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Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 1 | page
Course Code: GE Elective 2
Corse Title: Environmental Science
Pre-requisite: None
Credit: 3 units
This course provides basic scientific knowledge and understanding of how our world
works from an environmental perspective. Focusing only on the biosphere, the aim of this
course is to increase students’ knowledge of the environmental challenges of today because
the environment impacts our way of life in many aspects. Adverse impacts to this
environment affect the well-being of humans and other living organisms. Therefore, it is
essential that students understand the natural environmental systems, physical and social
causes of environmental problems and strategies to mitigate or manage these issues.
The course further investigates the complexity and fragility of ecosystems and the
effects of human activities on them. An examination of the processes that shape the earth
and knowing how life-forms interact with the environment allows students to view events
from an ecological perspective. Students will study the principles of sustainability and
resource management and evaluate various approaches to achieving a more sustainable
relationship between the environment, society, and the economy.
Finally, an understanding of biological and ecological principles and their application

towards environmental challenges should give the student the confidence to be a trustworthy
and active citizen, a conscientious steward of nature, and an agent of change for making a
healthy, sustainable community and society. Regardless of the students' field of study, as a
citizen of both local and global communities, some environmental issues will impact their
lives.

Module Writer
Faculty Information:
Name: EnP. Moises C. Torrentira, Jr., PhD
Email: moises.torrentira@usep.edu.ph
Contact Number: 0998-559-8189
Qualifications: AB Philosophy, Ateneo de Davao University

BS in Public Administration, Southway Colleges of Technology
Short Course in Readings in Phil. History, UP Diliman
Master in Public Administration, Ateneo de Davao University
Master in Business Administration, Ateneo de Davao University
Master in Environmental Planning, University of Mindanao
PhD in Development Administration, University of Southeastern
Philippines
Licensed Environmental Planner, Licensed Professional
Teacher

Course Outline
Page
USeP VMGO 5
Lesson 1 Understanding Environment and Environmental Science
Timeframe: 1 week 7
Learning Output: Guided Essay
Requirement Due: August 14, 2020
Lesson 2 The State of Environment and Natural Resources
in the Philippines
Timeframe: 1 week 12
Learning Output: Guided Essay
Lesson 3 Protected Areas in the Philippines
Timeframe: 1 week 17
Learning Output: Enumeration / Mind-dumping activity
Lesson 4 Forest Resources of the Philippines
Timeframe: 2 weeks 23
Learning Output: Case Analysis
Requirement Due: September 11, 2020
Lesson 5 Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation
Learning Output: Enumeration / News Clip Analysis
Requirement Due: September 25, 2020
Lesson 6 Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Learning Output: Case analysis
Requirement Due: October 9, 2020
Lesson 7 Management of Solid Waste
Learning Output: Infographics analysis
Requirement Due: October 30, 2020
Lesson 8 Water Quality Management in the Philippines
Learning Output: Essay / Reaction Paper
Requirement Due: November 13, 2020
Lesson 9 Clean Air Management
Learning Output: Enumeration / Essay / Case Analysis
Requirement Due: November 27, 2020 / Dec. 11, 2020
Lesson 10 Climate Change
Learning Output: Evaluative Essay
Requirement Due: December 18, 2020
Click or copy the link below to access the document online via Research Gate
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343398828_Torrentira_Readings_in_Philippine_History_Course_M
odule
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES
VISION
Premier Research University in the ASEAN.
MISSION
USeP shall produce world-class graduates and relevant research and extension through quality education
and sustainable resource management.
GOALS
At the end of the plan period, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) aims to achieve five
comprehensive and primary goals:
1. Recognized ASEAN Research University

2. ASEAN Competitive Graduates and Professionals
3. Vibrant Research Community
4. Proactive Research-based Economic Empowering
Extension Services
5. Capacity for Innovative Resource Generation

INSTITUTIONAL GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Creates and inspires positive changes in the organization; exercises responsibility with integrity and
accountability in the practice of one’s profession or vocation.
CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL THINKING SKILLS
Demonstrates creativity, innovativeness, and intellectual curiosity in optimizing available resources to

develop new knowledge, methods, processes, systems, and value-added technologies.
SERVICE ORIENTED
Demonstrates concern for others, practices professional ethics, honesty, and exemplifies socio-cultural,
environmental concern, and sustainability.
LIFELONG LEARNING
Demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for continuous personal and professional development.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
Demonstrates proficiency and flexibility in the area of specialization and in conveying information in
accordance with global standards.
CORE VALUES OF THE UNIVERSITY
UNITY
STEWARDSHIP
EXCELLENCE
PROFESSIONALISM

Lesson 1: Week 1
Understanding Environment and

Environmental Science
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
 Define environment;
 Identify environmental systems;
 Recall the elements of the environment;
 Recognize environmental science;
 Describe the issues in the environment.
Environment Explained
Environment means the surrounding external conditions influencing development or

growth of people, animal or plants; living or working conditions etc. This involves the living
objects in general and man in particular and the physical attributes or the sum total of
condition such as land, water, and air that support and affect the life in the biosphere.
Environment can be defined as the circumstances or conditions that surround an

organism or group of organisms. Alternatively, it can be defined as the combination of social
or cultural conditions that affect the individual and the community. Since humans inhabit the
natural world along with technological, social and cultural world, together, these constitute
important parts of our environment.
The environment is anything around us. It includes energy from the sun and all the
living things and the non-living things with which we interact. Despite humankind’s many
scientific and technological advances, our lives depend on sunlight and the earth for clean
air and water, food, shelter, energy, fertile soil, a livable climate, and other components of
planet’s life-support system.
Environmental systems
The environment consists of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and the

biosphere. The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of gases surrounding the earth.
It sustains life on earth and saves it from the hostile environment of outer space due to the
sun’s electromagnetic radiation. The atmosphere is composed of nitrogen and oxygen
besides, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace gases. The hydrosphere comprises all types of

water resources such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reservoir, polar icecaps,
glaciers, and ground water. The lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists
of minerals occurring in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g. minerals, organic matter, air and
water. Finally, the biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and their interactions
with environment. This is where life is found and thrive.
Elements of the Environment
Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and

cultural elements inter-related in various ways, individually as well as collectively.
Physical elements are landforms, water bodies, climate soils, rocks and minerals.
They determine the variable character of the human habitat, its opportunities as well as
limitations.
Biological elements such as plants, animals, microorganisms and men constitute
the biosphere.
Cultural elements such as economic, social and political elements are essentially
man-made features, which make cultural milieu.
What is environmental science?
Awareness in the field of environmental sciences is becoming a global talk. People

worldwide are realizing its importance as they are able to smell a polluted tomorrow. Careful
handling of todays’ environment would only serve as a legacy for tomorrows’ generation.
Hence, we need to be judicious in exploiting our resources optimally. To ensure a
sustainable development we need to know something about how our environment works.
Environment can be defined as the set of conditions that surround an organism or the
complex of socio cultural condition that affect an individual. Environmental Science is the
systematic, scientific study of the environment in combination with living organisms.
Environmental science is a study of connections in the natural environment. It is an

inter-disciplinary study of how earth works and has survived and thrived, how humans
interact with the environment, and how humans can live more sustainably.
Environmental science is concerned with changes wrought by human activities, and

their immediate and long-term implications for the welfare of living organisms, including
humans. Environmental science acquires political overtones and leads to controversy. If it
suggests that a particular activity is harmful, then modification of that activity may require
national legislation or an international treaty and, almost certainly, there will be an economic
price that not everyone will have to pay or pay equally. We may all be environmental winners
in the long term, but in the short term there will be financial losers and, not surprisingly, they
will complain.
Environmental science exists most obviously as a body of knowledge in its own right
when a team of specialists assembles to address a particular issue. The comprehensive
study of an important estuary, for example, involves mapping the solid geology of the

underlying rock, identifying the overlying sediment, measuring the flow and movement of
water and the sediment it carries, tracing coastal currents and tidal flows, analyzing the
chemical composition of the water and monitoring changes in its distribution and temperature
at different times and in different parts of the estuary, sampling and recording the species
living in and adjacent to the estuary and measuring their productivity.
The science of environment studies is a multi-disciplinary science because it

comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science, life science,
agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc. It is the science of physical phenomena
in the environment. It studies of the sources, reactions, transport, effect and fate of physical
a biological species in the air, water and soil and the effect of from human activity upon
these.
Issues in the Environment
The following are some of the pressing issues concerning the environment today.
They are issues that have local, national, and international importance.
Rapid population growth. Human populations have grown at an alarming rates in

this century, from 2.5 billion in 1950 to 7.8 billion as of March 2020. Unless birth rates are
balanced with the death rates, it may reach 10-11 billion by 2050 and 14 billion by 2100.
Most of the growth is in developing countries where resources and services are already
strained by present populations. A population of over thousands of millions is growing at
2.11 per cent every year. Over 17 million people are added each year. It puts considerable
pressure on its natural resources and reduces the gains of development. Hence, the greatest
challenge is to limit the population growth. Although population control does automatically
lead to development, yet the development leads to a decrease in population growth rates.
Poverty. The poverty and environmental degradation have a connection between

them. The vast majority of people are directly dependent on the natural resources basic
needs such as food, fuel shelter and fodder. Many people are still below the poverty line.
Environment degradation has adversely affected the poor who depend upon the resources
of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the challenge of poverty and the challenge
environment degradation are two facets of the same challenge. The population growth is
essentially a function of poverty.
Food shortage and famines. These are too familiar in many places and may
increase in frequency and severity if population growth, soil erosion, and nutrient depletion
continue at the same rate in the future as they had in the past. Food security often is linked
to poverty, democracy, and equitable distribution than it does with the amount of food
available.
Agricultural Growth. People must be acquainted with the methods to sustain and
increase agricultural growth without damaging the environment. High yielding varieties have
caused soil salinity and damage to physical structure of soil. Unfortunately, mono-cropping
type of farming has posed serious damage to the environment by converting forests into

huge plantations, polluting the water bodies surrounding them, and loss of biodiversity.
Some agricultural practices such as the use of toxic and hazardous chemicals in for
fertilization and pest and weed control create impacts on the quality of air and water.
Need to Ground water. It is essential of rationalizing the use of groundwater. Factors

like community wastes, industrial effluents and chemical fertilizers and pesticides have
polluted our surface water and affected quality of the groundwater. It is essential to restore
the water quality of our rivers and other water bodies as lakes is an important challenge. It
so finding our suitable strategies for consecration of water, provision of safe drinking water
and keeping water bodies clean which are difficult challenges is essential.
Degradation of Land. Worldwide record of degradation of the condition of land has

been noted due to excessive and conventional farming, mining and quarrying, pollution,
infrastructure development, urban sprawl, and many others. Land degradation affects
people and ecosystems throughout the planet and is both affected by climate change and
contributes to it.
Reduction of Genetic Diversity. Proper measures to conserve genetic diversity

need to be taken. At present most wild genetic stocks have been disappearing from nature.
Wilding including the Asiatic Lion are facing problem of loss of genetic diversity. The
protected areas network like sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves are isolating
populations. So, they are decreasing changes of one group breeding with another. Remedial
steps are to be taken to check decreasing genetic diversity.
Consequences of Urbanization. Nearly 27 per cent Indians live in urban areas.

