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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2549

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Former United Nations (UN) Chief Ban Ki Moon said that ‘we are the last generation that
can change the course of climate change, and we are the first generation that then has to
live with the consequences.” Undeniably, we cannot halt the inescapable consequences of
climate change. Massive effort is needed in order for us to adapt to conditions that are now
inevitable.

The consequences of climate change are inter-generational. Being an “inter-generational”
problem, it is incumbent upon every Filipino to have the “inter-generational responsibility’ to
find solutions that will mitigate, if not totally eradicate, the looming effects of climate change.

It is thus the overarching intent of this humble measure to inculcate climate change
awareness among the youth by mandating schools to include in their curricula a subject or
course on climate change in the senior high school level. Every youth and student should be

able to appreciate the importance of theoretical and practical components of climate change
education,

The importance of climate change education has been given emphasis at the international
level. No less than the UN said that “education is an essential component and catalyst for
responding to global climate change.”"

In particular, Article 6 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
encourages Parties to "promote, develop and implement educational, training and public
‘awareness programmes on climate change and its effects.”

The passage of this measure is thus timely and in accordance with the intent and spirit of the
UNFCCC, to which we are a signatory of. As such, the enactment of this bill is most urgently
sought.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session
5549

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

AN ACT
INTEGRATING INTO THE CURRICULUM OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL OF
THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, A
MANDATORY SUBJECT OR COURSE ON CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Climate Change
Education Act of 2019.”

SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is 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. Towards this end, the State shall take a pro-active stance to increase the
awareness of the people on the effects of climate change by integrating climate change
education into the curriculum of senior high school students.

SEC. 3. Climate Change Education in Senior High School Level. - The Department
‘of Education (DepEd) shall prescribe a mandatory subject or course in Climate Change
Education for senior high school students. The instruction of the subject shall include both
theoretical and practical components, in order to ensure effective learning and deep
understanding of the subject matter.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from its
approval, DepEd shall formulate and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. ~ If, for any reason, any part, section or provision of this
Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall
continue to be in force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
tules and regulations and other issuances, or part or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes
earlier.

Approved,