FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
8 
'U1. 14 
1' 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
ORY NOTE 
On October 22, 2003, the Philippine Senate ratified the Kyoto Protocol which is 
an international treaty to combat global warming. The Kyoto Protocol legally binds 141 
State Parties to reduce the global discharge of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and sets 
targets and timetables for developed countries to reduce their collective GHG emissions 
by 5% of their 1990 levels during the period 2008 - 2012. Various studies have indicated 
that greenhouse gases are accumulating in the atmosphere, causing global 
temperatures to rise at a rate that poses a significant threat to the economy and security 
of all nations, to public health and welfare, and to the global environment. 
With this development; the urgent need to focus on the issues concerning climate 
change and global warming has been gaining greater attention in the agenda of most 
countries in the world. To date, the phenomenon of climate change in our country is 
manifested in extreme climate events through the occurrence of severe El Nitio and La 
Nina, deadly and damaging typhoons and other severe storms, floods, flash floods, 
landslides, drought, etc. These extreme events have one thing in common - persistent 
torrential rains, causing landslides and flash floods, killing people and destroying 
properties and the environment along its path. 
The alarming threat of the adverse effects of climate change in people's lives 
warrants a comprehensive information, education and communication (IEC) campaign 
in order for the general public to cooperate with the programs being implemented by our 
government and its various stakeholders. Providing clear information about global 
warming, in a variety of forms, can increase understanding and encourage individuals 
and communities to take proactive action. 
This proposed measure seeks to include the issue of climate change and global 
warming in the curriculum in primary and secondary school institutions in the country. 
Moreover, this proposed measure seeks to institutionalize and establish a Climate 
Change Education Program in order to broaden the understanding of climate change, 
its possible long and short-term consequences and potential solutions, and to provide 
formal and informal learning opportunities on the issues concerning climate change and 
global warming. 
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
0" 
et' M. D 
LAPID. 
Senafor 
P 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
8 
AIL 14 i1ii ’\? 
Second Regular Session 
1 
- 
~~ 
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION AND 
AWARENESS PROGRAM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION I. 
Education Act of 2008”. 
Short Title. - This Act may be cited as the “Climate Change 
SEC. 2. 
Inclusion in the Curriculum. - The teaching of climate change and 
global warming is hereby required to be part of the curriculum of all primary and 
secondary schools in the Philippines. 
SEC. 3. 
Climate Change Education Program. - The Secretary of the 
Department of Education (DepEd) shall establish a Climate Change Education Program 
which shall include the following objectives: 
to broaden the understanding of climate change and global warming, 
including its possible short-term and long-term consequences and potential solutions; 
to apply the latest scientific and technological discoveries to provide 
formal and informal learning opportunities to people of all ages, including those of 
diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds; and 
to emphasize actionable information to help people understand and to 
promote implementation of new technologies, programs, and incentives related to 
energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction. 
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
SEC. 4. 
Pmgmm Element% of the Climate Change Education Program. 
The Climate Change Education Program shall’ include the following program 
- 
elements: 
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(1) 
a national information, education and communication (IEC) campaign to 
disseminate information on and promote the implementation of the new technologies 
and programs related to climate change; and 
a technical assistance grant program to be given to the various local 
government units, institutions and other organizations in order to create informal 
education materials, exhibits, and multimedia presentations relevant to climate change 
and climate science; develop climate science curriculum and supplementary 
educational materials; and publish climate change and climate science information in 
print, electronic, and audio-visual forms. 
(2) 
SEC. 5. 
National Climate Change Awareness Week. - 
In order to 
mainstream the issue on climate change and global warming in our country, the first 
week of October of every year is hereby declared as the "Climate Change Awareness 
Week. This week will be celebrated nationwide so that various stakeholders and 
advocates on climate change and global warming all over the nation can celebrate and 
increase public awareness on the issues concerning climate change in the country. Said 
week-long activity will be spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), in 
coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and 
the Philippine information Agency (PIA). 
All educational institutions throughout the country are hereby enjoined to give 
their support to the celebration of the National Climate Change Awareness Week by 
conducting their respective activities with the active participation of all their students, 
faculties and staff. 
SEC. 6. 
Annual National Conference. on Climate Change. - The 
Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Energy (DEO), is hereby mandated 
to conduct an Annual National Climate Change Conference which will be participated by 
the various stakeholders in the field of climate change and global warming issues, 
including government regulators, policy makers, research and academic institutions and 
various stakeholders in the advocacy to address climate change and global warming 
issues. 
The Annual National Climate Change Conference is envisioned to be an avenue 
where various stakeholders can share their knowledge on the issues and trends relating 
to the implications of climate change and global warming, 
The proceedings of the Annual National Climate Change Conference will be 
published and be made available to the public. 
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SEC. 7. 
Reportorial Requirements to Congress. - After two (2) years 
from the date of effedivity of this Act, the DepEd shall submit a comprehensive report to 
both Houses of Congress on the programs, projects and activities conducted by the 
Department in line with the provisions of this Act. Thereafter, the DepEd shall be 
required to submit an annual comprehensive report to Congress at the end of every 
fiscal year. 
SEC. 8. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within sixty (60) 
days from the date of effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education (DepEd) shall 
adopt the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to implement the 
provisions of this measure. 
SEC. 9. 
Appropriations. - The funds needed for this purpose shall be 
taken from the appropriations of the Department of Education (DepEd). Thereafter, such 
amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. IO. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws presidential decrees, executive 
orders, proclamations, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 11. 
Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the 
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, the 
remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. 
SEC. 12. 
EfYectivi~ Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fineen (15) 
days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved, 
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