Urbanization and industrialization has given birth to a great number of environmental
problem that need urgent attention. Over 30 percent of urban Indians live in slums. Out of
India’s 3,245 towns and cities, only 21 have partial or full sewerage and treatment facilities.
Hence, coping with rapid urbanization is a major challenge.
Water shortage. Water deficits and contamination of existing water supplies are
threatening the environment in the future for agricultural production as well as domestic and
industrial uses. Many countries already have serious water shortages and more than one
billion people lack access to clean water and proper sanitation. This may lead to violent
conflicts over control of natural resources. Majority of our industrial plants are using outdated
and population technologies and makeshift facilities devoid of any provision of treating their
wastes. A great number of cities and industrial areas that have been identified as the worst
in terms of air and water pollution. Acts are enforced in the country, but their implement is
not so easy. The reason is their implementation needs great resources, technical expertise,
political and social will. Again the people are to be made aware of these rules. Their support
is indispensable to implement these rules.
Depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are rapidly depleting due to
their overutilization by the growing population along with growth in industrialization all over
the world. Their use is leading to air pollution and damage to the environment. Cleaner
renewable energy resources like solar, wind, thermal, and biomass together with

conservation may replace environmentally destructive energy sources if appropriate
technologies are applied.
Deforestation and threat to biodiversity. Deforestation of tropical forests, coral

reefs, wetlands and other biologically rich landscapes is causing an alarming loss of species
and a reduction of biological variety and abundance that could severely limit our future
options. Many rare and endangered species are threatened directly or indirectly by human
activities like agriculture, building of dams, factories, highways, mining operations and many
others.
Improper disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Mountains of solid and

hazardous wastes are becoming an overwhelming problem throughout the world. We
produce millions of tons of these hazardous materials annually and much of it is disposed of
in dangerous and irresponsible ways.
References:
Allaby, M. (2000). Basics of environmental science. Routledge. New York, NY.

Gadi, R., Rattan, S., and Mohapatra, S. (2016). Textbook of environmental studies. S.K.
Kataria & Sons. New Delhi, India.
Miller. G.T. and Spoolman, S. (2019). Environmental Science. 16th Ed. Cengage. Boston,
MA.
Olsson, L . and Barbosa, H. (2019). Chapter 4: Land Degrdation. IPCC SRCCL.
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/08/2e.-Chapter-4_FINAL.pdf
Singh, Y.K (2006). Environmental science. New Age International, Limited Publishers. New
Delhi, India.
Learning Activity: Due on August 14, 2020
Look around you. What issues in the environment can you find? Enumerate them.
Who are responsible for these environmental issues you see?
How do you think these issues should be addressed?

Lesson 2: Week 2
The State of Environment and Natural Resources

in the Philippines
Learning Objectives
By the end of the introduction, the student will be able to:
 Define environmental resource;

 Recall the various classification of environmental resources in the Philippines;
 Appraise the status of each classification of environmental resources in the
Philippines;
 Identify the threats to environmental resources.
What is the state of the Philippine environment, and what are the links between
environment and development in the Philippine setting? In the report of Coxhead and
Jayasuriya (2002), the environment can only be discussed meaningfully in terms of its
component parts. As identified in official Philippine documents, these include natural
resource stocks such as forests, minerals, water, biodiversity, and soils, as well as air and
water quality in specific locations and at specific times. Since these categories are
sometimes difficult to identify separately, it is convenient to group them as a set of
ecosystems—forest and uplands, lowland agriculture, urban-industrial, coastal/marine, and
freshwater.
Conversely, the Philippine environment and natural resource sector is generally

classified as comprising five major interlinked, and sometimes overlapping, ecosystems.
These are the forest and uplands ecosystem, the agricultural/cropland ecosystem, the
freshwater ecosystem, the coastal and marine ecosystem and the urban ecosystem. All
these are being altered by either natural or man-made forces. The Philippines is home to
5% of the world’s flora species, 6% of its birds, and 4% of
its mammals while 67% of the species in the major groups
of animals and plants are not found anywhere else in the
world. The country’s coral reefs are second only to
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of the diversity of
coral and fish species, and it has the second highest
number of seagrass species in the world. However, each
of these ecosystems faces significant, often severe,
problems of environmental degradation, both from the
depletion of resource stocks and from the production of
polluting emissions.

Forests and Uplands
The forest and upland ecosystem covers around 45% of total land area, and its
resources directly support about 30% of the population, including some of the poorest in the
country. It is experiencing severe pressure of a variety of kinds, the most prominent of which
is rapid deforestation. Deforestation reduces biodiversity through its destructive impact on
plant and animal habitats, alters the hydrological properties of soils, and adversely affects
watershed functions. Further, a large proportion of the uplands have steep slopes which,
once cleared of their permanent cover, are prone to severe land degradation, particularly
soil erosion, unless adequate conservation measures are implemented.
Estimates of actual forested area and rates of deforestation vary, reflecting different
definitions as well as severe data deficiencies, but there is general agreement that continuing
rapid tree cutting has greatly shrunk the area of forested land in recent decades. According
to a study, between 1900 and 1950, national forest cover fell from around 70% of total land
to 50%, and by the end of the 1980s had fallen further to less than 25%. With deforestation
proceeding at an average annual rate of 2.9% even according to Philippine government
sources, by the late 1990s forest cover was less than 19%.
The two main causes of deforestation are land clearance for agriculture and
commercial exploitation of forests for logs, lumber, fuel (including charcoal), and pulp-wood.
The relative importance of these two activities is a matter of dispute, but commercial logging,
both legal and illegal, appears to bear primary responsibility for the depletion of old-growth
dipterocarp forests containing valuable timber, with conversion to agricultural uses
accounting for much of the deforestation of degraded, secondary or residual forest lands.
Deforestation and the associated conversion of upland land to agriculture degrades

the hydrological functions of watersheds. Annual fluctuations in stream flow are exaggerated
in watersheds where water retention capacity has been lost along with forest cover and
biomass, making such systems more prone to the effects of drought and flash flooding.
Deforestation and the conversion of land to agriculture exacerbates soil erosion. Shifting
cultivation (kaingin) systems traditionally practiced by indigenous upland communities were
environmentally sustainable in the past, but increased population pressure in uplands has
reduced fallow periods, and the more intensive farming practices of new immigrants to
uplands are more land degrading.
Agriculture and Croplands

Agriculture remains the single largest sector and employer in the Philippine economy.
Well over half the population depends either directly or indirectly on income generated
through agricultural production. Although investment in irrigation and episodes of technical
progress have increased the productivity of some land and the yields of some crops,
Philippine agriculture has experienced relatively low overall rates of productivity growth.
Cereal and root crop yields and rates of fertilizer use are among the lowest in tropical Asia.

Whereas expansion of agricultural land area was almost certainly an appropriate
strategy in earlier decades when land was abundant, in the final quarter of the twentieth
century the conversion of forests and upper watershed areas to agriculture became a
significant source of environmental problems. Recent evidence on long-term trends in the
productivity of low-lands is equally disturbing. Staple grains, mainly rice and corn, account
for most agricultural land use in developing countries. Intensive monoculture of any of these
crops is known to be associated with a long-term decline in land productivity, a phenomenon
sometimes disguised in recent years by technological progress. Moreover, the productivity
of lowland cropland is directly dependent on the quality of irrigation services. Deforestation
and the degradation of watersheds and hydrological systems have clearly diminished the
quality of irrigation services in many parts of the country.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

The Philippines has 7,107 islands and a total coastline of 17,460 kilometers; its
marine territorial waters cover nearly 2 million square kilometers of oceanic waters and
266,000 square kilometers of coastal waters. The coastal and marine ecosystems are clearly
major components of the country’s environmental resources, performing critical ecological
functions and providing important resources such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass
beds that nurture a rich variety of fish and other aquatic life, while also providing facilities for
recreation and tourism like in Siargao Island. These environmental resources are unique in
many ways and, being major repositories of biodiversity, have international significance in
terms of their importance in the global ecology. As with the Philippines’ other environmental
resources, these too have been significantly degraded. With more than half of the population
residing in coastal areas, and most of the big cities located near the coast, these areas are
subject to most of the environmental pressures emanating from population growth and the
full range of human activities.
The most tangible and direct economic impact of environmental degradation of

marine ecosystems is reflected in the depletion of fish stocks due primarily to over-fishing,
often using destructive methods such as bottom trawling, explosives, and harmful chemicals,
the destruction of mangrove areas and corals, and the pollution of coastal waterways. But
fish production levels have been maintained and even increased through greater fishing
effort, further diminishing fish reproductive capacity. Mangrove swamps play a key role in
the coastal ecosystems, forming the foundation of the coastal fisheries food chain and the
breeding ground and nursery for many varieties of fish and crustaceans. They also provide
timber, charcoal, and other types of wood for coastal households.
Urban Systems
Rapid population growth and urbanization have contributed to urban population
growth rates far in excess of the national average, and higher than in most major Asian
economies, in recent decades. Industrial growth has also been highly concentrated in and
around urban areas. Urban pollution thus consists both of industrial effluents (emissions into
air and water, as well as solid waste) and post-consumer effluents (vehicle emissions,
sewage, and solid waste). As a consequence, air and water pollution problems are most

acute in urban regions and especially in Metro Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao which
has the largest concentration of population and industry.
Freshwater Systems
The freshwater ecosystem, comprising 384 major river systems and 54 lakes and
covering an area of about 569,600 hectares, faces severe problems through pollution and
watershed degradation. Many of the major rivers and lakes, particularly those passing
through or close to urban centers, are heavily polluted. The main river systems in Metro
Manila are biologically dead (particularly the Pasig River), and siltation and chemical
residues are a serious problem for major lakes, including Laguna Lake, Lake Danao, Lake
Lanao, and Lake Leonard.
Urban water pollution is caused primarily by the inappropriate disposal of household

waste. Much is also contributed by industrial enterprises, the majority of which do not comply
with existing water pollution standards. As mentioned earlier, inadequate sewage and other
failings of waste disposal systems lead to much illegal dumping; a considerable proportion
of daily household waste ends up in waterways. Elsewhere, with few river or lake system
management systems in place and little effective control over effluent discharges or runoff,
agricultural chemical residues and, in some locations, effluents from mining operations also
contribute to the build-up of pollution.
Costs of Environmental Degradation

The foregoing review, though brief and necessarily somewhat cursory, vividly
illustrates the scope and severity of the challenges that human interventions now pose to
the integrity of Philippine ecosystems. The postwar growth of the population and economy
has been associated with decades of damage, both transitory and permanent, to these
ecosystems and their component parts. In many cases the losses can-not easily be
aggregated or even calculated, let alone valued. Nonetheless it is undeniable that
environmental degradation has imposed costs on the Philippine economy, and it is
conceivable that these have been quite large in relation to total income.
Reference:
Coxhead, I. & Jayasuriya, S. (2003). Development strategy, poverty and deforestation in the
Philippines. Staff Paper Series—Agricultural and Applied Economics. Staff Paper No. 456

Guide Questions:
1. What are some of the causes of degradation of natural resources?

2. What do you think would be the effect of degradation of natural resources to the
economy?
3. How should we address this problem?

