NSTP Lesson 7-10 Final Term PDF

**LESSON 7 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION** **Key Environmental Issues** - **Threatened Biodiversity and Deforestation** -- The very rapid rate of biodiversity loss is alarming. The Philippines ranks 4th in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the number of threatened species. - The Philippi...

**LESSON 7 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION** **Key Environmental Issues** - **Threatened Biodiversity and Deforestation** -- The very rapid rate of biodiversity loss is alarming. The Philippines ranks 4th in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the number of threatened species. - The Philippines has a total of 784 threatened fauna species and 984 threatened flora species. - **Overextraction and Exploitation of Mineral Resources** -- The effects of overextraction of mineral resources include: - destruction of forests and oceans, affecting biodiversity; - increase in landslide, subsidence, and erosion hazards; - pollution of bodies of water; and - conflicts among mining communities because of displacement of local population. - **Degradation of Coastal Ecosystems** -- The Philippines was part of the 11 "coral hot spots" or areas with the most-degraded coral reefs, from 2002 to 2011. - **Climate Change** -- a complex phenomenon involving a significant change in measures of climate, observed for long periods of time - Indicators of climate change are alterations in temperature, rainfall, severe weather events, rises in sea levels, and melting of ice. - radical weather phenomena such as increased intensity and frequency of storms, heat waves, drought, heavy rains, and flooding; - decline in rice yields; - water scarcity; and - a surge of diseases. **Initiatives to Address Contemporary Environmental Issues** - **Green Chemistry** -- This is the utilization of chemical processes from the production up to the disposal of stuff that does not pollute the environment. - **Zero Waste** -- This refers to the reduction on the volumes of waste products from production to consumption. - **Closed Loop Production** -- As an alternative to the linear system, this practice incorporates zero waste, producer responsibility, elimination of toxic inputs, renewable energy, and sustainable consumption. - **Local Living Economies** -- They refer to local enterprises with sustainable practices. These economies are characterized by strong local ownership of enterprises where workers, community members, and consumers create and benefit from fair jobs, safe products, fair trading, and healthy environment. - **Green Movements** -- These are civil society movements intended to uphold the rights of communities and to advocate for sustainable governance of the environment. These movements turn to social protests, dialogues, and advocacy activities to demand accountability from the government and other organizations. - **Collective Actions** -- These refer to joint initiatives undertaken by individuals, groups, and nongovernment organizations with the intention of improving the situation of the environment and achieving goals for preservation and conservation. **Conclusions** - The Philippines is very rich in environmental and natural resources. This abundance can potentially lift all Filipinos out of poverty. However, the current economic system and forms of governance need to make important changes to address rapidly increasing cases of environmental degradation and inequality. - Contemporary environmental issues include biodiversity loss, deforestation, mineral plunder, destruction of coastal resources, and climate change. - Environmental protection needs a committed and comprehensive strategy to overhaul the economic system. The government needs to initiate environmental accountability with the active participation of all Filipino citizens. - Environmental justice incorporates the two important concepts of social inclusion (taking care of the well-being of the poor) and sustainability. - There are several innovative alternatives to the ongoing destructive economic system, which include (1) closed loop system, (2) local living economies, (3) zero waste, and (4) various collective actions to uphold environmental protection. - The youth are not passive victims of environmental degradation. They can work in solidarity with poor communities, learn more about environmental issues, educate other people, and extend technical assistance. **LESSON 8: DRUG EDUCATION** **What Are Drugs?