Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No,__ 6390

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
issue. As such, the people’s awareness has not transcended into concrete actions. As of today, we
are very much knowledgeable about the need to preserve and protect the environment. However,
we have ceased at such level.

Environmental Education is a learning process that increases knowledge and awareness about the
environment and develops skills that enable responsible decisions and actions that impact the
environment. Environmental Education promotes interdisciplinary learning, encourages 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 early years formation of children. It is in schools
where children first learn how to read and write, properly communicate, cook, etc. 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 sustainability, they can play
an integral role in making our schools, communities, and planet more sustainable and
healthy” not just in the present but more importantly in the future

Thus, this bill seeks to reform the country’s education system by making Environmental
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

“hetps://www.georgiastandards.org/resources/Pages/Environmental_Educationaspx
2 http://www-greenschools.net/section.php?id=26


catalysts of change in the combat against global warming. In doing this, we begin raising a
generation fall of awareness on the importance of the environment and a generation that will
start a culture of environmental protection and sustainability,

Hence, the passage of this law is urgently sought.

re

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.
presenthtive
Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 6390

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE,

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 PURPOSES

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 Education Act of 2016.”

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
Likewise, it is 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 to 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,

Sec. 4. Implementing Agency. ~ The Department 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.

Sec 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 from 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
Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.