NSTP Modules

Module 6- Environmental Protection

Topic Overview:
One of the most prevalent environmental issue we are facing at the moment is the
increasing occurrences of typhoons brought about by the effects of global warming and climate
change. With researches attributing man’s activity as the primary cause of such events, one
can’t help but wonder what really is global warming and climate change is all about.

Objectives:
At the end of the module, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss prevalent environmental issues in the country;
2. Understand impact of such environmental issues to human survival;
3. Identify and discuss major environmental laws; and
4. Reflect on the role of the youth in environmental protection.

Topic Outline:
The following concepts will be discussed in this module:
A. Global Warming and Climate Change
B. Seven Principles of Environment
C. Environmental Laws

Brainstorming Activity:

Task 1 – Listen to the song “Karaniwang Tao” while

reading the lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pqB0mEQMzU&feature=share

Environmental Protection
A. Read the story of The Giving Tree, a Filipino adaptation of Fr. Benigno P. Beltran
(2004) of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree (1964) book. Answer the reflective
questions that follows.
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The Giving Tree

An adaptation of Fr. Benigno P. Beltran (2004)
Based on “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein (1964)

Once there was a tree who loved a little boy. Every day the boy would gather
leaves, make them into a crown and play king of the forest. The boy would also play
hide and seek, climb her branches and eat her mangoes. At the end of the day, when
he is tired, the boy would sleep in her shade. The boy loved the tree very much and
the tree was very happy.
But time went on and the boy grow older, and the tree was often alone. One
day the boy went to the tree who said, “Come boy, come and climb up my trunk,
swing from my branches, eat my mangoes, play in the shade and be happy.” “I am
too big to climb and play and I don’t have money,” said the boy. “If only I can have
some money” the boy said.
“I am sorry,” said the tree, “but I don’t have money. Go take my mangoes,
boy, and sell them to the market. That way, you will have money and you will be
happy.” So the boy gathered all here mangoes and carried them away and the tree
was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time… then one day, the boy came back
to the tree who shook with joy and said, “Come boy and climb up my trunk, swing
from my branches, eat my mangoes, play in the shade and be happy.” “I am too busy
to climb trees,” said the boy. “I want a house to keep me warm.” “I want a wife and
children so I need a house. Can you give me a house?” asked the boy.
“I have no house,” said the tree, “the forest is my house, but you may cut-off
my branches and build a house.” So the boy cut-off her branches and carried them
away to build his house and the tree was happy.
And just like before the boy stayed away for a long time… then one day, the
boy can back and the tree was happy that she could speak. “Come, boy, come and
play,” she whispered. “I am too old to play,” said the boy. “I want a boat that would
take me away from here. Can you give me a boat?” asked the boy.
“I am sorry,” said the tree “I don’t have a boat, but you may cut down my
trunk and make a boat… then you can sail away and be happy” the tree added. So
the boy cut down the trunk and carried them away to build his boat and the tree was
happy… but no really.
After some time, the boy came back again. “I am sorry boy,” said the tree. “I
have nothing left to give you—my mangoes are gone.” “My teeth are too weak for
mangoes,” the boy replied. “My branches are gone, you cannot swing on them.” said
the tree. “I am too old to swing on branches,” said the boy. “My trunk is gone, you
cannot climb on them,” said the tree. “I am too tired to climb,” said the boy. “I am
sorry,” sighed the tree. “I wish I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I
am just an old stump.” the tree added. “I don’t need much now,” said the boy. “Just
a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”
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“Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she
could, “an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, boy, sit down and rest.”
So the boy sat down to rest, stayed for a while, and because he was old he did not
wander far from the tree anymore. He stayed and sat down on the stump of the
tree… and the tree was very happy.

 Reflective Questions
a. What is the author’s purpose?
b. What can you tell about the theme?
c. What is the author’s position on any relevant theme or issue?

Global Warming & Climate Change

Encyclopedia Britannica (2020) defined global warming as “the
phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near the surface of Earth over
the past one to two centuries.” Since the mid-20th century, climate scientists have
gathered detailed observations of different weather phenomena i.e. temperatures,
precipitation, storms, and other climate related influences like ocean currents and
the atmosphere’s chemical composition. According these data, the Earth’s climate
has drastically changed since the beginning of geologic time and that the effect of
human activities particularly what had transpired during the Industrial Revolution
had made a huge impact on climate change.
A special report produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
otherwise known as IPCC, (2018) stated that the worldwide average temperature increase
between 0.8 and 1.2°C (1.4 and 2.2 °F) of global warming since preindustrial times has been
brought about by human beings and human activities with most of the warming observed
over the second half of the 20th century. It predicted that if carbon emissions continue at
their current rate by year 2100 the global mean surface temperature would increase
between 3 and 4 °C (5.4 and 7.2 °F) relative to the 1986–2005 average. This rise in
temperature was based on a range of possible scenarios such as future greenhouse gas
emissions and mitigating factors and other uncertainties—such as feedback processes and
industrial pollutants such as aerosols.

