregular collection schedule of garbage trucks in some areas contribute to floods that usually recede
after a long time.

Deforestation

This is also a serious national problem. Some causes of deforestation are the following:
1. Illegal Logging. This is a problem which the government cannot succeed to solve. If this cannot be
stopped, our forest will get denuded.

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2. Charcoal Making. This is not being paid attention to but sometimes this is worse than illegal logging. In
illegal logging, only the big trees are cut down but in charcoal making, even the young trees are cut
down to be burned into charcoal.

3. Kaingin system. This practice is worse than the first two. In this practice, the hillsides or mountainsides
are cleared thoroughly. All trees, big or small, are cut down and burned. The place is then planted with
rice, corn and vegetables. After two or three years, the cleared hillsides or mountainsides become
barren wastelands. This is so because the fertile surface soil has been washed down by rain. The
Kaingero leaves the barren hillsides and finds other hillsides to clear. This is the reason why the
hillsides and mountainsides that we see from the lowlands are barren.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION

1. Flash Floods
2. Air pollution
3. Eyesore
4. Ecological imbalance

Executive Order No. 579 (November 30, 2006)

ENCOURAGING THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN PHILIPPINES PROGRAMS

THROUGH THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM (NSTP)

WHEREAS, the Philippines is a young nation; our people are young, those under 30 years old make up sixty-
five (65%) percent of the population;
WHEREAS, it is the youth of this nation who have the energy to make their visions come true;
WHEREAS, it is the time for the younger generation to be actively involved in civic life, and be responsible for
their own future;
WHEREAS, the Arroyo Administration is calling for a New Vision for Young Nation;

Section 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;

Section 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.

Section 3. The Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall act as the Lead Implementor of this
Order, assisted by the Chair of the National Youth Commission (NYC).

Section 4. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Local Government Units (LGUs)
shall assist the schools in identifying the areas where the Green Philippines Activities of the NSTP shall be
implemented.

D. The Seven Environmental Principles

The key to understanding the environmental problems that we encounter today is to learn about our
ecosystem. This section highlights the basic environmental principles, varied types of ecosystem, current

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environmental issues, anthropogenic activities that threaten the environment and the role of youth in
protecting our environment.

1. Nature knows best. This principle is the most basic and in fact encompasses all the others.
Humans have to understand nature and have to abide by the rules nature dictates. In
essence, one must not go against the natural process if one would like to ensure a
continuous and steady supply of resources.

One natural process that needs serious attention is nutrient cycling. In nature,
nutrients pass from the environment to the organisms and back to the environment. Any
disruption in the cycle can bring about imbalance.

History and our experiences are full of examples to prove the validity of this
principle. In fact, this principle only surfaced when many of the detrimental effects of
technology were recognized and coined thereon as ecological backlash.

2. All forms of life are important. Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. Since
such occupational or functional position, otherwise known as niche, cannot be
simultaneously occupied by more than one specie, it is apparent that all living things must be
considered as invaluable in the maintenance of homeostasis in the ecosystem.

3. Everything is connected to everything else. This principle is best exemplified by the

concept of the ecosystem. In an ecosystem, all biotic and amniotic components interact with
each other to ensure that the system is perpetuated. Any outside interference may result in
an imbalance and the deterioration of the system.

4. Everything changes. It is said that the only permanent thing is change. As a general
classification, change may be linear, cyclical or random. As example of linear change is
evolution of species, which has brought about higher and more complex types of organisms.
Cyclical change may be exemplified by seasons and the rhythms in floral and faunal life
stages that go with the seasons. An example of random change is the eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo, which brought about great upheaval in many parts of Luzon and changes in the
topography of the land.

The environment is constantly changing. Organisms also evolve through time.

However, human technology has affected these natural changes often to a problematic
extent. Although mutation is a natural change, pesticides have induced insect mutations,
which are not matched by natural checks and balances.

Humans should rethink their relationship with the environment. Changes that they
think may be beneficial to the environment often turn out to be disastrous. Environmental
technologies should be given priority if humans would want more positive changes in the
environment.

5. Everything must go somewhere. When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears

from sight but it does not cease to exist. It ends up elsewhere. Gases released in
smokestacks may disperse but it will end up a component of the atmosphere or brought
down by rains. What a particular type of waste does to the earths repository should be of
concern to us. It may be a pollutant or a resource depending on certain factors.

6. Ours is a finite earth. The earths resources can be classified as either renewable or non-
renewable. Renewable resources are those that can easily be replenished by natural cycles
(e.g. water , air, plants, and animals) while non-renewable resources are those that cannot
be replenished through natural cycles (e.g. ores of various metals, oil, coal).

