ROLE OF THE YOUTH
MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. Presidential Decree 1586 (Environmental Impact Statement System)
2. Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990)
3. Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999)
4. Republic Act 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004)
5. Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)
6. Republic Act 9512 (Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008)
1. Presidential Decree 1586 (Environmental
Impact Statement System)
“Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System including other environmental management, related measures, and for other purposes.”
A systematic process that examines the environmental consequences of an activity to the bio-physical activity and socio-economic environment
Involves design of appropriate environmental management measures to mitigate the negative consequences and enhance the positive ones
The Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC refers to the document issued by the DENR-EMB that allows a proposed project to proceed to the next stage of project planning, which is the acquisition of approvals from other government agencies and LGUs, after which the project can start implementation.
2. Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990)
- “An act to control toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes, providing penalties for violations thereof, and for other purposes”
- It is the policy of the state to regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to health or the environment; to prohibit the entry, even in transit, of hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose; and to provide advancement and facilitate research and studies on toxic chemicals.
3. Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999)
- The Act provides for the creation of a national program of air pollution management focusing primarily on pollution prevention; for the promotion of mass media communication in order to create social awareness and active participation in air quality planning and monitoring.
- A Certificate of Conformity from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ensures that a new vehicle meets pollution prevention requirements. This Act also covers Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which can harm the environment and health.
What are covered by the Clean Air Act?
- All potential sources of air pollution (mobile, point and area sources) must comply with the provisions of the law. All emissions must be within the air quality standards.
4. Republic Act 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004)
- It is the policy of the State to pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters
- Provide guidelines for classification of water bodies in the country (Water Quality Guidelines, WQG
- Water Quality Management: Standards and monitoring for water quality.
- Wastewater Regulation: Strict guidelines for wastewater discharge.
- Pollution Control: Encourages eco-friendly practices and technologies.
- Water Quality Management Areas: Special focus on specific regions.
- Licensing and Penalties: Permits, fines, and enforcement for violators.
- Creation of Bodies: National Water Resources Board and Pollution Adjudication Board.
5. Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)
- An Act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms, and declaring certain prohibited acts.
- Was passed by the Congress and Senate on December 2000 and signed by the President on January 26, 2001.
- Solid Waste
- ✓ discarded household and commercial waste
- ✓ non-hazardous institutional and industrial waste
- ✓ street sweepings
- ✓ construction debris
- ✓ agricultural waste
Key Objectives:
-Waste Segregation: Emphasizes source separation of waste into biodegradable, recyclable, and residual components.
- Waste Reduction: Aims to minimize waste generation through recycling, composting, and responsible consumption.
- Waste Disposal: Promotes environmentally sound disposal methods, prohibiting open dumping and burning.
Core Provisions:
- Materials Recovery Facility (MRF): Requires local government units (LGUs) to establish MRFs for waste sorting, recycling, and composting.
- Recycling and Composting: Encourages communities to engage in recycling and composting activities to divert waste from landfills.
- Prohibited Acts: Outlaws open dumping, littering, and waste burning, ensuring cleaner surroundings.
Salient Features of RA 9003
- Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, National Ecological Center and LGU Solid Waste Management Boards
- Creation of multi-purpose Environmental Cooperatives or Associations in every LGU
- Waste segregation, waste reduction, and recycling programs
- Construction of Material Recovery Facilities/Systems
- Conversion of open dumpsites to sanitary landfills
- Integration of Ecological Waste Management concepts in academic curricula for formal and non-formal education
- Administrative and enforcement procedures
Ecological Solid Waste Management
-Systematic administration of activities that provide segregation at source, segregated transport, storage, transfer, processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste and all other waste management activities that do not harm the environment.
6. Republic Act 9512 (Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008)
- An act to promote environmental awareness through environmental education and for other purposes
- It protects and advances the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology and accord with harmony of nature.
What is Environmental Education?
- A process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to improve the environment
- As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible
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Section 4. Environmental Education and Activities as part of National Service Training Program (NSTP)
- The CHED and TESDA shall include environmental education and awareness programs and activities in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) under RA No. 9163, as part of the Civic Welfare Training Services (CWTS) component requires for all baccalaureate degree courses and vocational courses with a curriculum of a least two (2) years.
SO, WHAT IS THE ROLE OF YOUTH TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION?
AFFORESTATION: By planting trees, we sow the seeds of a greener future. Youth understand the need for trees in our lives and are taking many steps to prevent people from cutting down trees.
CONSERVE WATER
- Earth's surface is 71% water, but 98% is undrinkable saltwater in the oceans. Despite this, minimal usable water remains for human consumption. Industries pollute water bodies, worsening its quality. Water conservation, crucial to secure our future, means using water efficiently to minimize waste
USE OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES
- Awareness grows about Earth's limited resources, pushing a shift to renewable alternatives. Renewable energy, harnessed from sources like sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat, replenishes naturally.
EDUCATE
- Encourage local businesses, schools, and organizations to adopt sustainable practices like reducing packaging, minimizing waste, and conserving resources
PREVENT POLLUTION
- . This demonstrates a widespread understanding that safeguarding the environment is essential for current and future generations.
POLLUTION CONTROL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE
- MARLON V. ELVIRA, PhD
Pollution Control Officer
- FELIX P. LARGO JR.
PCO Technical Staff