** - ***Drugs*** are chemicals that alter an individual's physical, psychological, and behavioral functions. More specifically, "dangerous drugs" are drugs that contain chemicals that can cause drug addiction and may lead to drug abuse. They are extremely unsafe for people to use. - ***Drug abuse*** is the legal or illegal use of chemicals that may cause impairment in the physical, psychological, or behavioral functioning of individuals. This may be characterized by: - using drugs without a doctor's prescription; - using drugs for a purpose other than the doctor's prescription; and - using drugs for nonmedical purposes. - ***Drug Addiction*** refers to the psycho-behavioral condition where an individual's need to obtain and use (especially self-administered) drugs becomes a strong fixation. - ***Drug Habituation*** is merely a psychical craving for the drug with little or no tendency to increase drug dosage. **Relevant Facts on Drug Abuse in the Philippines** According to statistics, around 1.8 million people use dangerous drugs in the Philippines, while 4.8 million Filipinos have used dangerous drugs at one point in their lives. Based on the latter figure, 91% of these are adults, 87% are males, 80% have high school education, and 67% are employed. Methamphetamine, also called "poor man's cocaine" or *shabu*, is the most commonly used illegal drug in the country (DDB, 2020). **Drug Classifications** **Classification** **Subcategory** **Characteristics** **Negative Effects** ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants Barbiturates These are drugs that have sedative-hypnotic effects. They lower down the operations of the brain and the body. They are commonly used to induce sleep. Overdose of these drugs can alter mood, induce coma, and lead to confusion and disorientation. CNS stimulants Amphetamines These are synthetic stimulants that cause increased energy and sensitivity to stimulation. Although some types are legally prescribed by doctors, illegal possession of amphetamines is a crime. Methamphetamine, also known as "crystal, meth, or shabu," is an example. The negative effects of these drugs are aggressiveness, irregular breathing, hallucination, nausea, seizures, and confusion. CNS stimulants Cocaine Cocaine is a stimulant drug acquired from coca plants. It boosts alertness and gives the illusion of having increased physical skills, athletic performance, and sexuality. Negative effects include increased anxiety, paranoia, and agitation. Hallucinogens Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) LSD is a drug that causes such effect as seeing and hearing things that seem real but are actually not. This is also known as "acid." The negative effects of LSD are extreme fear, anxiety, depression, panic, and psychotic episodes. Hallucinogens Phencyclidine (PCP) Originally developed as an anesthetic, this drug has the effect of mind alteration and the feeling of being detached from one's body. This is also known as "angel dust." Negative effects include aggression, paranoia, feelings of isolation, increased heart rate, and jerky eye movements. Hallucinogens Cannabis This is derived from the plant cannabis. It contains mind-altering compounds that affect the brain and the body. It is also known as marijuana, ganja, or hemp. In some countries, cannabis is already legalized for medicinal and recreational purposes. The negative effects of cannabis are impaired judgment, confusion, paranoia, and detachment from reality. Others Inhalants These include a wide variety of breathable substances that produce mind-altering effects. Some of their common street names are toluene, plastic cement, paint, gasoline, paint thinners, hair sprays, and various anesthetic gases. Some of their negative effects are hypoxia or a lack of oxygen, pneumonia, cardiac failure, liver and kidney damage, Parkinson's disease, and death (Obembe, 2012; Fields, 2017). **RA 9165 and Other Laws on Drugs** - **Republic Act No. 9165**, otherwise known as the **"Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002**,**"** is the primary law that protects Filipino citizens from the perilous effects of drugs to the body and mind. - RA 9165 amended the implementing rules and regulations of **Republic Act No. 6425** or **"The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972**.**"** The other pertinent laws on drugs are **Executive Order No. 218** (*Strengthening the Support Mechanism for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency*) and **Republic Act No. 10640** (*An Act to Further Strengthen the Anti-Drug Campaign of the Government*). **What Is Drug Addiction?** - ***Drug addiction*** refers to the uninhibited behavioral tendency to use dangerous drugs despite knowledge of their capacity to cause physical, relational, and economic problems (Wilson & Kolander, 2003). ***Drug abuse*** symptoms depend on the drug to which the user has been exposed. Here are the common consequences experienced by drug users: 1. looking or longing for the drug on a regular basis; 2. wasteful spending to purchase more drugs, which may lead to serious economic problems; 3. manifesting the inability to perform roles and responsibilities in school, work, family, and community; 4. committing other crimes to supplement the drug addiction; and 5. experiencing withdrawal symptoms (Burke, O\'Sullivan, & Vaughan, 2005). **Causes and Risk Factors of Drug Abuse** **Causes.** The main factors related to drug abuse are: - **Environment** -- comprises influences found in the surroundings. These influences may include culture, education, and socialization. These may also include social relationships with family, peers, and coworkers. - **Genetics** -- refers to hereditary factors. Some genetic factors may interact with the drug, causing the user to get addicted more quickly. **Risk Factors.