Lesson 3: Week 3
Protected Areas in the Philippines

Learning Objectives
• Identify the protected areas in the Philippines;

• Summarize the classification of protected areas in the Philippines;
• Discuss the existing policies to preserve the protected areas.
INTRODUCTION
The Philippines has always been considered as one of the major biodiversity hotspots
in the world. For while it boasts of one of the highest levels of diversity and endemicity of life
forms and some of the most unique habitats in the world, it is also home to some of the
planet’s critically endangered species of wildlife, such as the Philippine eagle, one of the
most magnificent raptors in the world and our country’s symbol of biodiversity conservation
(Senga, R. 2001). These forests, however, face serious threats from social and economic
development (Aguda, R.B., 2002). In the last several decades, our forests have been in
steady decline. From the original forest cover of 27 million hectares, only 7.2 million hectares
remain (Manila Times, 2016). Due to this, although the country has many endemic species,
some of these life forms are critically endangered such as the infamous Philippine eagle,
Philippine crocodile, etc. (Owlcation, 2018).
To conserve the environment and protect the country’s biodiversity, efforts were
made to ratify the constitution and to formulate new laws to prevent environmental
degradation (Viña et al., 2010). In 1987, the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development
was drafted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the aim
of achieving sustainable development. To attain this goal, the integrated protected areas
system was formulated (Philippine Government, 1989). This advocacy received funding from
different international organizations and later on, a bill regarding protected areas was
presented to the Congress in 1991. In 1992, this bill was signed into law by President Aquino
as the NIPAS Act. Primarily, the act aims to secure for the Filipino people of present and
future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the
establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the
classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

What is national integrated areas system?
This refers to the classification and administration of all designated protected areas
to maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to preserve genetic
diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural
conditions to the greatest extent possible. Protected areas are categorized into strict nature
reserve, natural park, natural monument, wildlife sanctuary, protected landscapes and
seascapes, resource reserve, natural biotic areas, and other categories established by law,
conventions or international agreements which the Philippine Government is signatory.
Buffer zones are defined as outside the boundaries of and immediately adjacent to
designated protected areas. These areas, managed by Protected Area Management Bureau
(PAMB), serve as a social fence and source of income for local communities near the
protected areas (PA) in order to minimize or prevent harm to the PAs.
Strict nature reserve is an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features

and/or species of flora and fauna of national scientific importance maintained to protect
nature and maintain processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically
representative examples of the natural environment available for scientific study,
environmental monitoring, education, and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a
dynamic and evolutionary state.
National park refers to a forest reservation essentially of natural wilderness character

which has been withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except in
conformity with approved management plan and set aside as such exclusively to conserve
the area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants
therein and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas;
Natural monument is a relatively small area focused on protection of small features

to protect or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special
interest or unique characteristics;
Wildlife sanctuary comprises an area which assures the natural conditions

necessary to protect nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or
physical features of the environment where these may require specific human manipulations
for their perpetuation.
Protected landscapes/seascapes are areas of national significance which are

characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities
for public enjoyment through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and
economic activity of these areas;
Resource reserve is an extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area

normally with difficult access designated as such to protect natural resources of the area for
future use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resource
pending the establishment of objectives which are based upon appropriate knowledge and
planning.

Natural biotic area is an area set aside to allow the way of life of societies living in
harmony with the environment to adapt to modern technology at their pace.
Other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which

the Philippine Government is a signatory.
Prohibited Acts within Protected Areas
Except as may be allowed by the nature of their categories and pursuant to rules and
regulations governing the same, the following acts are prohibited within protected areas:
a. Hunting, destroying, disturbing, or mere possession of any plants or animals or products

derived therefrom without a permit from the Management Board;
b. Dumping of any waste products detrimental to the protected area, or to the plants and
animals or inhabitants therein;
c. Use of any motorized equipment without a permit from the Management Board;
d. Mutilating, defacing or destroying objects of natural beauty, or objects of interest to

cultural communities (of scenic value);
e. Damaging and leaving roads and trails in a damaged condition;
f. Squatting, mineral locating, or otherwise occupying any land;
g. Constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosures, conducting

any business enterprise without a permit;
h. Leaving in exposed or unsanitary conditions refuse or debris, or depositing in ground or

in bodies of water; and
i. Altering, removing destroying or defacing boundary marks or signs.

Penalties
Whoever violates this Act or any rules and regulations issued by the Department
pursuant to this Act or whoever is found guilty by a competent court of justice of any of the
offenses in the preceding section shall be fined in the amount of not less than Five thousand
pesos (P5,000) nor more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000), exclusive of the
value of the thing damaged or imprisonment for not less than one (1) year but not more than
six (6) years, or both, as determined by the court: Provided, that, if the area requires
rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the court, the offender shall be required to
restore or compensate for the restoration to the damages: Provided, further, that court shall
order the eviction of the offender from the land and the forfeiture in favor of the Government

of all minerals, timber or any species collected or removed including all equipment, devices
and firearms used in connection therewith, and any
construction or improvement made thereon by the offender. If the offender is an association
or corporation, the president or manager shall be directly responsible for the act of his
employees and laborers: Provided, finally, that the DENR may impose administrative fines
and penalties consistent with this Act.
PROTECTED AREAS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Based on DENR report, as of January 31, 2012, there are two hundred forty (240)
protected areas in the Philippines including the initial components of NIPAS. Of the 240, one
hundred thirteen 113 protected areas formally proclaimed by the President under the System
covering 3.57 million hectares. Seventy (71) out of the 113 are initial components with an
area of 2.00 million hectares and forty-two (42) additional areas with an area of 1.57 million
hectares. Of the 113 proclaimed protected areas, 29 are marine protected areas with a total
area of 1.37 million hectares while 84 are terrestrial protected areas covering an area of 2.20
million hectares.
Recently President Rodrigo Duterte signed a Republic Act 11038, The E-NIPAS Act
of 2018, into law, which adopts strong amendatory measure to NIPAS Act to strengthens
protection and adds more 100 legislated protected areas in the Philippine, including the
Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve.
CONCLUSION
The NIPAS Act serves as a legal basis to conserve biodiversity in the country in
pursuit of sustainable development through managing selected protected areas (Aquino, A.
2014) and with the advent of ENIPAS may it enhance the conservation efforts undertaken
of our unique but vastly threatened biodiversity and ecosystems including marine habitats.
As the ‘center of the center’ of marine biodiversity in the world, its high time that our
biologically significant protected areas be given the highest priority and protection they
deserved, to ensure our national treasures continue to sustain the current and future
generations of Filipinos (Oceana, 2018).
References:
Aguda, R.B. (2002). Conservation, utilization and management of forest genetic resources
in the Philippines. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/ac648e09.htm#bm9
Aquino, A. (2014). RA 7586: Protected Areas System in the Philippines. Retrieved from
http://ap.fftc.agnet.org/ap_db.php?id=285&print=1#_ftn2
DENR (2012). Establishment and management of National Integrated Protected Areas
System (NIPAS).Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120417205824/
http://www.pawb.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120%3
Aestablishing-and-managing-protected-areas&catid=58%3Aprotected-area-
management

DENR (2015). Guidebook to Protected Areas of the Philippines. Retrieved from
http://host.javanielsen.dk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/PA-Guidebook-Final.pdf
Owlcation (2018). Top critically endangered Animals in the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://owlcation.com/stem/The-Top-Ten-Critically-Endangered-Animals-in-the-
Philippines
Republic Act No. 11038 (2018). An act declaring protected areas and providing for their
management, amending for this purpose Republic Act No. 7586, Otherwise known
as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) of 1992’’ and for other
purposes. Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2018/06jun/20180622-RA-11038-
RRD.pdf
Republic Act No.7586: An Act Providing for the establishment and management of National
Integrated Protected Areas System, Defining its scope and coverage, and for other
purposes. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1992/06/01/republic-act-
no-7586/
Senga, R. (2001). Establishing Protected Areas in the Philippines: emerging trends,
challenges and prospects. Protected Areas in East Asia. 18(2). Retrieved from
http://www.georgewright.org/182senga.pdf
The Manila Times (2016). The essense of NIPAS Act. Retrieved from
https://www.manilatimes.net/2016/02/01/lifestyle-entertainment/life-times/the-
essence-of-nipas-act/242531/
What is the NIPAS Act? Inside Filipino Eden: Highlighting Philippines Major Environmental
Laws and Biodiversity. Retrieved from https://www.insidefilipinoeden.com/nipasact

Instruction: Provide as many examples or names of protected areas that you know or you
have searched using the template below:
Protected Area Example

Strict nature reserve
National park
Natural monument
Wildlife sanctuary
Protected
landscapes/seascapes
Resource reserve
Natural biotic area

Lesson 4: Week 4-5
Forest Resources of the Philippines

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, he student will be able to:
 Familiarize the forestry resources available in the Philippines;

 Appraise some of the initiatives to protect the forest resources;
 Evaluate the importance of forestland protection.
Quick facts about the current state of Philippine Forests
As of December 2015, about one-fourth of the Philippines’ 30,000,000-hectare

territory is forested 7,014,154 hectares;
In December 1990, forest lands comprised about 15.9 Million hectares or 53% of the
total land area of the country. In a span of 25 years we wiped out our forest cover by 56%
or roughly 9 million hectares or 355,433.84 hectares per year);
Region 2 (Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino) has the largest cover
in the country covering 1, 050, 963 hectares while the smallest area is NCR (Metro Manila)
covering only 2, 106 hectares (Region 11 ranks 5th with 400,613 hectares following Region
8 (511,962);
The country has 147 Proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserve in 2018. Region 3 tops
with 27 proclaimed protected area, Region 11 has 4 proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserve
(WFR) including Andap WFR of New Bataan, Bagangga WFR of Bagangga Davao Oriental,
Malagos WFR of Davao City and Mati Watershed WFR of Mati Davao Oriental;
In 2015 the Food and Agriculture Organization ranked the Philippines as the 5th
worldwide in the greatest forest area regain from 2010 to 2015;
Source: Philippine Forest Statistics, 2018

CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEYS
Classification. Section 13 of PD 705 states that the DENR Secretary shall determine
which of the unclassified lands of the public domain are needed for forest purposes and
declare them as permanent forest to form part of the forest reserves. He shall declare those
classified and determined not to be needed for forest purposes as alienable and disposable
lands, the administrative jurisdiction and management of which shall be transferred to the
Land Management Bureau.
It is also stated that mangrove and other swamps not needed for shore protection
and suitable for fishpond purposes shall be released to, and be placed under the
administrative jurisdiction and management of, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources. Those still to be classified under the Present system shall continue to remain
as part of the public forest.
Section 14 of PD 705 likewise states that forest lands which are not reservations
and which are the subject of pasture leases shall be classified as grazing lands and areas
covered by pasture permits shall remain forest lands until otherwise classified under the
criteria, guidelines and methods of classification to be prescribed by the DENR.
Concept of Forests and Forest Lands. Public forests or forests reserves are not
capable of private appropriation. A forested area classified as forest land of the public
domain does not lose such classification simply because loggers or settlers may have
stripped it of its forest cover. All lands that were not acquired from the government, either by
purchase or by grant, belong to the public domain. An exception to the rule would be any
land that should have been in the possession of an occupant and of his predecessors in-
interests since time immemorial, for such possession would justify the presumption that the
land had never been part of the public domain or that it had been a private property even
before the Spanish conquest.
Topography. Section 15 of PD 705 states that no land of the public domain 18% in
slope or over shall be classified as alienable and disposable nor any forest land 50% in slope
or over as grazing land. Lands 18% in slope or over which have already been declared as
alienable and disposable shall be reverted to the classification of forest lands by the DENR
Secretary, to form part of the forest reserves.
Exception - Unless they were already covered by existing titles or approved public
land applications, or actually openly, continuously, adversely and publicly for a period of not
less than 30 years as of the effectivity of the Code, where the occupant is qualified for a
free patent under Public Land Act.
Areas Needed for Forest Purposes
The following lands, even if they are below eighteen per cent (18%) in slope, are
needed for forest purposes, and may not, therefore, be classified as alienable and
disposable land, to wit:

