HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE!
Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1069 REGISTRATION UNIT
BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

{in the recent years, there has been an increase in awareness on environmental protection and
sustainability. This was a result of the emergence of studies correlating global warming to the
extensive waste generated by every household, commercial and industrial establishments; and the
massive destruction of the world’s natural resources brought about by the growing, demands of the
exponentially increasing population. Yet, there have been few attempts at resolving the issuc. As
such, the people's awareness has not transcended into concrete actions. As of today. \ve are very much
knowledgeable about the need to preserve and protect the environment. However. we have ceased at
such level.

avironmental Education is a learning process that increases knowledge aid) awareness about the
wironment and develops skills that enable responsible decisions and actions that impact the
vironment. Environmental Education promotes interdisciplinary learning, encowages inquiry and
investigation, and develops problem-solving skills. Environmental Education is all about “how to
think, not what to think.”

Education has played an important role in the eatly years formation of children. {t is in schools where
children first learn how to read and write, properly communicate, cook. ctc. It is these basic lessons
that children bring with them when they mature and become contributors to the society

However, there is one glaring omission in our school’s curriculum: the lack of Environmental
Education. If we teach our children these lessons in precaution and sustain they can play an
integral role in making our schools, communities, and planet more sustainable and healthy” not just
the present but more importantly in the future.

‘Thus, this bill sceks to reform the country’s education system by making Eivironmental Education a
vital part of every school’s curriculum. By teaching the youth about the value of the environment and
tHe methods of protecting and preserving it, the State can help them become catalysis of change in the
combat against global warming, In doing this, we begin raising a generation full of awareness on the
importance of the environment and a generation that will start a culture of environmental protection
and sustainabili

Hence, the passage of this law is urgently sought

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M)
epresentative
Third District, Province of Masbate

"eps: www georgiastandards org/resources/Pages/Environmental, Education.aspx
2 htpi/ /www greenschoolsnet/section php?



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1069

House Bill No.

introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT TO ADVANCE THE PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING ON THE
ENVIRONMENT AMONG ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS,
‘TO ADD A COURSE ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOL
CURRICULUM, ESTABLISHING A MECHANISM THEREFOR

AND FOR OTHER PURPOS'

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 “Environmental Ei

jon Act of 2016."

See. 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. Likewise, itis the policy of the State to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being. It is also the policy of the State to give priority ( education, science and
technology. arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress, and promote total human liberation and development

Sec. 3. Mandatory Environmental Education Course - It shall be mandatory for all
elementary and high school students to undergo Environmental Education classes. Depending
on a student’s capacity for higher learning, Environmental Education classes shall include
among others, lessons on the effects of greenhouse gases on the environment. lessons on the
adverse effects of deforestation, lessons on proper waste disposal, and methods of attaining
environmental sustainability

See. 4. Implementing Agency. ~ The Deparument of Education, in consultation with
stakeholders, shall ensure the implementation and enforcement of this Act. It shall also
develop economic and personal course content guidelines and recommend textbooks to be
used in an Environmental Education course.

See 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Education shall have the
power to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations as may be necessary to fully
implement the objectives and purposes of this Act within one (1) year {rom the approval
hereof.

Sec. 6, Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional
or invalid, other provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force
and effect


Sec. 7. Repealing Clause, All laws, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazeue oF in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,