** Certain specific factors can also affect the likelihood and rate of developing drug addiction. These include: - history of addiction in the family; - mental health problems; - peer influence; - low family interactions; - early exposure; and - level of drug's addictiveness (Miller, 2013). **Prevention Interventions** According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US) and Office of the Surgeon General (US) (2016), there are three (3) types of drug prevention interventions: *Universal, Selective,* and *Indicated*. 1\. ***Universal*** interventions are varied forms of assistance provided to the general population. These are aimed at all people experiencing problems with dangerous drugs. These are very broad and unspecific in terms of services and messages (NRCIM, 2009). 2\. ***Selective*** interventions are for specific subgroups who are extremely at risk for addiction and physical injuries due to dangerous drugs (Rutter et al., 2015). 3\. ***Indicated*** interventions are for persons who are already using or are addicted to dangerous drugs. These programs are rigorous and cost a lot of money (Lee et al., 2012). **LESSON 9: HUMAN RIGHTS** **What Are Human Rights?** These are the rights and entitlement integral to all people no matter what class, gender, age, race, and ethnicity they have. Rights apply to everyone. Incorporated in these is the collection of all the individual and collective entitlement provided by nations and international human rights conventions. Every person, authority, and institution is duty-bound to uphold, protect, and realize these rights. Human rights assure that each person will be safeguarded from any harm that can hinder his or her freedom and human dignity. Many human rights regulations were influenced by the post-war situation that motivated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR contends that every person is born with entitlement like the right to be free and to be treated fairly and with dignity. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the UDHR in December 1948. The realization of UDHR is necessary to achieve better conditions for the world, including letting everyone experience freedom, justice, and lasting peace. Human rights are expressed in various treaties, in relation to international laws and in other sources of laws. They compel different states to act and protect their citizens from specific actions against abuses to their rights. **Basic Characteristics of Human Rights** 1. Human rights are **inherent**. -- They are not granted by any person or authority. 2. Human rights are **inalienable**. -- They cannot be rightfully taken away from an individual. 3. Human rights are **imprescriptible**. -- They cannot be lost even by a long passage of time. 4. Human rights are **indivisible**. -- They cannot be denied even when other rights have already been enjoyed. 5. Human rights are **interdependent**. -- The exercise of one cannot be fully achieved without the realization of the other. 6. Human rights are **universal**. -- They are available to all human beings irrespective of their origin, status or condition, or place where they live. 7. Human rights are **fundamental**. -- Without them, the life and dignity of man will be meaningless. **The Philosophical and Pragmatic Approaches** There are two main approaches to study the nature of human rights, namely the *philosophical approach* and the *pragmatic approach*. The philosophical approach, also known as the theoretical approach, can be categorized into five sub-theories. **Sub-theories of the Philosophical Approach** **1. The Natural Rights Theory.** According to John Locke, an American philosopher, human beings are born with inalienable natural rights. According to Locke, these rights are God-given rights and can never be taken away or given away. Locke also stated that the fundamentals of natural rights are life, liberty, and property. **2. The Legal Rights Theory.** The theory holds that human rights completely depend on the recognition of states and institutions. The theory dictates that an individual cannot claim his or her rights if they are not recognized by their states and institutions in the first place. **3. The Historical Theory of Rights.** This theory states that the rights of human beings are not created by the state but are actually products of the historical evolution of humans. **4. The Social Welfare Theory of Rights.** The theory believes that human rights are created by society based on consideration of the common welfare of human beings. The theory also assumes that if society does not approve of a right, then it will not be recognized. **5. The Idealistic Theory of Rights.** Also known as the "Personality Rights Theory," it suggests that human rights are external factors affecting the internal and real development of an individual. This theory treats the right to personality as a supreme and absolute right. **The War on Drugs** - Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte spearheaded the rigorous anti-illegal drug campaign, which is commonly called the "war on drugs." - It was estimated that in 2016 alone, around 6,600 drug suspects were killed due to Duterte's war on drugs, as reported by the Philippine National Police (Bueza, 2016). - The President ordered the country's police forces to go on a campaign of seizing people they believe are related to drug use/drug trade with an interesting premise: if those who get caught resist, the police are allowed to fight back and put down the life of the accused suspects. - The most noteworthy and controversial aspect of the drug war was that President Duterte offered a reward/bounty to those who turned in people related to drug use, "dead or alive." - With this premise, the police forces especially acted and spearheaded the campaign as major forces behind the war on drugs (Amnesty International UK, 2020). **Recent Events Involving Human Rights in the Philippines** **The Extrajudicial Killings.