a) areas less than 250 hectares which are far from, or are not contiguous with, any
certified alienable and disposable land,
b) isolated patches of forest of at least five (5) hectares with rocky terrain, or which
protect a spring for communal use,
c) areas which have already been reforested,
d) areas within forest concessions which are timbered or have good residual stocking
to support an existing, or approved to be established, wood processing plant,
e) ridge tops and plateaus regardless of size found within, or surrounded wholly or
partly by, forest lands where headwaters emanate,
f) appropriately located road-rights-or-way,
g.) twenty-meter strips of land along the edge of the normal high waterline of rivers
and streams with channels of at least five (5) meters wide,
h) strips of mangrove or swamplands at least twenty (20) meters wide, along
shorelines facing oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water, and strips of land at least twenty
(20) meters wide facing lakes,
i) areas needed for other purposes, such as national parks, national historical sites,
game refuges and wildlife sanctuaries, forest station sites, and others of public interest, and
j) areas previously proclaimed by the President as forest reserves, national parks,
game refuge, bird sanctuaries, national shrines, national historic sites:
In case an area falling under any of the foregoing categories shall have been titled
in favor of any person, steps shall be taken, if public interest so requires, to have said title
cancelled or amended, or the titled area expropriated. Mangrove swamps or Manglares are
within the public forest lands of the Philippines and not subject to private appropriation.
Reservations in Forest Lands and Off- Shore Areas
The DENR Secretary may reserve and establish any portion of the public forest or
forest reserve as site or experimental forest for use of the Forest Research Institute. Off-
shore area needed for the preservation and protection of its educational, scientific,
historical, ecological and recreational values including the marine life found therein, shall
be established as Marine parks.
Multiple use
Only the utilization, exploitation, occupation or possession of any forest lands and
grazing lands, which will produce the optimum benefits to the development and progress
of the country and the public welfare, without impairment or with the least injury to its
resources, shall be allowed. No person may utilize, exploit, occupy, possess or conduct
any activity within any forest and grazing land, or establish, install, add and operate any
wood or forest products processing plant, unless he had been authorized to do under a
license agreement, license, lease or permit.
A Timber License is an instrument by which the State regulates the utilization and
disposition of forest resources to the end that the public welfare is promoted. A timber

license is not a contract, within the purview of due process clause; it is only a license or a
privilege, which can be validly withdrawn whenever dictated by public interest or welfare.
The granting of license does not create irrevocable rights; neither is it property or property
rights.
Timber
The duration of the privilege to harvest timber in any particular forest land under a
license agreement or license shall be fixed and determined in accordance with the
allowable cut therein, the established cutting cycle thereof, the yield capacity of
harvestable timber, and the capacity of healthy residuals for a second growth. The
privilege shall automatically terminate, even before the expiration of the license agreement
of license, the moment the harvestable timber have been utilized without leaving any
logged- over area capable of commercial utilization.
The maximum period of any privilege to harvest timber is 25 years, renewable for
not exceeding 25 years, necessary to utilize all the remaining commercial quantity or
harvestable timber either from the unlogged or logged- over area. It shall be a condition for
the continued privilege to harvest timber under any license agreement that the licensee
shall reforest all the areas which shall be determined by the Bureau.
Size of Forest Concessions
Forest lands shall not be held in perpetuity. The size of the forest lands which may
be the subject of timber utilization shall be limited to that which a person may effectively
utilize and develop for a period of 50 years.
Wood Processing / Log Production and Processing
Unless otherwise directed by the President, upon recommendation of the Department

Head, the entire production of logs by all timber licensees shall, beginning January 1, 1976
be processed locally. Total log export of timber licensees shall not exceed twenty-five
percent (25%) of the total national allowable cut.
Reforestation: Industrial Tree Plantations, Tree Farms and Agro-forestry Farms
A lease for a period of 25 years and renewable for another period not exceeding 25
years, for the establishment of an industrial tree plantation (100 hectares min. area) or a
tree farm (10 hectares min. area) may be granted by the DENR to any qualified person
qualified to develop and exploit natural resources, over timber or forest lands of the public
domain.
Section 36 of PD 705 enumerates the incentives granted to Industrial Tree Planting
and or tree farming. Including among others (paragraph l) importation ban of wood, wood

products or wood-derived products including pulp, paper and paperboard if the same are
available in required quantities and reasonable prices, as may be certified by the DENR
from artificial or man-made forests, or local processing plants manufacturing the same.
Section 43 of PD 705: Swamplands and Mangrove Forests shall be maintained and
shall not be alienated. Therefore, it shall not be subject to clear- cutting operation. Mangrove
and other swamps released to the BFAR which are not utilized, or which have been
abandoned for 5 years from the date of such release, shall revert to the category of
forestland.
Authority of Forest Officers
When in the performance of their official duties, forest officers, or other government
officials or employees duly authorized by the Secretary or Director, shall have free entry
into areas covered by a license agreement, license, lease, or permit.
Mineral Reservations
Mineral reservations which are not the subject of mining operations or where
operations have been suspended for more than 5 years shall be placed under forest
management by the Bureau. Mineral reservations where mining operations have been
terminated due to exhaustion of its mineral shall revert to the category of forest land, unless
otherwise reserved for other purposes.
Special Uses
No forestland 50% in slope or over may be utilized for pasture purposes. The Bureau
shall, in the preparation of multiple- use management plans, identify and provide for the
protection of scenic areas in all forest lands which are potentially valuable for recreation
and tourism, and plan for the development and protection of such areas to attract visitors
thereto and meet increasing demands therefor.
What is “Timber”?
While the law does not define “timber”, such word

should be taken in its ordinary meaning. In the absence
of legislative intent to the contrary, words and phrases
used in a statute should be given their plain, ordinary
and common usage meaning. “Timber” in its common
acceptation refers to “wood used for or suitable for
building or for carpentry or joinery”. (Sison, 2018)
What are Forest Products?

Forest products means timber, pulpwood,
firewood, bark, tree top, resin, gum, wood, oil,
honey, beeswax, nipa, rattan, or other forest
growth such as grass, shrub, and flowering
plant, the associated water, fish, game, scenic,
historical, recreational and geologic resources
in forest lands.
Unlawful Occupation or Destruction of Forest Lands
For any person who enters, occupies, possesses, or makes kaingin for his own
private use or for others, any forest land without authority or in any manner destroys such
forest land or part thereof, or causes any damage to timber stand and other products and
forest growths found therein, the Court shall further order the eviction of the offender from
the land and the forfeiture of the government of all improvements made and all vehicles,
domestic animals and equipment of any kind used in the commission of the offense.
In case the offender is a government official or employee, he shall, in addition to the

above penalties, be deemed automatically dismissed from office and permanently
disqualifies from holding any elective or appointive position.
Pasturing Livestock
Imprisonment, fine, and confiscation of livestock and all improvement in favor of the
government shall be imposed upon any person, without the authority under a lease or
permit, graze, or cause to graze livestock in forest lands, grazing lands, and alienable and
disposable lands which have not as yet been disposed under CA 141. In case the offender
is a corporation, partnership, or association, the officers and directors thereof shall be liable.
Illegal Occupation of National Parks System and Recreation Areas and Vandalism
Therein
Any person, without permit, occupy for any length of time any portion of the national
park system or shall, in any manner, cut, destroy, damage, or remove timber or any species
of vegetation of forest cover and other natural resources found therein, or shall mutilate,
deface or destroy objects of natural beauty or of scenic value within areas of national parks.
[2] Any person who, without proper permit shall hunt, capture, or kill any kind of bird, fish,
or wild animal life within any area of national park system.
Survey by Unauthorized Persons
Any person who shall, without permit to survey from Director, enter any forest lands,
whether covered by a license agreement, lease, license, or permit, or not, and conduct or
undertake a survey for whatever purpose.

References:
Caballero, Jeremiah N. PD 705 Revised Forestry Code extracted from

https://www.academia.edu/36616843/PD_705_REVISED_FORESTRY_CODE
Domingo, Sonny N. and Manejar, Arvie Joy A., Forest Protection in the Philippines, PIDS.
Discussion Paper Series No. 2018-53
Executive Order No. 277 July 25, 1987 https://www.lawphil.net/ executive/
execord/eo1987/eo_277_1987.html
Philippine Forest Statistics (2018) downloaded from https://forestry.denr.gov.ph/index. php/
statistics/philippines-forestry-statistics
Republic Act No. 7161 https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7161_1991.html
Sison, Jose C (23008) A Law a day (keeps trouble away), Timber!!
https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2008/07/29/75828/timber

Learning Activity Due on September 11, 2020
Case Analysis:
In Oposa vs the Honorable Fulgencio S. Factoran, Jr., in his capacity
as the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
and the Honorable Eriberto U. Rosario, Presiding Judge of the RTC, Makati,
Branch 66, respondents (1993), an action was filed by several minors
represented by their parents against the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources to cancel existing timber license agreements in the country
and to stop issuance of new ones. It was claimed that the resultant
deforestation and damage to the environment violated their constitutional
rights to a balanced and healthful ecology and to health (Sections 16 and 15,
Article II of the Constitution). The petitioners asserted that they represented
others of their generation as well as generations yet unborn.
The court stated that the petitioners were able to file a class suit both
for others of their generation and for succeeding generations as “the minors'
assertion of their right to a sound environment constitutes, at the same time,
the performance of their obligation to ensure the protection of that right for the
generations to come.” (Extracted from G.R. No. 101083. July 30 1993).
Questions:
1. “Timber License is not a Contract but a mere privilege which does not create
irrevocable rights.” What do we mean by this?
2. What do we mean by “rights to a balanced and healthful ecology and to
health”?
3. As a young individual, do you think it is right to defend the forests and other
natural resources? Why or why not?
4. How do you relate the case to sustainable development?

Lesson 5: Week 6-7
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation
Learning Objectives:
 Recall wildlife resources conservation and protection act;

 Evaluate the importance of wildlife resources, its conservation and protection;
 Identify the categories of wildlife resources and how they can be protected;
 Assess the penalties that will be charged in case of R.A. 9147 violations.
INTRODUCTION
The earth is composed of different kinds of living and non-living things. Wildlife
resources are among those living things that exist. “Wildlife” is an Anglo-American term
which is difficult to translate into other languages. Wildlife, as defined in R.A. 9147, refers to
wild forms and varieties/strains of flora and fauna, in all developmental stages, such as but
not limited to eggs, pupae, seedlings including those which are in captivity or are being bred
or propagated; flora and fauna or those no covered by any legally accepted document stating
that same is a product of registered captive-breeding/propagation shall be presumed to be
in wild form.
The Philippines is considered one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries in the world

providing shelter to 52,177 species of flora and fauna. This represents 5% of the world’s
flora, ranking 5th in the world in terms of number of plant species. The country houses an
estimated 7,620 species of plants of which are endemic (Ambag, 2018). It contains two-
thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% to 80% of the world’s plant and animal
species. In terms of the number of plant species, the Philippines ranks fifth while it ranks
fourth in bird endemism. It is also said that it maintains 5% of the world’s flora. There is also
high incidence of species endemism which can be supported with 25 genera of plants and
49% of terrestrial wildlife. (ERDB-DENR, 2015).
While, the Philippines has a very diverse wildlife, it is also considered to be one of the
hotspots in the world because of its 700 threatened species, thus resulting to be one of the
top global conservation areas (CBD, 2016). It is said that an area is considered hotspot when
it has the least number of species existing, has the least number of species found in an
exclusive ecosystem, also if these species face an alarming degree of threat. The reason
why the Philippines was considered one of the top hotspots because 97% of its original
vegetation has already been lost and has more critically endangered wildlife than any other
country (ERDB-DENR, 2015). It is said that the major reasons of high rate of biodiversity

destruction was due to industrialization and commercialization. Furthermore, because of the
growing population that needs to be fed, lands were converted from forested lands into
agricultural lands.
Based on the convention of biological diversity, a national list of threatened faunal

