Environmental Degradation

➢ Continuing environmental degradation poses a long-term security threat. The slow

but steady destruction of our forests and watersheds, as well as air-land- water
pollution and the proliferation of toxic or hazardous substances in the environment
have given rise to sickness, death and the diminution of national productivity and
well-being.

Climate Change and Global Warming

➢ Climate change is expected to hit developing countries the hardest. Its effects –
higher temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, and more
frequent weather-related disasters, pose risks to agriculture, food and water
supplies. At stake are the Philippines’ recent gains in the fight against poverty,
hunger and disease, and in protecting the lives and livelihoods of our people.

Graft and Corruption

➢ Graft and corruption are national security concern because it saps public resources,
undermines the morale of the civil service and affects the delivery of basic
services. It has also become a disincentive to foreign investors from establishing
business ventures in the country. Worse, it breeds socio-political instability as
scandals degenerates into crisis situations that undermine the credibility and
effectiveness of government.

Poverty
➢ Poverty is a national security concern, especially because it breeds and abets
dissidence and rebellion as well as creates communities that become terrorist
enabling environments. Poverty incidence affects about one-third of Filipino
families nationwide. Thus, the key to our fight against poverty is to create the
conditions that will allow the economy to grow for the benefit of the marginalized
sectors of society.