Araling Panlipunan 10: Isyung Pangkapaligiran

Environmental Issues in the Philippines

• The Philippine government does not hold copyright over works created by it, according to Republic Act 8293, Section 176.
• Materials used in educational modules may contain copyrighted works from various authors; permissions are required for usage beyond the module.
• The module is designed collaboratively by educators from public and private institutions to aid students in achieving K to 12 curriculum standards.
• Educational activities are tailored to the students' abilities, speed, and time availability, focusing on 21st-century skills.

Module Structure

• Alamin: Introduction to key learnings of the module.
• Subukin: Initial assessment to gauge prior knowledge.
• Balikan: Review of previous lessons.
• Tuklasin: Introduction of new concepts through various methods such as stories or activities.
• Suriin: Detailed discussion of the lesson aimed at understanding new concepts.
• Pagyamanin: Extension activities to deepen knowledge.
• Isaisip: Reflection activities to process learning.
• Isagawa: Practical work to apply new skills in real-life situations.
• Tayahin: Assessment of learning progress.
• Karagdagang Gawain: Additional tasks for enrichment.
• Susi sa Pagwawasto: Answer key for self-checking.
• Sanggunian: Reference list for module development.

Environmental Challenges

• The module focuses on the current state of the environment in the Philippines, addressing pressing environmental issues such as:
  • Solid waste management
  • Deforestation
  • Climate change

Learning Objectives

• Understand the current environmental conditions in the Philippines.
• Analyze the causes and effects of environmental issues.
• Identify programs and actions from various sectors addressing these problems.
• Value contributions from different sectors in environmental protection.
• Develop a case study on local environmental issues.

Solid Waste Management

• Solid waste is defined by Republic Act 9003 (Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) as waste from households, commercial establishments, and other non-hazardous sources.
• Improper waste disposal significantly impacts health, environment, and quality of life.
• Community involvement is vital for effective waste management practices.
• Various NGOs advocate for zero waste initiatives.

Climate Change

• Climate change poses severe threats to the Philippines, resulting in natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
• Local communities face increased health risks, including vector-borne diseases like dengue.
• Understanding local climate actions and regulations is crucial for addressing this issue.

Engagement and Responsibilities

• Students are encouraged to actively participate and engage with the materials, utilizing additional help from teachers or family members as needed.
• Personal responsibility is emphasized in learning and applying knowledge regarding environmental care.
• The module presents numerous activities designed to facilitate meaningful learning and reflection.

Importance of Environmental Awareness

• The module aims to support students in recognizing the value of the environment, the consequences of neglect, and the collective responsibility to protect and sustain it.
• Emphasis is placed on practical actions and critical thinking in relation to environmental protection.### Solid Waste Management in the Philippines
• Municipal solid waste (MSW) originates from residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial establishments.
• Households contribute the largest share of MSW at 56.7%, primarily consisting of kitchen waste (food scraps, vegetable and fruit peelings) and garden waste (grass, leaves).
• Biodegradable waste, which includes kitchen and yard waste, forms 52.31% of MSW.
• Recyclable waste represents 27.78% of MSW, consisting of paper, plastics, metals, bottles, and glass.
• Poor waste disposal practices lead to significant environmental issues, such as flooding, disease outbreaks, and pest infestations due to improper disposal in rivers, streets, and vacant lots.
• Lack of discipline and knowledge about waste segregation contributes to the solid waste crisis.
• Waste management policies, such as "no segregation, no collection," can improve waste management efficiency and reduce collectors' workloads.

Health and Environmental Impact

• Improper waste disposal severely affects health and the environment, especially for communities near dumpsites.
• Insects proliferating around waste sites can transmit diseases to nearby residents.
• Leachate from waste can contaminate water sources, posing additional health risks.
• Methane gas emissions from dumpsites contribute to global warming and health hazards.

Legal Framework for Waste Management

• The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) was enacted on January 26, 2001, providing guidelines for proper waste management.
• Establishes the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) to oversee waste management plans.
• The National Ecology Center and Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) were mandated to facilitate waste recycling and composting.
• Waste segregation, adherence to collection schedules, and proper disposal of special waste are critical for effective waste management.

