Bill boosting youth environmental awareness OK’d

MANILA, Philippines - A bill seeking to boost youth awareness on environmental protection moved closer to becoming a law following its approval on third and final reading at the House of Representatives. House Bill 4381 seeks to make youths more aware of environmental protection by integrating environmental studies in the school curricula. "Air and water pollution is becoming one of the biggest dangers for the future of the planet causing premature death to humans, and this is happening not only in urban regions but all over the world," said one of the authors, Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr., in a press statement posted on the House of Representatives website. The bill is now waiting for the passage of a counterpart measure in the Senate. Co-authors of the bill include Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro), Belma Cabilao (Zamboanga Sibugay) and Eufrocino Codilla Sr. (Leyte). The authors said the bill is consistent with government's constitutional policy to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology – one that is in harmony with nature. Arroyo cited a study conducted by McCann Worldgroup Philippines showing air and water pollution as the biggest cause of concern and worry of between 50 to 57 percent of urban Filipinos, prompting him to file this measure. He said the passage of the "National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008" is most significant and well-timed considering the dangers caused by global warming. "The youth should be aware of their vital role in sustaining mother earth's resources and to instill the value of protecting the environment which means protecting their future," he said. Under the bill, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology and other relevant agencies shall integrate environmental education in the school curricula and at all levels whether public or private. It will also be integrated in barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning and out-of-school youth courses or programs. Such environmental education shall include environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, the threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well-being, the citizen's responsibility to the environment with regard to conservation, protection and rehabilitation of natural resources for its sustainable development. The measure also provides that the CHED and TESDA should include environmental education and awareness programs in their national service training program 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 years. Also, the bill seeks to declare the month of November every year as "Environmental Awareness Month" throughout the country. - GMANews.TV