Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9512)
The official title of Republic Act No. 9512 is the "National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008."
The State shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national development, consistent with the right to a balanced and healthful ecology.
The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other relevant agencies.
Environmental education must be integrated at all levels including barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth courses or programs, whether public or private.
Environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, international and local environment status, local environmental best practices, environmental degradation threats and impact, citizen responsibility, conservation, protection and rehabilitation of natural resources, and related practicum modules and activities.
Under RA 9512, the CHED and TESDA shall include environmental education and awareness programs and activities in the National Service Training Program as part of the Civic Welfare Training Service component for all baccalaureate degree and vocational courses of at least two years.
The month of November every year is declared as Environmental Awareness Month throughout the Philippines.
The DENR has the primary responsibility to periodically inform concerned agencies on current environmental updates, identify priority environmental education issues, provide strategic advice on environmental education activities, and ensure dissemination of information.
The DOST is mandated to create programs that ensure students receive science-based quality information on environmental issues and to encourage development of environment-friendly solutions, devices, equipment, and facilities.
To undertake nationwide trainings, seminars, workshops on environmental education, develop environmental education materials, conduct teacher education courses, and related livelihood programs in coordination with relevant agencies.
RA 9512 includes a Separability Clause stating that if any part, section, or provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions shall not be affected.
RA 9512 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.