Involved Agencies

• The NSWMC comprises 14 government agencies and representatives from the private sector, focusing on solid waste management.
• Key government agencies include:
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
  • Department of Health (DOH)
  • Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
  • Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
  • Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
• Private sector representation includes recycling industries and NGOs, like Mother Earth Foundation and Greenpeace Philippines, focused on environmental advocacy.

Environmental Degradation and Resource Management

• The Philippines has abundant natural resources critical for its economy, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, but faces challenges from deforestation and overexploitation.
• Forest cover has dramatically reduced, from 57% in 1934 to 23% in 2010, affecting biodiversity and climate regulation.
• Deforestation results from illegal logging, mining, and population growth, with dire consequences, including landslides and flooding.
• Numerous laws, such as the Philippine Clean Air Act and the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, aim to conserve natural resources and combat pollution.

Mining and Quarrying Impacts

• Mining involves extracting minerals, which can lead to water contamination and ecological degradation.
• Regulatory frameworks, including the Philippine Mining Act and Executive Order No. 79, were established to promote responsible and safe mining practices.
• Quarrying operations provide construction materials but also lead to air pollution and biodiversity loss.

Summary and Solutions

• Effective waste management and environmental protection require public cooperation and strict adherence to laws and practices.
• Continued education on waste segregation and stricter regulations could reduce the volume of waste generated and its negative environmental impact.
• Sustainable resource management practices are essential to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.### Quarrying and Environmental Impact
• Quarrying is crucial for development but poses risks to land and the environment.
• Alternatives to quarrying are needed to mitigate environmental destruction.

Environmental Laws in the Philippines

• Philippine Mining Act: Regulates mining to ensure responsible practices and protect resources.
• Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System): Aims to conserve protected areas from abuse.
• Republic Act No. 9175 (Chainsaw Act): Prohibits chainsaw use to protect forests.
• Republic Act 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act): Protects caves and cave resources in the Philippines.
• Philippine Mineral Resources Act of 2012: Governs mineral resource development for national interest.

Climate Change Overview

• Climate change refers to abnormal climate variations worldwide, starting from the mid-20th century.
• Causes include natural phenomena (solar energy, Earth's rotation) and human impacts (fossil fuel usage, deforestation).

Effects of Climate Change

• Global warming leads to disasters like heatwaves, floods, severe storms, and droughts, causing illness and fatalities.
• Diseases spread due to climate change include cholera and mosquito-borne illnesses (malaria, dengue).
• Displacement from home occurs due to natural disasters, landslides, and rising sea levels.
• Climate change threatens food security by disrupting agriculture, leading to reduced production and malnutrition.

Government Response to Climate Change

• The government must protect citizens' rights to a balanced environment as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.
• The Climate Change Act of 2009 was established to respond to climate threats, creating the Climate Change Commission for policy formulation.

Programs and Agencies Addressing Climate Change

• Climate Change Commission: Responsible for coordination and evaluation of climate programs.
• Philippine Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC): Aims to alleviate the adverse impacts of climate change.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) promotes global partnerships to combat climate issues.
• International Monetary Fund (IMF): Advises on financial aspects related to climate initiatives.

Community Engagement and Solutions

• Community involvement is essential for addressing climate change impacts.
• Educational programs and policies must be implemented to raise awareness and encourage green practices.

Important Questions for Reflection

• Consider the effectiveness of current environmental laws in the Philippines.
• As a legislator, propose a law that would help address the deterioration of natural resources.
• Reflect on personal contributions to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Summary of Important Legislation

• National Integrated Protected Areas System (RA 7586): Protects designated areas from exploitation.
• Climate Change Act (RA 9729): Institutionalizes climate action plans and strategies.
• Clean Air Act (RA 8749): Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

• Continuous monitoring and adaptation to climate change are vital to safeguarding the environment and public health.
• Understanding the implications of human activities on climate change is pivotal in fostering a sustainable future.

Test your knowledge on environmental issues as discussed in the 10th Grade Araling Panlipunan curriculum. This quiz will cover significant topics from the first module, focusing on various environmental concerns affecting the Philippines. Enhance your understanding with this engaging assessment.