- Supplementary material available at

https://www.britannica.com/video/163934/human-activity-Scientists-air-
production-release-Earth

Seven (7) Principles of Environment

The environment refers to the immediate surroundings of an individual, it
is a complex system composed of living and non-living entities. It includes physical
components such as air, water, and land; biological components such as plants
and animals; and socio-economic components such as people, communities,
institutions and values.
The Seven (7) Principles of Environment. According to Barry Commoner,
founder of modern ecology, since these components are in continuously
interacting with one another, it is important to understand that (1) everything is
connected to everything else. The ecosystem being the basic functional unit of
nature plays an important role in the interaction of these components such as any
imbalance can greatly affect each other.
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(2) All forms of life are important, thus biodiversity is needed
and that all organisms—big and small, plays an important role in the ecosystem
(niche). Many different organisms mean there is more biodiversity. This adds up
to the aesthetic value and available genetic material in the environment. Having
fewer species and lesser biodiversity takes away the aesthetics of the
environment and reduces the amount of genetic material needed for future
agricultural and/or medical discoveries. An ecosystem’s diversity reflects the
interdependence within and among species.
(3) Everything must go somewhere, thus too much can cause pollution.
This pertains to waste management and environmental management systems.
Improper waste management may lead to long-term problems such as water
pollution and air pollution.
(4) Ours, is a finite earth, thus the need for conservation or wise use of
natural resources—renewable (i.e. forests) and non-renewable (i.e. minerals). By
using sustainable development practices which refers to the development which
addresses the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Report, 1987).
(5) Nature knows best, thus the need to use ecological technology.
“Nature must be obeyed first before it can be commanded.” Humans must first
understand the nature and its laws. Humans should not go against natural
processes for sustained yield.
(6) Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. Since
religion is one of the most influential aspects that affects the values and the
environment, belief that there is divinity in all forms of life should be observed.
(7) Everything changes, thus nothing is constant. Change come in many
forms be it linear such as evolution of species due to adaptation; cyclical such as
change brought about by seasons; and random such as those brought about by
natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, etc.
- Supplementary material available at https://www.wetlands.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2017/07/The-7-Environmental-Principles-.pdf.

Major Environmental Laws in the Philippines

Presidential Decree 1586 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Statement of
1978. The Environmental Impact Assessment System was formally established in
1978 with the enactment of Presidential Decree No. 1586 to facilitate the
attainment and maintenance of rational and orderly balance between socio-
economic development and environmental protection. EIA is planning and
management tool that will help government, decision makers, the proponents and
the affected community address the negative consequences or risks on the
environment. The process assures implementation of environment-friendly
projects.
Republic Act 6969 – Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act
of 1990. The law that aims to regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation,
manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical
substances and mixtures the present unreasonable risk to human health. It
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likewise prohibits the entry, even in transit, or 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.
Republic Act 8749 – Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. The law that aims to achieve
and maintain clean air that meets the National Air Quality guideline values for
criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the possible
associated impacts to the economy.
Republic Act 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. This law
aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste
management program that shall ensure the protection of public health and
environment. The law ensures proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment
and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-
waste products.
Republic Act 9275 – Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. This law aims to protect
the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries and
commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household activities). It
provides for comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize
pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the
stakeholders.

- Supplementary material available at http://www.ecac.emb.gov.ph

A. Reflection Paper
Refer to the reflective questions after The Giving Tree reading, choose
only 1. Write your answers using the format specified below and submit it to your
NSTP facilitator via email on or before _________________________.
Font style: Century Gothic
Font size: 12
Line Spacing: 1.5
Alignment: Justified
Number of words: 250 words max.
Email address: ________________________
NOTE: Indicate your LAST NAME, SECTION & COURSE at the “SUBJECT” of your
email window. (eg. Barcelo_LTS1am_beed)

B. Photo Essay
Photo Essay
Use The Giving Tree as a basis, create a photo essay. Photo essay is a set
of photographs selected to tell a story or make the viewer feel a certain emotion.
Photo essays may contain no text. In this case, the photographs must speak for
themselves. On the other hand, the photographs may have captions or brief notes
to explain their meaning. Photo essays can be designed to be viewed in a particular
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order. They can also be unsequenced. The viewer can then decide how
to examine the photographs and accompanying text.
Every photo essay should include:
_______ Include a clear thesis statement presenting a big idea about a specific
environmental issue. (2 points)
_______ Present four or five statements that support the thesis. (2 points)
_______ Provide a photo illustrating each supporting statement. (2 points)
_______ Include a concluding statement that is not simply a restating of the thesis.
(2 points)
_______ Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be visually
appealing. (2 points)
NOTE:
This photo essay will serve as your MIDTERM project. You can choose to have your
photo essay printed and submit it to your faculty instructor before your Midterm
examination OR submit it via email using the email address mentioned above
follow the abovementioned format.

Beltran, B.P. (2004). The Giving Tree, an adaptation from the 1964 Shel Silvertein’s
The Giving Tree. _____: Harper & Row.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Major Environmental Laws.
Retrieved at http://www.ecac.emb.gov.ph. Retrieved on June 5, 2020.
Lewis, D. (2012). Barry Commoner: Scientist, Candidate and Planet Earth’s
Lifeguard. The New York Times. Retrieved at
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/us/barry-commoner-dies-at-
95.html. Retrieved on June 5, 2020.
Mann, M.E., & Selin, H. (2020). Global Warming. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved at https://www.britannica.com/science/global-warming.
Retrieved on June 5, 2020.
University of Colorado (2015). Photo essay directions. Retrieved at
http://www.colorado.edu/ptea-curriculum/sites/default/files/attached-
files/3.11_assessment.pdf. Retrieved on June 5, 2020.