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.