Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7707

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Philippines is rich in natural resources. It is recognized to be the world’s center of marine
biodiversity. The country is blessed with fertile plains and tropical forests; and it also houses many
endemic species of flora and fauna and mineral resources. However, this natural wealth and
beauty is continuously being destroyed due to numerous environmental issues.

In response to both local and global environmental crisis, it is imperative that the State formulate
and institutionalize environmental policies that protect the environment against degradation and
deterioration, and ensure that such policies are widely disseminated to all its citizens.

This proposed measure seeks to integrate environmental education to the curriculum of Senior
High School students, wherein the core subjects would be earth and life science, physical science
and/or disaster readiness and risk reduction. This should raise awareness of students on the
looming environmental crisis and the global strides for the protection and rehabilitation of the
environment. This initiative will also help younger crowds understand our intergenerational
responsibility to the future generations to live sustainably so that future generations will be able
experience our environment at the same (or better) quality than our generation does.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

MYRA S. TAMBUNTIN
District, Parafiaque Cit



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _7707

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

ee

AN ACT INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
(SHS) CURRICULUM

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Environmental Education in Senior
High School Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The Constitution provides 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. Pursuant to this, State shall formulate and institutionalize environmental
policies that protect the environment against degradation and deterioration, and shall ensure that
such policies are widely disseminated to all its citizens.

SEC. 3. Integration of Environmental Education in Senior High School (SHS)
Curriculum. — All public and private senior high schools (SHS) are mandated to integrate
Environmental Education in the core SHS subjects (i) Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction and
(ji) Earth Science for those under the STEM Strand, or (i) Earth and Life Science and (ii) Physical
Science for those under the other SHS tracks; Provided, That in the event that there shall be an
amendment to the K-12 curriculum and the list of core subjects taken up by SHS students, the
Department of Education (DepEd) shall ensure that Environmental Education is integrated in
another core subject.

Environmental Education shall increase students’ understanding, awareness, and sensitivity to
the environment and environmental challenges, and improve the attitudes and motivation
towards maintaining environmental quality. It shall include, but not be limited, to the teaching of
the following:

(i) how natural environments function and how human activities increase hazards to
disasters, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, among others;
(ii) relevant national and local environmental laws;
(iii) pressing global and local environmental issues; and


(iv) measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change.

SEC. 4, Implementing Rules and Guidelines. — Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of
this Act, DepEd, in consultation with appropriate government agencies and other relevant
stakeholders, shall formulate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of
this Act.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be declared
unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions and provisions
hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in
their entirety.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations and
administrative regulations, or any parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby revoked, repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) national papers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Approved,