Law Summary

Introduction

Proclamation No. 595 establishes September 26 as "World Environmental Health Day" in the Philippines, aiming to raise public awareness about environmental health issues and encourage cooperation among stakeholders.

Constitutional Basis

• Legal Principle: The Constitution mandates the State to protect the right to a balanced and healthful ecology, promoting health consciousness among the Filipino people.
• Key Definitions:
  • Balanced and Healthful Ecology: An environment that supports the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
• Requirements: The State is responsible for instilling health consciousness and ensuring ecological balance.

Environmental Health Concerns

• Legal Principle: Environmental health is linked to various global health risks as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Key Definitions:
  • Environmental Risks: Factors such as air, water, and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change, and UV radiation contributing to health issues.
• Important Details:
  • Approximately 12.6 million global deaths are attributed to environmental risks.
  • Environmental health focuses on assessing and controlling external physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting human health.

Celebration of World Environmental Health Day

• Legal Principle: September 26 is recognized to promote awareness and actions concerning environmental health.
• Key Definitions:
  • World Environmental Health Day: An observance aimed at addressing environmental health issues and fostering international cooperation.
• Requirements:
  • The Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health (IACEH) is tasked with promoting the observance and determining themes, programs, and activities for the celebration.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Important Details:
  • Lead Agencies: The Department of Health and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are designated to lead the IACEH.
  • Cooperation: All national government agencies, local government units, private sector, NGOs, and educational institutions are encouraged to support the IACEH's initiatives.

Implementation and Compliance

• Legal Principle: The proclamation mandates the involvement of various stakeholders in environmental health programs.
• Key Definitions:
  • IACEH: Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health, responsible for the execution of this proclamation.
• Requirements:
  • Agencies and stakeholders must collaborate in advocating and implementing programs related to World Environmental Health Day.

Key Takeaways

• Proclamation No. 595 establishes September 26 as "World Environmental Health Day" in the Philippines.
• The constitutional duty to protect health and ecology underpins this proclamation.
• The WHO’s findings on environmental health risks highlight the urgency of the initiative.
• The IACEH plays a critical role in coordinating activities and themes for the observance of this day.
• Broad participation from government and private entities is essential for successful implementation.

This summary encapsulates the key elements of Proclamation No. 595, reinforcing the importance of environmental health awareness and the collaborative efforts required to achieve its objectives.