Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9512)
Republic Act No. 9512 is known as the "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008."
The policy is to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology, promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth, and emphasize environmental conservation and ecological balance for sustained national development.
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 shall be integrated at all levels including public and private schools, barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth courses or programs.
It includes environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the international and local state of the environment, local environment best practices, threats of environmental degradation and impacts on human well-being, citizenry responsibility, and conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of natural resources within sustainable development.
Activities include tree planting, waste minimization, segregation, recycling and composting, freshwater and marine conservation, forest management and conservation, livelihood opportunities related to the environment, among others.
CHED and TESDA are mandated to include environmental education and awareness programs and activities in the National Service Training Program, particularly as part of the Civic Welfare Training Service component required for all baccalaureate degree and vocational courses with at least two years in curriculum.
Every November of each year is declared as Environmental Awareness Month throughout the Philippines.
DENR has the primary responsibility to periodically inform concerned agencies on current environmental education issues, provide strategic advice on environmental education activities, and ensure dissemination of information to students through government agencies and barangay units.
DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in coordination with DENR and other agencies, must undertake trainings, seminars, workshops, develop educational materials, teacher-education courses, and related livelihood programs nationwide to strengthen environmental education.
All acts, laws, executive orders, presidential issuances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with RA No. 9512 are repealed or modified accordingly.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or at least two newspapers of general circulation.