species was generated in 2004. It includes 42 species of land mammals, 127 species of
birds and includes 24 species of reptiles and 14 species of amphibians. In terms of fishes,
the Philippines counts at least 3,214 species, of which 121 are endemic and 76 threatened.
On the other hand, DENR established in 2007 a national list of threatened plant species
which classified that 99 species were critically endangered, 187 were endangered, 176
vulnerable as well as 64 other threatened species. (CBD, 2016).
According to the recently-released Red List of the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) based in Switzerland, the country’s flora and fauna face a
precarious future. Of the 11,406 endangered and extinct plant and animal species
documented in 112 countries, 9% or 932 are in the Philippines. As recorded, the country has
387 threatened species, the world’s fourth highest, after the three other Asian countries.
(ERDB-DENR, 2015)
Importance of Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection
Protection of Biodiversity. There is a need to maintain ecological balance thus,

wildlife resources conservation and protection will help protect the biodiversity of our
ecosystem. Every specie is important and plays a role in the ecosystem. Endangering wildlife
has a domino effect to the whole ecosystem and may have negative impact to the
environment and ecological balance.
Sustainability of Agriculture. Wildlife conservation can significantly help us in food

security. In agriculture, crop diversity protects food supplies from vulnerability to diseases.
Saving wild plants can be the source for developing biodegradable chemicals like pesticides,
etc which helps maintains ecological balance and protect our environment from harmful
chemicals brought about by synthetic pesticides and the like. We need to have a paradigm
shift from the use of synthetic chemicals to non-synthetic inputs which are environment
friendly. This will lead to a more sustainable agriculture.
Motivation for Research. Maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems will cater the
need of the humans like medicines. Conducting research on wildlife may develop an
additional natural source and could be more efficient initiative than artificial sources.
Enhance Eco-tourism. Wildlife conservation and protection will increase awareness

of the people on the importance of conserving wildlife and maintaining its habitat. This will
also help enhance tourist’s attraction and destination. Wildlife has been an integral part of
ecotourism, which has gained considerable growth over the past few decades. Ecotourism
has already been a very influential stimulus for the country’s economies.

REPUBLIC ACT 9147
To address the alarming and deteriorating population of wildlife in the Philippines, the
government has come up with the Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the wildlife
resources and conservation Act. This act was conceptualized and implemented in 2001. It
will be the policy of the State to conserve the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats
for sustainability.
This law is enforceable to all kinds of wildlife species found in the Philippines which
include the protected areas which is under Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, and critical habitats. This will also
apply to exotic species which are subject to trade, are cultured, maintained and/or bred in
captivity or propagated in the country.
CATEGORIES OF WILD LIFE RESOURCES
THREATENED SPECIES is a general term to denote species or subspecies

considered as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories
of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction. They are classified as:
1) Critically Endangered Species refer to species or subspecies that is facing

extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Among country’s
critically endangered animals which are in the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List are as follows:
a. Philippine c. Philippine Flying

Cockatoo – The Lemur – known
red-vented cockatoo locally as
or kalangay is “kagwang”.
endemic to the Although called a
Philippines is flying lemur, it
considered as cannot fly and is
critically endangered not a lemur.
species. Instead, it glides
as it leaps among
trees.

b. Visayan Wrinkled- d. Freshwater
billed Hornbill - crocodile –
This bird originated considered as the
in Negros,Panay and most threatened
Guimaras. It is also among all
known as the Philippine
Rufous-headed Reptiles. It is
Hornbill. Due to strictly prohibited
severe deforestation, to trade freshwater
hunting and crocodiles since its
poaching this population is
incredible bird estimated at 250
species has become in the wild.
extinct in the island
of Guimaras.
e. Visayan Warty Pig g. Mindoro

– can only be found Bleeding Heart –
on two of the This species has
Visayan Islands in an extremely
the Philippines. It is small, severely
considered critically fragmented
endangered species population which
because of it faces is undergoing a
unique challenges to continuing decline
their survival in the owing to lowland
wild. forest destruction,
combined with
hunting and trade.
With this, reason
this species is
classified as
critically
endangered
species.

f. Cebu Flowerpecker h. Ilin Island
– It can only be Cloudrunner –
found in Cebu, This animal is
Philippines. It is classified as
considered critically critically
endangered species endangered
and was feared to species. It is
have become extinct endemic in Ilin
in the early 20th Island, Philippines.
century, but was It emerges from
rediscovered in tree hollows at
1992. It is said that night to feed on
existing population is fruits and leaves.
between 85 and 105
individuals.
2. Endangered species refer to species or subspecies that is not critically endangered

but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. The
Philippines ranked 24th in the list with 38 endangered animals. It shares the same ranking
with Argentina and Cameroon.
a. Tamaraw – This mammal b. Calamian Deer –

is considered the most is a species of
threatened mammal in the deer found only in
Philippines. It is also known the Calamian
as the Mindoro dwarf water Group of Islands
buffalo. Its last sightings of Palawan
was in 1992 at Mt. Calavite province of the
Wildlife Sanctuary in Philippines
Mindoro.

ENDANGERED ANIMALS AND PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
c. Philippine Eagle - d. Sardinella Tawilis –

Also known as the is the only freshwater
monkey-eating eagle, sardine in the world.
is the country’s Though is it the most
national bird. dominant fish in Taal
According to data, its lake, its population is
total population is now rapidly declining due
estimated at less than to overfishing, illegal
700 individual birds. fishing and the
There has been deteriorating water
attempt of having a quality due to
breeding program in pollution.
captivity but has not
been successful and
the only hope for
survival is to protect
their habitat, however,
it may be difficult to
achieve this due to
high incidence of
deforestation in the
Philippines.
e. Palawan Bearded f. Cyathea

Pigs – popularly heterochlamydea -.
known as “baboy Is a species of tree
damo”. It can be seen
fern found in the
in areas of Palawan
island. It is reported islands of Luzon,
that its population is Panay, Negros and
rapidly decreasing Mindanao.
due to hunting and
destruction of its
habitat due to illegal
logging, agriculture,
urban development,
etc.

g. Almaciga - This h. Bungang Ipot – or its
ancient coniferous Scientific name is (
tree used to dominate Areca ipot Becc.) and
the upland forests in its family name
Palawan but over- is(Palmae). Bungang-
harvesting and illegal ipot is a small stocky
logging now threaten tree to 4m high and to
its existence. 12cm in diameter. It is
found in primary
forests at low and
medium altitudes and
its conservation
status is threatend.
While the threats is
over-collection for
ornamental purposes.
i. Philippine Date Palm j. Philippine Camia –

– The very first dates Philippine Garland,
palm tree farm in the Philippine Camia is
epiphytic grew on
Philippines is located
trunks and branches
at Barangay Balete, of trees in primary
Batangas City forests at altitudes
900 to 1,800m. And
its conservation
status is very rare.
3. Vulnerable species refer to species or subspecies that is not critically endangered

nor endangered but is under threat from adverse factors throughout their range and is likely
to move to the endangered category in the near future;

VULNERABLE SPECIES
a. Philippine Eagle Owl - It is locally

known as the “kuwago” or “bukao” and
is vulnerable species of bird belonging
to the Strigidae family. It is endemic to
the Philippines where found in lowland
forests on the islands of Catanduanes,
Samar, Bohol, Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte
and possibly Sibuyan.
B. “ENDEMIC SPECIES” - means species or subspecies which is naturally occurring and

found only within specific areas in the country. The Philippines is one of the world’s
hotspots for endemic species.
ENDEMIC ANIMALS AND PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
a. Tamaraw or dwarf e. Philippine Eagle

water buffalo which can Owl - It is locally
be found in the island of known as the
Mindoro and is also the
“kuwago” or “bukao”.
largest endemic
mammal in the country. It is endemic to the
It is believed, however, Philippines where
to have once thrived on found in lowland
the greater island of forests on the islands
Luzon. Once numbered of Catanduanes,
more than 10,000, the Samar, Bohol,
species is critically
Mindanao, Luzon,
endangered with fewer
than 300 living now. Leyte and possibly
Sibuyan.

b. Pandaka Pygmea – f. Philippine
with weight from 4 to 5 Crocodile – It is
mg and length of 1.1 cm endemic in the
to 1.5 cm, this fish is
Philippines.
one of the smallest in
the world by mass and
is also one of the
shortest freshwater fish.
g. Hoya obscura – is a
c. Philippine Tarsier – It fast growing hoya .
is endemic in Bohol, This plant is very
Samar, Leyte and some easy to grow. This
part of Mindanao. endemic in the
Philippines
d. Pilandok – It is h. Paphiopedilium
popularly known as fowliei – is a native
Mouse-deer or Balabac to the beautiful
Mouse-deer which is island of Palawan,
endemic in Palawan. It Philippines. This
has a body size of a species is
threatened by loss of
rabbit with slender legs
habitat inhabits
and an arched back that
tropical and sub-
is covered by brown fur
tropical forests.
with a white base.
j. Waling-Waling –
i. Rafflesia Philippensis This is popularly
– parasitic plant named known as the
by Blanco in his Flora de “Queen of Philippine
Filipinas in 1845. It was Flowers”. It is
endemic to
first discovered in
Mindanao in the
between mountain of provinces of Davao,
Laguna and Quezon. Cotabato and
Zamboanga where it
is found in the trunks
of dipterocarp trees.

l. Cebu Cinnamon
k. Kris Plant – is an Tree – It originated
ornamental plant which in Cantipla, Cebu in
is native to the mid 1980’s. It is
Philippines. It can reach species of cinnamon
which is endemic to
up to 6 ft (2 m) tall and
Cebu Island,
large in its native tropical Philippines however
area several trees are
found in the
neighboring islands
of Camotes and
Siquijor.
C. Economically important species mean species which have actual or potential
value in trade or utilization for commercial purpose.
D. Exotic species mean species or subspecies which do not naturally occur in the
country.
How the Government Protects and Conserves Wildlife Resources
National Wildlife Management Committee (NWMC) was created to provide

technical and scientific advice for the secretary or council or authorized
representatives in the issuance of permits or clearances related to conservation and
protection of wildlife resources. A Regional Wildlife Management Committee (RWMC)
is also created for the provincial level function.
NMWC Function
 Will be responsible to submit recommendations to the PAWB or BFAR

Director or PCSDS Executive Director regarding the following
applications:
O Use of Wildlife for Trade
O Bioprospecting
O Conservation Breeding or propagation of thre
O atened species
O Scientific researches
O Special uses for other purpose as may be allowed in this Order
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
These permits below are issued by the Secretary upon completion of the required
documents prior to issuance. These permits may be renewed subject to the guidelines
issued by the appropriate agency and upon consultation with concerned groups.

PERMITS Duration of Permits
(1) Wildlife farm or culture permit; 3 to 5 years
(2) Wildlife collector’s permit 1 to 3 years;
(3) Gratuitous permit 1 year;
(4) Local transport permit 1 to 3 months
(5) Export/Import/Re-export permit 1 to 6 months
VIOLATIONS OF R.A. 9147
R.A 9147 has determine what are considered violations for any person who will
undertake the following:
1. Killing and destroying wildlife species.

2. Inflicting injury which cripples and/or impairs the reproductive system of
wildlife species;
3. Effecting the following acts in critical habitats
b. Dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife.

c. Squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat
d. Mineral exploration and/or extraction.
e. Burning
f. Logging
g. Quarrying
4. Introduction, reintroduction or restocking of wildlife resources;

5. Trading of wildlife;
6. Collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and
derivatives.
7. Gathering or destroying of active nests, nest trees, host plants and the
like;
8. Maltreating and/or inflicting other injuries not covered by the preceding
violation;
9. Transporting of wildlife.