Although renewable resources can be replenished, it is important to note that these

are renewable only as long as they are not overused nor destroyed from such factors such
as pollution. To ensure that these resources will be continually replenished, it is essential to

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know how much of a resource can be consumed at a given time to balance the rate of
exploitation with the rate of replenishment.

Just how long would the earth be able to sustain demands on its resource?
This is a question that needs serious reflection. Unless the factors of population growth,
lifestyles, and polluting technologies are checked, the collapsed of the earth might be
inevitable.

Awareness of the earths limited resources leads to a conscious effort to change

ones consumerist attitude as well as to develop processes and technology that would bring
about effective recycling of a great number of resources.

7. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of Gods creation. Among all creatures, humans
are the only ones made in Gods image and have been given the right to have dominion over
all His creations. Being the most intelligent and gifted with no reason, humans are capable of
manipulating creation to their own advantage. Yet, creation exists not to be ravaged or
abused but to be taken care of. Humans cannot exist without nature. They are co-natural
with the environment they live in. If the environment they live in is destroyed, with it will go
Homo Sapiens.

This principle is inherent in all religious and tribal beliefs. Teachings of Christianity,
Buddhism, and Islam enjoin everyone to respect all life and the order of nature. Words of
Chief Seattle, Macli-ing Dulag, and Chito Mendez point to our duty to discern the true worth
of modern systems and techniques to reject those that degrade and promote those that
elevate the human condition.

IV. POST DISCUSSION ACTIVITIES

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS FOR MOTHER NATURE

Ask the students to find a pair. Each pair will list down three (3) simple acts to protect the
environment that they will do in their chosen barangay/area.

Procedure:
1. Identify a community where the environmental acts will be initiated.
2. Present a letter of approval to respective officials of the community (template of the letter
is available at JRF22 (CEAS Area Chairs Office)
3. Do the Environmental Acts together with any members of the identified community.
4. Record proper documentation of your activity (pictures with detailed description of each
act, Feedback from any of the members of the community and recommendation, letter of
approval from respective officials of the community).

also include:

ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Still within the same pair, kindly look for an existing project for the environment (implemented by
the national government, a local government unit, a non-government organization, a subdivision)
which appeals to you the most. Choose a project which addresses any of the environmental
issues we have discussed in this module. Feature this project by taking into consideration the
following:

pictures of the project

information about the project (name of the project, implementing organization/s, date of
implementation, place of implementation)
your own summary of the nature of the project
reasons for choosing this project (What made you choose this project as the one to

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feature?)

(Format: Colored Short bond paper, font: Arial 11, Margin: 1 all sides)

V. REFERENCES

1. Estaol E.L., et.al. National Service Training Program(Civic Welfare Training Service 1: A
Worktext). Mutya Publishing House, Inc, 2007.
2. Labuguen, F.C, Redorio, E.V., Placer, R.B. NSTP-CWTS-LTS Module; Students Guide;
Citizenship Training: Phase 2. Manila: BAF Printing Press, 2010.
3. Labuguen, F.C, et.al. Understanding the National Service Training Program: A Modular Worktext
for NSTP1(Focusing on the Common Modules Topics per Revised 2010 IRR of RA 9163). Mutya
Publishing House, Inc., 2012.
4. Lee, S.J. and Tiu Lee, A.C. National Service Training Program (Civic Welfare Training Service
(CWTS) II/ Literacy Training Service (LTS) II. C&E Publishing Inc, 2006.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_protection (Date accessed: July 11, 2011)
6. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Environmental_education (Date accessed: July 11,
2011)
7. http://www.chanrobles.com/philippinecleanairact.htm(Date accessed: July 11, 2011)
8. http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2006/eo_579_2006.html (Date accessed: July 11,
2011)
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_Philippines (Date accessed: July 11,
2011)
10. http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Global_warming (date accessed: June 6, 2012)
11. www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2008/ra_9512_2008.html (Date accessed: July 11, 2011)
12. www.buzzle.com/articles/land-pollution.html (Date accessed: July 11, 2011)
13. www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2001/ra_9003_2001.html (date accessed: June 5, 2012)
14. http://www.gov.ph/1977/06/06/presidential-decree-no-1152-s-1977 (date accessed: May 29,
2013)
15. http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/law/philippines/pd1152.htm (date accessed: May 29, 2013)

Each ones efforts, no matter how small or big, will add up

to something that will make a difference.

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