Policy declaration and purpose
- The State shall protect and advance the people’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. (Section 2)
- The State shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance for sustained national development. (Section 2)
- The promotion of environmental awareness is anchored on the vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of education in fostering patriotism and nationalism, accelerating social progress, and promoting total human liberation and development. (Section 2)
Environmental education scope in schools
- The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall integrate environmental education in school curricula at all levels, in coordination with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other relevant agencies. (Section 3)
- Environmental education integration covers both public and private schools and includes barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth courses or programs. (Section 3)
- Environmental education must include environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, and local environmental best practices. (Section 3)
- Environmental education must include threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well-being, the responsibility of the citizenry to the environment, and the value of conservation, protection and rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in the context of sustainable development. (Section 3)
- Environmental education must include both theoretical and practicum modules, with activities, projects, programs, including tree planting; waste minimization, segregation, recycling and composting; freshwater and marine conservation; forest management and conservation; and relevant livelihood opportunities and economic benefits to aid environmental protection law implementation. (Section 3)
Environmental education within NSTP
- The CHED and the TESDA shall include environmental education and awareness programs and activities in the National Service Training Program under Republic Act No. 9163, as part of the Civic Welfare Training Service component required for all baccalaureate degree courses and vocational courses with a curriculum of at least two (2) years. (Section 4)
Environmental Awareness Month designation
- The month of November of every year shall be known as the “Environmental Awareness Month” throughout the Philippines. (Section 5)
Interagency and multi-sector coordination
- The DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DENR, DOST, and other relevant agencies shall lead public education and awareness programs on environmental protection and conservation through collaborative interagency and multi-sectoral effort at all levels, after consultation with experts on the environment and the academe. (Section 6)
- The DENR shall have the primary responsibility of periodically informing all agencies concerned on current environmental updates, including identifying priority environmental education issues for national action and providing strategic advice on environmental education activities. (Section 6)
- The DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DENR, DOST, DSWD, and barangay units shall ensure that the DENR information is disseminated to the subject students. (Section 6)
- The DOST is mandated to create programs ensuring that students receive science-based quality information on environmental issues to encourage development of environment-friendly solutions, devices, equipment, and facilities. (Section 6)
Nationwide capacity-building and materials
- The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in coordination with the DENR and other relevant agencies, shall undertake nationwide capacity-building programs such as trainings, seminars, and workshops on environmental education. (Section 7)
- The capacity-building shall include development and production of environmental education materials. (Section 7)
- The capacity-building shall include teacher-education courses and related livelihood programs. (Section 7)
Separability, repeal, and effectivity
- Separability: If any part, section, or provision of the Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions remain effective. (Section 8)
- Repeal/Modification: All other laws, executive orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations, or any part thereof inconsistent with Republic Act No. 9512 are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 9)
- Effectivity: The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. (Section 10)