** RA 11188 defines *extrajudicial killing (EJK)* as the act of slaying individuals committed by state actors without appropriate legal process. As the Duterte administration's war on drugs started, the bodies of people reportedly involved in drugs have been documented. Minors started becoming casualties as well. **The Kian Lloyd delos Santos Case.** This case was one of the infamous examples of EJK. Seventeen-year-old Kian Lloyd delos Santos was shot and killed during the Oplan Galugad that took place on the night of August 16, 2017 in Caloocan City. **The Martial Law in Mindanao.** On May 23, 2017, the president was compelled to declare martial law in Mindanao due to the rising conflicts in Marawi between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a terrorist group. This meant that public officials were allowed to detain individuals without bringing them before a court of law. **Untimely Release of Alleged Drug Lords.** Among the identified drug lords were Peter Lim and Kerwin Espinosa. Peter Lim immediately denied the accusation; in contrast, Kerwin Espinosa surrendered and acted as a witness for the court. Despite Kerwin Espinosa's confession as a drug lord, the court dismissed his charges together with Peter Lim due to a lack of evidence (Punay, 2018). **President Duterte Threatening to Leave UN.** As the United Nations grew wary of the "War on Drugs," the UN repeatedly tried to condemn the endeavor as a violation of human rights. President Duterte then threatened to "separate" from the UN and form another alliance with China and some African nations. **Oplan Tokhang.** This was part of the war on drugs, famously known as an operation where police would knock on the doors of alleged users and ask them to surrender. Do remember that one of the president's ultimate mandates for the police is that if the suspect "fights back," they are free to gun down that alleged suspect. **The Human Shield Case.** Another minor casualty was recorded, as one more child's life was taken. This time, a three-year-old was in her home during the anti-drug operation in Rizal. The police stated that the suspect used the child as a human shield against them. The casualties were the lives of one police officer, the suspect, and the child. **Human Rights Initiatives of Different Government Agencies in the Philippines** **Commission on Human Rights (CHR).** Among the tangible human rights initiatives in the Philippines is the formation of the CHR. This is an independent office to realize the state policy that the country needs to prioritize the dignity of individuals and ensure full respect for human rights. The following are CHR's powers and functions: 1. Independently investigate human rights violations; 2. Formulate and promulgate its own operational guidelines; reprimand anyone who violates the said guidelines in accordance with the rule of law; 3. Provide legal and preventive measures for people to enjoy their human rights; 4. Visit people who are incarcerated, jailed, or detained; 5. Research and educate about human rights; 6. Recommend or support policies related to human rights; 7. Monitor the state's compliance with standards of international human rights; 8. Protect witnesses related to human rights investigation or cases; 9. Invite assistance of any government office; 10. Assign its officers and employees; and 11. Perform other duties related to human rights (Section 3, EO 163). **The Department of Justice (DOJ).** Because the Philippines is a signatory to the UDHR, one of its government agencies that is focused on upholding human rights is the Department of Justice (DOJ). This agency is the government's legal counsel, and it supervises the criminal justice system, acts as the arbiter on cases and disputes, and provides free legal services to marginalized sectors. **Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).** DOLE is tasked with protecting the well-being of Filipino workers here and abroad. It formulates policies and plans and implements programs depending on the sociopolitical and economic situations of the time. **The International Labor Organization (ILO).** This is a three-party organization that initially worked with the Philippines in 1994. It is known for endorsing the Workman's Compensation (Accidents) Convention 17 based on Act No. 1874, which expands the duties of employers related to personal injuries and deaths obtained by employees at the workplace (ILO, 2010). **The Judiciary.** Some of the important reforms it has implemented are speedy trial, a more efficient and responsive justice system, docket decongestion, a review of judicial systems and procedures, collaboration with society, increased access to justice for the poor, the improvement of free legal services, and the enhancement of the integrity and competence of judges, court personnel, and all other officers of the court. **Jail Reforms.