QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9512)
RA 9512 is the “National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008,” approved on December 12, 2008.
In line with the State’s policy to protect and advance the right to a balanced and healthful ecology, RA 9512 promotes national awareness—especially through youth and education—on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance for sustained development.
DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and DSWD must integrate environmental education, in coordination with DENR, DOST, and other relevant agencies.
No. It applies to both public and private education institutions, and also covers barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal education, technical vocational and professional levels, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth programs.
It must include environmental concepts and principles; environmental laws; the local and international state of the environment; local environmental best practices; threats of environmental degradation and impacts on human well-being; citizens’ responsibilities; and the value of conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in sustainable development.
RA 9512 requires both theoretical and practicum modules, including activities, projects, and programs such as tree planting; waste minimization, segregation, recycling, and composting; freshwater and marine conservation; forest management and conservation; and livelihood opportunities and economic benefits that support environmental protection laws.
CHED and TESDA must include environmental education and awareness programs in the NSTP under Republic Act No. 9163, specifically as part of the Civic Welfare Training Service component for all baccalaureate and vocational courses with a curriculum of at least two years.
November of every year is designated as “Environmental Awareness Month” throughout the Philippines.
DENR has the primary responsibility to periodically inform all concerned agencies, including identifying priority environmental education issues for national action and providing strategic advice for environmental education activities.
They must ensure that the environmental information provided by DENR is disseminated to the subject students.
DOST is mandated to create programs that ensure students receive science-based quality information on environmental issues to encourage the development of environment-friendly solutions, devices, equipment, and facilities.
DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in coordination with DENR and other agencies, must undertake capacity-building programs nationwide such as trainings, seminars, workshops on environmental education; development and production of environmental education materials; and teacher-education courses and related livelihood programs.
Yes. If any part, section, or provision is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions are not affected.
It contains a repealing clause stating that all laws, executive orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations, or parts inconsistent with RA 9512 are repealed or modified accordingly.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
It emphasizes that implementation is not limited to one agency or sector; instead, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DENR, DOST, and other relevant agencies—consulting experts—must collaborate from national to local levels in public education and awareness on environmental protection and conservation.