A. FINES AND PENALTIES
Fines and Penalties will be imposed on any violations of R.A. 9147 as follows:
VIOLATIONS BASED ON FINES AND PENALTIES

WILDLIFE RESOURCE
CATEGORY
1. Critically Endangered Species Six (6) years and One (1) day min to Twelve (12)
years imprisonment
Php 100,000.00 to Php 1,000,000.00
2. Endangered Species Four (4) years and One (1) day min to Six (6)
years imprisonment
Php 50,000.00 to Php 500,000.00
3. Vulnerable Species Two (2) years and One (1) day min to Four (4)
years imprisonment
Php 30,000.00 to Php 300,000.00
4. Threatened Species One (1) year and One (1) day min to Two (2)
years imprisonment
Php 20,000.00 to Php 200,000.00
5. For other Wildlife Species Six (6) months and One (1) day min to One (1)
year imprisonment
Php 10,000.00 to Php 100,000.00
CONCLUSION
The alarming and pressing concern on how Philippine wildlife and their habitats
will be conserved and protected has been the focus of the local and international
government. With the alarming ecological imbalance and destruction of wildlife habitats
due to manmade interventions may have negative impact to our future generations. The
Philippine government is very serious in enforcing the Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife
Resources Conservation and Protection Act. There are a lots of cases filed against
violators of RA 9147 which only shows the need to put priority in giving full protection of
our wildlife for our future generation. This is because wildlife conservation and
protection is very crucial in maintaining ecological balance in our ecosystem. We owe
this to the future generations.
With the initiatives of the Philippine government in intensifying the wildlife
resources and conservation protection program, we are hoping that this can address
the declining population of the flora and fauna in the Philippines. This needs a concerted
effort of everybody, this is not only the concern of the government but it is everybody’s
concern. If we will not help protect our wildlife, it will pose negative impact to our food
security, we will end up experiencing unsustainable agriculture which affects our food
supply, source of raw materials to make medicines, we will experience constant
calamities due to climate change, no clean water to drink.
With this, we need to come to think of it and make a move and action towards
how we can contribute to the initiatives of the government on wildlife resources

conservation and protection. In our little ways we can make a difference. Let’s move
and go for the protection and conservation of wildlife resources.
References:
Ambag, Rafael. August 13, 2018. Wildlife in the Philippines: Our Glaring Responsibility.
Flipscience.ph. Retrieved from: http//www.flipscience.ph
BusinessWorld. March 15, 2018. DENR to charge wildlife traffickers under RA 9147.
Retrieved from: http//www.bworldonline.com.
Cababaros, Anna Mae. July 1, 2013. “Biodiversity laws R.A. 9147. Wildlife Resources
Conservation and Protection Act”. Slideshare.net. Retrieved from:
http//www.slideshare.net.
Convention on Biological Biodiversity. Philippines – Main Details. Biodiversity Facts.
Status and trends of biodiversity including benefits from biodiversity and
ecosystem services. Retrieved from: http//www.cbd.com
Dela Torre, Joanna. N.D. Endemic and Endangered Plants and Animals in the
Philippines. Retrieved from: http://www.academia.edu.
DENR. Press Releases. GOVPH. Cimatu Lauds Swift Justice for Illegal Pangolin
Traders. June 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.r5.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-
events/pressrelease.
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, DENR. 2015. Heeding Nature’s Cry:
R.A. 9147. Retrieved from http://erdb.denr.gov.ph./wp
content/uploads/2015/05/c27nl.pdf
Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 01 May 18, 2004. Joint Implementing
Rules And Regulations (IRR) Pursuant To Republic Act No. 9147: “An Act
Providing For The Conservation And Protection Of Wildlife Resources And
Their Habitats, Appropriating Funds Therefore And For Other Purposes”
Retrieved from: http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/phi157501.pdf
Panay News. P300T worth of threatened plant seized. September 1, 2018. Retrieved
from: http/www.panaynews.net.
Perez, D. 2019. Eco Warrior Princess. Species at Risk: The Most Critically
Endangered Animals in the Philippines. July 3, 2019. Retrieved from:
http://www.ecowarriorprincess.net.
Philstar. Letter to the Editor. N.O. DENR Files Cases Against Violators of Wildlife Act.
Retrieved from: http//www.philstar.com
Republic Act No. 9147. An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife
Resources and their habitats. July 30, 2001 Retrieved from:
(http://www.gov.ph/2001/07/30/republic-act-no-9417/)
Seewee Wildlife Association. October 2017. The Reason Why Wildlife Conservation is
Important. Retrieved from: https://www.seweeassociation.org/reason-wildlife-
conservation-important/
The LAWPHIL Project. Arellano Law Foundation. Philippine Laws and Jurisprudence
Databank. March 23, 2011. G.R. No. 172678: Sea Lion Fishing Corporation vs
People of the Philippines. Retrieved from: http//www.lawphil.net

Learning Activity Due on September 25, 2020
Instructions:
1. List as many as possible any wildlife found in Davao Region (both plants and
animals)
2. Look for any news clip or news article about a person or persons caught for violating
the wildlife resources protection act. You can read or download news in the
internet.
a. What is the violation of the person in the news clip?
b. What are the common reasons for violating the law on wild life resources
protection?
c. Is the government doing enough to protect the wildlife resources?
d. What can you do to help protecting the wildlife resources?

Lesson 6: Week 8-9
Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Learning Objectives
 Elaborate environmental impact assessment;

 Distinguish environmentally critical project from environmentally critical area;
 Explain the coverage of the PEISS; and
 Compare categories of projects that impact the environment.
LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
Patterned after the US National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) of 1969,

the Philippine EIS System was intended to provide an action-forcing mechanism to ensure
that the expressed goals of Presidential Decree 1151 which include the "creation of
conditions under which man and nature can thrive in harmony," the fulfilment of socio-
economic requirements of present and future generations and the attainment of
environmental quality that is conducive to life of dignity and well-being, are infused into
government plans and programs.
The goals are captured in the policy statement of Presidential Decree 1586 which
states that “it is the policy of the state to attain and maintain a rational and orderly balance
between socio-economic growth and environmental protection.” These goals are widely
observed as fundamentally the same as those required to achieve sustainable development.
The Environmental Impact Statement was introduced in 1977 with the issuance of the
Philippine Environmental Policy law through Presidential Decree 1151. The law provides the
rationale for the EIS System and led to the issuance of PD 1586 in 1978.
The Legal Basis in developing the Philippine Environment Impact Statement has
based on the Philippine Constitution stipulated that "The State shall protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature. In the year the 1960s, the Philippines previously experiencing the
burdens of uncontrolled population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion, rapid natural
resource utilization, and increasing technological advances which are still being strongly felt
and experience as of date. As the ecological crisis mounted from air and water pollution.
The Government answered on it by issuing a Presidential Decree (PD) 984, the National
Control Decree of 1976 and Presidential Decree (PD) 1586 Establishing an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) System in 1978.

In establishing the Philippine EIS System striking the beginning of the realization of
the importance of considering environmental concerns as early as the project is in the
planning stage. In particular, in Section 2 of PD 1586 states that “There is hereby established
EIS System based on the EIS required under Sec 4 of PD 1151 of all Agencies and
Instrumentalist of the National Government including Government Owned & Controlled
Corporations, as well as Private Corporations, Firms, and Entities, for every proposed project
and undertaking which significantly affect the quality of the environment.
PEISS is a planning tool for incorporating environmental management measures in
the project design as an instrument of certifying compliance with other environment laws
such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Solid Waste Management Act and Toxic
Substances and Hazardous Waste Management Act.
The Philippine (EIS) system provides the legal and procedural framework for
conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for projects likely to have a significant
environmental impact. The EIS system was designed to safeguard the Philippine
environment and natural resources in the challenge of increasing industrialization and
urbanization.
In Section 4 of PD 1586, no person, partnership or corporation shall undertake or

operate any such declared environmentally critical project or area without first securing an
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under the Philippine EIS System
The Coverage Screening Guidelines is envisioned to provide clearer and updated

technical definitions of ECAs and description of activities or undertakings that are projected
to have significant impacts on the environment and therefore covered under the PEISS. It
also provides procedures for determining categories of projects with multiple components
and operationalization guide for ECA. Furthermore, the project listing and thresholds were
updated and organized.
For the Guidelines, are the following definitions to be applied for a better
understanding:
Certificate of Non-Coverage - a certificate issued by the EMB certifying that, based

on the submitted project description, the project is not covered by the EIS System and is not
required to secure an ECC.
Co-located projects/undertakings- projects or series of similar projects or a project

subdivided to several phases and/or stages by the same proponent. Located in contiguous
areas.
Environment – Surrounding air, water (both ground and surface), land, flora, fauna,
humans, and interrelations.

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) – document issued by the DENR/EMB
after a positive review of an ECC application, certifying that based on the representations of
the proponent, the proposed project or undertaking has complied with all the requirements
of the EIS System and has committed to implement its approved Environmental
Management Plan to declare the environmental impacts.
Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) - are delineated through Presidential

Proclamation 2146 (1981) as environmentally sensitive such that significant environmental
impacts are expected if certain types of proposed projects or programs are located,
developed or implemented in it.
Environmentally Critical Project (ECP) - project or program that has a high potential
for significant negative environmental impact as defined under Presidential Proclamation
2146 (1981).
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- process that involves evaluating and

predicting the likely impacts of a project (including cumulative impacts) on the environment
during construction, commissioning, operation, and abandonment. It also includes designing
appropriate preventive, mitigating and enhancement measures addressing these
consequences to protect the environment and the project proponent and/or EIA Consultant,
EMB, a Review Committee, affected communities, and other stakeholders.
Environment Management Plan /Program (EMP) – section in the EIS that details the
prevention, mitigation, compensation, contingency and monitoring measures to enhance
positive impacts and minimize negative impacts and risks of a proposed project or
undertaking
Significant Impacts – impacts which damage the environment to the point that the
environmental resource loses its capacity to sustain life or to continue functioning within
baseline levels and efficiency, impacts which need action through prevention, (e.g. change
in project siting or design) or mitigation (reduce, repair, rehabilitate) or other interventions to
protect the environment from being harmed at levels that reduce its functionality for its users.
Coverage and Procedures of the System
The EIS system requires completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report for any environmentally
critical project (ECP) or any project located in an environmentally critical area (ECA). DENR
determines whether a proposal is an ECP or will be implemented in an ECA; if either or both
of these conditions apply, then the proposal is required to secure an environmental
compliance certificate (ECC). For ECPs, the EIS System requires preparation of an EIS
because these projects will most likely have a high risk or negative environmental impact.
ECPs include major resource extractive projects, major infrastructure projects, fishpond
development, golf course resort development, and major industrial development projects.

ECAs are areas that are ecologically, socially, or geologically sensitive; many coastal
habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, and municipal waters are classified as ECAs. For
projects in ECAs, the EIS system requires an initial environmental examination (IEE) that
includes a project description and may require an EIS. After a thorough review of the project
plans and EIA documents submitted by the project proponent, the project will be issued an
ECC by DENR.
The Philippine EIS System has a significant adverse impact to environmental quality.
Presidential Proclamation No. 2146, series of 1981- defines undertakings that are either
Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or located in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs)
as within the scope of the Philippine EIS System. ECPs are Category A While Category B
projects are not classified as Category A but are likewise deemed to significantly affect the
quality of the environment. An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) has to be
secured for projects categorized as Category A and Category B before implementation.
Projects or undertakings which are existing environmental problems are classified under
Category C while those that do not pose significant environmental impacts are classified as
Category D.
Category A - Environmentally critical projects
Category A - projects or undertakings which are classified as environmentally critical

projects (ECPs) under Presidential Proclamation No. 2146 (1981), Proclamation No. 803
(1996), and any other projects that may later be declared as such by the President of the
Philippines. Proponents of these projects implemented from 1982 onwards are required to
secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).For detailed understanding, below
are the technical definitions of Environmentally Critical Projects or what are the projects
under ECPs and ECAs.
Heavy Industries: including non-ferrous metal industries, iron and steel mills,
smelting plants, and petroleum and petrochemical industries, including oil and gas;
Non-ferrous metal industries refer to the organized and coordinated arrangement

of manufacturing processes designed to prepare, smelt, process or recycle non-ferrous
metals into marketable products.
Iron and steel mill projects refer to the organized and coordinated arrangement of
manufacturing processes designed to prepare or smelt or process iron ores, steel scraps or
primary iron and steel mill products into marketable products except when the process
involves reheating or resizing only.
Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries refer to the organized and coordinated

arrangement of manufacturing processes designed to physically and/or chemically transform
petroleum and its derivatives into marketable products.

