Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

Regular Session

House Bill No 6499

Introduced by: Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Environmental awareness and education must be inculcated in the youth
to develop an earnest concern to our Mother Nature. Each one of us has a
responsibility to preserve and protect the environment as stewards of creation.
Young children in their early years of learning must know the essence of
protecting the environment and its effects for the generations to come.

Although there are already various environmental laws passed there is still
a need to strengthen the foundation of environmental awareness and
education in the primary and secondary education aside from the current
subjects which deal with related topics. There is a need for a special or
additional subject which focuses particularly on the program of environmental
awareness and education as well as training of the youth

‘An educated public can be one of the most powerful weapons in the
world’s fight against damage to the environment. The ways that the public can
assist in enforcement efforts are numerous if they are just fully aware of such
means and can unite together in achieving their environmental goals

It is embodied in the Constitution that the State recognizes the vital role of
the youth in nation building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral,
spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs,

As such, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

REP. EVELIO LEONARDIA

Lone District, Bacolod City

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

Regular Session

House Bill No. 6499

Introduced by: Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TRAINING.
IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

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

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Environmental
Awareness and Training Act of 2016".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the declared policy of the State to
recognize the role of the youth in nation building and advance the preservation
and protection of the environment to have a balance and healthful ecology not
only for the present but as well as for the future generations.

Education is stated to be an indispensable means of achieving
environmental and ethical awareness, values and attitudes, skills and
behaviour, consistent with sustainable development.

Environmental education programs as part of the school curriculum
increase public environmental awareness and demonstrates a commitment to
environmental protection. The involvement of today’s youth in environment
and development decision making and in the implementation of environmental
programs are essential factors to effectively protect and preserve our
environment.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the following
terms shall refer to and/or mean as hereunder defined:

Environmental protection is a practice of protecting the natural
environment on individual, organizational, or governmental levels, for the
benefit of both the natural environment and humans.

Environmental sustainability involves making responsible decisions and
taking action that are in the interests of protecting the environment and
reducing the negative impact and damage of abuse and pollution with


emphasis on preserving the capability of the environment to support human
life.

Environmental education and awareness raising includes but are not
limited to any of the following types of activities:

1, Reorienting current education and awareness programs to include
environmental dimensions;

2. Basic education and awareness programs in schools; and

3. Education, training, and awareness programs.

Section 4. Integration of Environmental Awareness and Training in
School Curriculum. The teaching of environmental awareness and training
shall be included as a mandatory and integral part of the curriculum in the
teaching of Science and Technology in all schools.

Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulation. The Department of
Education will promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement
this Act within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Section 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.