Law Summary
Scope and Integration of Environmental Education
- Mandates integration of environmental education in curricula across all education levels (public and private).
- Applies to barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth programs.
- Environmental education content includes:
- Environmental concepts and principles.
- Environmental laws.
- State of international and local environments.
- Local environmental best practices.
- Threats of environmental degradation and impacts on human well-being.
- Citizens' responsibility towards environment conservation, protection, and rehabilitation.
- Concepts of sustainable development.
- Covers theoretical knowledge and practical activities such as:
- Tree planting.
- Waste minimization, segregation, recycling, and composting.
- Freshwater and marine conservation.
- Forest management and conservation.
- Livelihood opportunities and economic benefits related to environmental protection.
Inclusion in National Service Training Program
- CHED and TESDA shall include environmental education within the National Service Training Program (under Republic Act No. 9163).
- This inclusion applies as part of the Civic Welfare Training Service component.
- It is required for all baccalaureate degree courses and vocational courses with at least two years of curriculum.
Environmental Awareness Month
- November of every year is declared as "Environmental Awareness Month" nationwide.
Interagency and Multi-sectoral Collaboration
- DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DENR, DOST, and other relevant agencies will coordinate environmental protection education.
- DENR primarily responsible for:
- Providing current environmental updates.
- Identifying priority environmental education issues.
- Advising on educational activities.
- Information dissemination ensured by DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DENR, DOST, DSWD, and barangay units to students.
- DOST tasked with developing science-based information and promoting eco-friendly technological innovations among students.
Capacity-Building Programs
- DepEd, CHED, TESDA, in coordination with DENR and others, to conduct nationwide capacity-building initiatives.
- Activities include trainings, seminars, workshops on environmental education.
- Development and production of environmental education materials.
- Offering teacher education courses and related livelihood programs.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the rest of the law remains effective.
Repealing Clause
- All laws, orders, rules inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.