Smelting plant projects shall refer to the organized and coordinated arrangement
of manufacturing processes designed to smelt metals or alloys and cast the same into some
special form.
Resource Extractive Industries include major mining and quarrying projects,

forestry projects (logging, major wood processing, the introduction of exotic animals in
public or private forests, forest occupancy, extraction of mangrove products, grazing), and
fishery projects (dikes for/and fishpond development projects);
Mining and quarrying projects refer to projects involving the extraction and
processing of metals, metalliferous ores, fuel, precious stones, clays, fertilizers and other
earth-based materials on a commercial scale.
Forestry projects refer to projects involving the extraction, harvesting and/or

processing of timber and other forest products on a commercial scale.
Dikes for /and Fishpond Development Projects refer to natural or artificial water
impoundment involving the construction of dikes, the establishment of fish cages and similar
undertakings for aquaculture purposes or salt production.
Infrastructure Projects include major dams, major roads and bridges, major power
plants (fossil-fueled, nuclear, coal-fired, hydroelectric, geothermal), and major reclamation
projects;
Dams refer to impoundment structures and appurtenances.
Power Plants refers to power generating plants, transmission and distribution

systems (substations) utilizing, or run by, fossil fuels, geothermal resources, natural river
discharge, pump storage.
Reclamation Projects refer to projects which involve the filling or draining of areas
(foreshore, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, etc.) and restoration / backfilling projects.
Roads and Bridges refer to the construction, significant extension, expansion,

widening or improvement of national roads, railroads/railways, expressways, tunnels, and
bridges.
Golf Course Projects: golf courses and golf resorts are now subject to EIS
requirements A golf course comprises a series of holes, each consisting of a teeing ground,
a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick (‘pin”) and hole (“cup”),
all designed for the game of golf.
Other: Many other types of coastal projects not explicitly listed above may, at the
discretion of DENR, require an EIS if they are considered ECPs. Some likely examples

include major resorts or hotels, airports, ports, shoreline fortifications, fish processing plants,
and major military development.
Category B - Environmentally critical areas.
Category B – projects or undertakings which are not classified as ECP under

Category A, but which are likewise deemed to significantly affect the quality of the
environment by being located in Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) has declared under
Proclamation 2146 and according to the parameters outlined in the succeeding sections.
Proponents of these projects implemented from 1982 onwards are required to secure an
ECC.
There are twelve (12) main categories of ECAs following Presidential Proclamation
No. 2146, series of 1981.
a) National parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves, and sanctuaries declared

by law; Areas set aside as potential tourist spots;
b) Habitats of endangered or threatened species indigenous to the Philippines; Areas

of unique historic, archaeological, or scientific interest;
c) Areas traditionally occupied by indigenous people and cultural communities;
d) Areas frequently hit by natural calamities (geologic hazards, floods, typhoons,

volcanic activity, etc.);
d) Areas with critical (steep) slopes; This shall refer to all lands with the slope of 50%
or more as determined from the latest official topographic map from NAMRIA
e) Areas classified as prime agricultural lands;
f) Aquifer recharge areas;
g) Water bodies used for domestic supply or support of fish and wildlife;
h) Mangrove areas supporting critical ecological functions or on which people depend

for livelihood; and
i) Coral reefs with critical ecological functions
j) Areas declared by law as National Parks, Watershed reserves, wildlife preserves,

and sanctuaries
k) Areas declared as such under Republic Act No. 75 the National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act,

l) Areas declared as such through other issuances from pertinent national and local
government agencies such as presidential proclamations and executives’ orders, local
ordinances and international commitments and declarations.
m) Areas set aside as aesthetic, potential tourist spots. Aesthetic potential tourist
spots declared and reserved by the LGU, DOT or other appropriate authorities for tourism
development
n) Class 1 and 2 caves as cited in EMB MC 2014-004 and defined under DENR MC
2012-03 and significant caves as may be determined by BMB and EMB
o) Areas which constitute the habitat for any endangered or threatened species of
Indigenous Philippine Wildlife (flora and fauna)
p) Areas identified as key biodiversity areas (KBAs) by BMB,
q) Areas declared as Local conservation areas (LCA) through issuances from

pertinent national and local government agencies such as presidential proclamations and
executives’ orders, local ordinances and international commitments and declarations
r) Areas of unique historic, archaeological, geological, or scientific interests
s) All areas declared as a historic site under RA 10066 by the NHCP. The whole
barangay or municipality, as may be applicable, where archaeological, paleontological and
anthropological sites/ reservations are located as proclaimed by the National Museum
The whole barangay or municipality, as may apply, of cultural and scientific

significance to the nation as recognized through national or local laws or ordinances (e.g.
declared geological monuments and scientific research areas and areas with cultural
heritage significance as declared by the LGUs or NCCA )
t). Areas which are traditionally occupied by cultural communities or tribes. Areas
issued Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) or Certificate of Ancestral Land Title
(CALT) by National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).Areas issued Certificate of
Ancestral Land Claim (CALC) by the DENR. Areas that are historically/ traditionally occupied
as ancestral lands or ancestral domains by indigenous communities documented in
reputable publications or certified by NCIP
u) Areas frequently visited and or hard hit by natural calamities. The area shall be so
characterized if any of the following conditions exist
v) Geologic hazard areas: Areas classified by the MGB as susceptible to landslide;

Areas identified as prone to land subsidence and ground settling; areas with sinkholes and
sags as determined by the MGB or as certified by other competent authorities, flood prone
areas

w) Areas with identified or classified by MGB or PAGASA as susceptible or prone to
flood
x). Areas frequently visited or hard –hit by typhoons: For purposes of coverage,
depressions, storms, and typhoons will be covered in the category. This shall refer to
all provinces affected by a tropical cyclone in the past
y) Areas classified as prime agricultural lands. Prime Agricultural Lands shall refer to
lands that can be used for various or specific agricultural activities and can provide optimum
sustainable yield with a minimum of inputs and development costs as determined by DA,
NIA or concerned LGU through their zoning ordinance.
z) Recharge areas of aquifers. Recharge areas of aquifers refer to sources of water

replenishment where rainwater or seepage enters the aquifers.
aa). Areas under this classification shall be limited to all local or non-national
watersheds and geothermal reservations
ab) Water Bodies. All natural water bodies that have been classified or not. Mangrove
Areas. Mangrove areas as mapped or identified by DENR. Coral Reefs. Coral reefs as
mapped or identified by DENR and/or DA-BFAR
Category C
The proponent of projects which are intended to directly enhance the quality of the
environment or directly address existing environmental problems shall submit a Project
Description (PD) to the EMB Regional Office having jurisdiction over the area where the
proposed project will be located following the Guidelines to confirm that is falls within.
Category C - projects or undertakings not falling under Category A or B which are intended
to directly enhance the quality of the environment or directly address existing environmental
problems.
Category D
Category D projects shall not be required to submit any document to the EMB.
Proponents of these projects may, however, still opt to secure a Certificate of Non-Coverage
(CNC) from the EMB. Project Design is also requiring to accomplish and submit for the CNC
application.
Category D - projects or undertakings that are deemed unlikely to cause a significant
adverse impact on the quality of the environment according to the parameters outlined in the
Screening Guidelines. These projects are not covered by the Philippine EIS system and are
not required to secure an ECC. However, such non-coverage shall not be construed as an

exemption from compliance with other environmental laws and government permitting
requirements.
Challenges and Issues
In the of implementation of the PEISS, there are following some issues and concerns
were observed:
Overlapping and conflicting implementation strategies among interrelated agencies

Limited participation of the LGUs Lack of human resources
Lack of facilities
The EIS system is recognized as a bureaucratic requirement needed to get project
approvals
Political intervention controls the outcome of some environmental reviews
Questionable practices by public servants serve to discredit the system
The treatment of projects in environmentally critical areas is less than satisfactory
Conclusion
In over past years and up to date - the environment is the globally concerned because
of the uncontrolled population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion and increasing
technological advances with rapid natural resource utilization that is why environmental
assessment has been globally considered as a crucial tool in achieving sustainable
development.
The Philippine EIS System provides the framework and mechanism to pursue the
country’s environmental policies and goals and part of the EIS System is the Environmental
Impact Assessment or called EIA is become an important process or procedure to determine
the possible impacts of projects on the environment and to the communities involved but
during the implementation, there were also challenges and concerns have been observed
like overlapping and conflicting implementation strategies among interrelated agencies,
limited participation of the LGUs and lack of human resources to implement EIS - that is why
DENR issued Administrative Order 2003-30 providing with Implementing Rules and
Regulations for the policy directions, guidance and reference to all government agencies
and private sectors before to proceed the projects.
References
Al, E. S. (n.d.). Initiatives to streamlining the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement

System: A Brief Guide for LGUs. Retrieved 5 February, 2020, from
http://eia.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/For-Local-Government-Units.pdf
Ani, P. (2006). The Philippine Environmental Assessment Policies. Retrieved 5
February, 2020, from http://ap.fftc.agnet.org/ap_db.php?id=625&print=1

Decena, F. (n.d.). The Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System: Balancing
Socio-Economic Growth and Environmental Protection. Retrieved 5 February,
2020, from http://ap.fftc.agnet.org/ap_db.php?id=772
Enhancing the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System Improvement
Initiatives. (2011). Retrieved 5 February, 2020, from Asian Development Bank:
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/61638/44140-01-reg-dpta-
09.pdf
Presidential Decree 1586. Establishing the Environmental Impact Statement System
including other Environmental Management and Related Measures. (n.d.).
Retrieved 4 February, 2020, from https://emb.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2015/09/PD-1586.pdf
RDC XI. (2019). Priority Policy Agenda CY 2020-2022. EDC XI Strategic Planning
Conference.
Revised Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements Under the
Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System. (July, 2014). Retrieved 4
February, 2020, from https://r7.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Revised-
Guidelines-for-Coverage-Screening-and-Standardized-Reqts.pdf
The Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System and What it entails. (2002).
Retrieved 5
February, 2020, from One Ocean:
http://oneocean.org/overseas/200203/the_philippine_environment_impact_statemen
t_system_and _what_it_entails.html
Ross,W.A.(1994). Environmental Impact Assessment in the Philippines:

Progress,Problems,and directions for the future. Retrieved 5 February , 2020,
fromhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/01959255949002
05

Learning Activity Due on October 9, 2020
Requirement: Case Analysis
Mining Company ABC is required to secure ECC because it is a Category A Project.

Why do think this company is considered Category A? Support your answer with scenarios
and impacts of the project to the environment and to the surrounding communities of the
mining area.