** Because the welfare of political prisoners and other incarcerated individuals is a concern of human rights, jail reform is one of the country's priority programs. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) mentioned that the prisons in the country are 500% overcrowded. Moreover, the facilities in prisons and jails remain old and dilapidated (Jones & Narag, 2019). **Vision 2040.** Aside from preventing violations, another key concern of human rights is the welfare and well-being of the citizens. The Philippine government initiated *Vision 2040* with the aim of letting people enjoy equal prosperity and live in a just and fair society. Vision 2040 serves as the overarching framework of progress in which the criminal justice system must be in sync. Conclusions - A human right is an entitlement that every person possesses as a consequence of being a human being. It is **universal**, meaning every person regardless of gender, race, religion, and political view has it. The overall well-being of human beings is protected by the rights they possess and the different laws crafted by governments to safeguard these rights. - A right is also **inalienable**. No person can take it away from another individual except in select cases. It is likewise **indivisible**, **interrelated**, and **interdependent**; all human rights should be recognized and given equal importance. - Human rights have two types: *legal rights* and *natural rights*. Legal rights are human rights established by society, while natural rights are established through divine origin or religion. Laws on human rights are created to formally ensure that entitlements are given to every person. - With human rights laws, the state is obligated to take actions in accordance with their salient provisions and to prohibit actions, decisions, and manners that might violate the rights of any person. - The Philippine government constantly makes various efforts to initiate human rights activities. These initiatives involve policy, institutional, and structural reforms. They are also designed to address the challenges facing the human rights status of the country. - Some of the government agencies in the Philippines concerned with human rights are CHR, DOJ, DOLE, ILO, and the judiciary of the Philippines. - Vision 2040 reflects the aspirations of Filipinos in the next 25 years, with the goal of equal prosperity and a just and fair society. **LESSON 10: GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT** **Sex Roles vs. Gender Roles** - ***Sex roles*** are those roles that are based on the biological characteristics of a person; they are universal, permanent, and unchanging. - ***Gender roles*** are those roles that are learned by a person as appropriate to their gender and are determined by cultural norms. - ***Gender socialization*** refers to the process by which an individual, starting from childhood development, continuously learns about the attitudes and actions expected by the society in relation to the gender of a person. - **1. Stereotyping** -- prejudiced beliefs or opinions regarding the characteristics of males and females - **2. Marginalization** -- denying someone's voice and access to basic services by virtue of one's gender - **3. Subordination** -- bestowing less control or power on someone considered to be of "inferior" sex - **4. Multiple Burden** -- the notion that women are expected to work longer than men as they are expected to play various roles at home, at work, and in the community - **5. Gender-Based Violence (Violence against Women)** -- usually associated with violence against women, as it involves the abuse of power arising from unequal power relationships based on socially ascribed gender differences - ***Gender equality*** is defined as a state characterized by granting an individual the opportunity to equally take part in all the domains of life (economic, social, and political) no matter what sex or gender he or she may have. - ***Gender gap*** is defined as the distance between males and females in relation to their access to social, political, cultural, and economic lives (Hausmann, Tyson, & Zahidi, 2012). The 2020 Global Gap Index depicts that the Philippines is one of the top countries in the world that is able to narrow the gender gap, as it ranked 16th out of 153 countries. - In the East Asia region, the Philippines ranks 2nd when contrasted with other Asian countries in terms of the gender gap index. The country has yielded high scores on the four parameters of global gender gap: *economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival,* and *political empowerment.* 1. **The 1987 Philippine Constitution** 2. **RA 9710: Magna Carta of Women** 3. **RA 10627: Anti-Bullying Act** -- This law establishes the adoption of policies and programs against bullying in primary and secondary schools. 4. **4. RA 11166: Philippine HIV and AIDS Act** -- This law helped enhance the Philippines' wholistic policy on HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support, reconstituted the Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC), and repealed RA 8504 or the \"Philippine Aids Prevention and Control Act of 1998.