Lesson 7: Week 10-12
Management of Solid Wastes

Learning Objectives
 Define ecological solid waste management;

 Characterize different types of solid waste;
 Connect the principles of solid waste management with actual daily practices; and
 Validate the provisions of solid waste management with the compliance of local
government units.
Introduction
The common practice for household refuse disposal in rural areas is to dump solid
wastes openly in backyard gardens or in an open space. Such indiscriminate disposal is an
environmental hazard and can threaten human health and safety. Solid waste that is
improperly disposed of can result in a number of problems. It can create a breeding ground
for pathogenic microorganisms and vectors of disease, and cause a public nuisance due to
unsightliness and bad smell. It can cause contamination of surrounding soil, groundwater
and surface water, and it can also create fire hazards, physical hazards and have poisoning
effects (from pesticides and insecticides). However, these problems can be avoided by using
appropriate management techniques. For all waste management issues, your role should
be to engage community members and families in awareness of the solid waste problems
in their area and try to change their behavior. In doing so, it should be possible to have a
clean, attractive and sustainable environment.
Impacts of Solid Waste
Improper disposal of solid waste may result to various social, economic,

environmental and health issues.

How do we deal with solid waste?
In order to deal with proper solid waste management, we need to be familiar first
with the terms used in this concept.
Agricultural waste refers to waste generated from planting or harvesting of

crops, trimming or pruning of plants and wastes or run-off materials from farms or fields.
Bulky wastes refer to waste materials which cannot be appropriately placed in

separate containers because of either its bulky size, shape or other physical attributes.
These include large worn-out or broken household, commercial, and industrial items
such as furniture, lamps, bookcases, filing cabinets, and other similar items.
Buy-back center refers to a recycling center that purchases or otherwise accepts

recyclable materials from the public for the purpose of recycling such materials.
Collection refers to the act of removing solid waste from the source or from a
communal storage point.

Composting refers to the controlled decomposition of organic matter by micro-
organisms, mainly bacteria and fungi, into a humus-like product.
Consumer electronics refer to special wastes that include worn-out, broken, and
other discarded items such as radios, stereos, and TV sets.
Controlled dump refers to a disposal site at which solid waste is deposited in

accordance with the minimum prescribed standards of site operation.
Disposal refers to the discharge, deposit, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of

any solid waste into or in any land.
Disposal site refers to a site where solid waste is finally discharged and
deposited.
Ecological solid waste management refers to the systematic administration of

activities which provide for segregation at source, segregated transportation, storage,
transfer, processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste and all other waste
management activities which do not harm the environment.
Generation refers to the act or process of producing solid waste.
Generator refers to a person, natural or juridical, who last uses a material and
makes it available for disposal or recycling.
Leachate refers to the liquid produced when waste undergo decomposition, and
when water percolate through solid waste undergoing decomposition. It is a
contaminated liquid that contains dissolved and suspended materials.
Materials recovery facility includes a solid waste transfer station or sorting

station, drop-off center, a composting facility, and a recycling facility.
Municipal waste refers to wastes produced from activities within local

government units which include a combination of domestic, commercial, institutional and
industrial wastes and street litters;
Open dump refers to a disposal area wherein the solid wastes are indiscriminately
thrown or disposed of without due planning and consideration for environmental and
health standards.
Opportunity to recycle refers to the act of providing a place for collecting source-
separated recyclable material, located either at a disposal site or at another location more
convenient to the population being served, and collection at least once a month of
source-separated recyclable material from collection service customers and to providing
a public education and promotion program that gives notice to each person of the
opportunity to recycle and encourage source separation of recyclable material.

Person(s) refer to any being, natural or juridical, susceptible of rights and
obligations, or of being the subject of legal relations.
Post-consumer material refers only to those materials or products generated by

a business or consumer which have served their intended end use, and which have been
separated or diverted from solid waste for the purpose of being collected, processed and
used as a raw material in the manufacturing of recycled product, excluding materials and
by-products generated from, and commonly used within an original manufacturing
process, such as mill scrap.
Receptacles refer to individual containers used for the source separation and the
collection of recyclable materials.
Recovered material refers to material and by-products that have been recovered
or diverted from solid waste for the purpose of being collected, processed and used as a
raw material in the manufacture of a recycled product.
Recyclable material refers to any waste material retrieved from the waste stream
and free from contamination that can still be converted into suitable beneficial use or for
other purposes, including, but not limited to, newspaper, ferrous scrap metal, non-ferrous
scrap metal, used oil, corrugated cardboard, aluminum, glass, office paper, tin cans and
other materials.
Recycled material refers to post-consumer material that has been recycled and
returned to the economy.
Recycling refers to the treating of used or waste materials through a process of
making them suitable for beneficial use and for other purposes, and includes any process
by which solid waste materials are transformed into new products in such a manner that
the original products may lose their identity, and which may be used as raw materials for
the production of other goods or services: Provided, That the collection, segregation and
re-use of previously used packaging material shall be deemed recycling.
Resource conservation refers to the reduction of the amount of solid waste that
are generated or the reduction of overall resource consumption, and utilization of
recovered resources.
Resource recovery refers to the collection, extraction or recovery of recyclable

materials from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling, generating energy or
producing a product suitable for beneficial use.
Re-use refers to the process of recovering materials intended for the same or
different purpose without the alteration of physical and chemical characteristics.
Sanitary landfill refers to a waste disposal site designed, constructed, operated

and maintained in a manner that exerts engineering control over significant potential
environmental impacts arising from the development and operation of the facility.

Segregation refers to a solid waste management practice of separating different
materials found in solid waste in order to promote recycling and re-use of resources and
to reduce the volume of waste for collection and disposal.
Segregation at source refer to a solid waste management practice of separating,

at the point of origin, different materials found in solid waste in order to promote recycling
and re-use of resources and to reduce the volume of waste for collection and disposal.
Solid waste refers to all discarded household, commercial waste, non-hazardous

institutional and industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agriculture
waste, and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste.
Solid waste management refers to the discipline associated with the control of
generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid
wastes in a manner that is in accord with the best principles of public health, economics,
engineering, conservation, aesthetics, and other environmental considerations, and that
is also responsive to public attitudes.
Solid waste management facility refers to any resource recovery system or

component thereof; any system, program, or facility for resource conservation; any
facility for the collection, source separation, storage, transportation, transfer, processing,
treatment, or disposal of solid waste.
Source reduction refers to the reduction of solid waste before it enters the solid
waste stream by methods such as product design, materials substitution, materials re-
use and packaging restrictions.
Source separation refers to the sorting of solid waste into some or all of its
component parts at the point of generation.
Special wastes refer to household hazardous wastes such as paints, thinners,

household batteries, lead-acid batteries, spray canisters and the like. These include
wastes from residential and commercial sources that comprise of bulky wastes,
consumer electronics, white goods, yard wastes that are collected separately, batteries,
oil, and tires. These wastes are usually handled separately from other residential and
commercial wastes.
Storage refers to the interim containment of solid waste after generation and prior
to collection for ultimate recovery or disposal.
Waste diversion refers to activities which reduce or eliminate the amount of solid
wastes from waste disposal facilities.
White goods refer to large worn-out or broken household, commercial, and

industrial appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwaters, and clothes washers and
dryers collected separately. White goods are usually dismantled for the recovery of
specific materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.); and

Yard waste refers to wood, small or chipped branches, leaves, grass clippings,
garden debris, vegetables residue that is recognizable as part of a plant or vegetable and
other materials identified by the Commission.

The conceptual framework of solid waste management in the Philippines begins with
the generation of solid wastes. Solid wastes can be generated by the individual person,
households, industrial and commercial establishments, factories, government and private
institutions, agricultural farms, schools, and many others. It is imperative that each
generator, individual or institutional entity, segregate the wastes at their level. This is the
concept of segregation-at-source. Meaning, the source of the solid waste must be able to
separate the solid wastes according to its kind: biodegradable, recyclable, special wastes,
and residual waste.
The framework describes that the biodegradable wastes go to the barangay which
should have a composting facility. The barangay is also in-charge in keeping the recyclable
wastes of the generators through its established materials recovery facility (MRF). The
MRF is a special structure in the barangay that is safe and designed to keep the recyclable
materials until they are transferred or sold to a junk shop. The residual wastes are the ones
being collected by the garbage collectors of the local government unit to be transported to
the sanitary landfill facility (SLF). The special wastes on the other hand need to be
collected by an accredited transporter and treated in an accredited treater. These wastes
need to be treated first before they are transported to the SLF for final disposal.
It is very clear that the role of the barangay is on the disposal of biodegradable and
recyclable wastes while the local government unit (city of municipality) takes care of the
wastes that can never be reused such as the special and residual wastes.
Mandatory Segregation of Solid Wastes. -- The LGUs shall evaluate alternative

roles for the public and private sectors in providing collection services, type of collection
system, or combination of systems, that best meet their needs: Provided, That
segregation of wastes shall primarily be conducted at the source, to include household,
institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural sources: Provided, further, That
wastes shall be segregated into the categories provided in Section 22 of this Act.
For premises containing six (6) or more residential units, the local government unit shall
promulgate regulations requiring the owner or person in charge of such premises to:
(a) provide for the residents a designated area and containers in which to accumulate
source separated recyclable materials to be collected by the municipality or
private center; and
(b) notify the occupants of such buildings of the requirements and the regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto.
Requirements for the Segregation and Storage of Solid Waste. The following
shall be the minimum standards and requirements for segregation and storage of solid waste
pending collection:
(a) There shall be a separate container for each type of waste from all sources: Provided,
that in the case of bulky waste, it will suffice that the same be collected and placed in
a separate and designated area; and

(b) The solid waste container depending on its use shall be properly marked or identified
for on-site collection as "compostable", "non-recyclable", "recyclable" or "special
waste", or any other classification.
Requirements for Collection of Solid Waste. The following shall be the

minimum standards and requirements for the collection of solid waste:
(a) All collectors and other personnel directly dealing with collection of solid waste shall
be equipped with personal protective equipment to protect them from the hazards of
handling solid wastes;
(b) Necessary training shall be given to the collectors and personnel to ensure that the
solid wastes are handled properly;
(c) Collection of solid waste shall be done in a manner which prevents damage to the
container, and spillage or scattering of solid waste within the collection vicinity.
Requirements for the Transport of Solid Waste. The use of separate collection
schedules and/or separate trucks or haulers shall be required for specific types of wastes.
Otherwise, vehicles used for the collection and transport of solid wastes shall have the
appropriate compartments to facilitate efficient storing of sorted wastes while in transit.
Vehicles shall be designed to consider road size, condition and capacity to ensure
the safe and efficient collection and transport of solid wastes.
The waste compartment shall have a cover to ensure the containment of solid
wastes while in transit.
For the purpose of identification, vehicles shall bear the body number, the name,
and telephone number of the contractor/agency collecting solid waste.Prohibition on
the Use of Non-Environmentally Acceptable Packaging. No person owning,
operating or conducting a commercial establishment in the country shall sell or convey
at retail or possess with the intent to sell or convey at retail any products that are placed,
wrapped or packaged in on packaging which is not environmentally acceptable
packaging: Provided, That the Commission shall determine a phaseout period after
proper consultation and hearing with the stakeholders or with the sectors concerned. The
presence in the commercial establishment of non-environmentally acceptable packing
shall constitute a rebuttable presumption of intent to sell or convey the same at retail to
customers.
Any person who is a manufacturer, broker or warehouse operator engaging in the

distribution or transportation of commercial products within the country shall file a report
with the concerned local government unit and annually thereafter, a listing of any
products in packaging which is not environmentally acceptable.

A violation of this Section shall be sufficient grounds for the revocation,
suspension, denial or non-renewal of any license for the establishment in which the
violation occurs.
Recycling Market Development. The Commission together with the National

Ecology Center, the DTI and the Department of Finance shall establish procedures,
standards and strategies to market recyclable materials and develop the local marker for
recycled goods, including but not limited to:
(a) measures providing economic incentives and assistance including loans and
grants for the establishment of privately-owned facilities to manufacture finished
products from post-consumer materials;
(b) guarantees by the national and local governments to purchase a percentage of

the output of the facility; and
(c) maintaining a list of prospective buyers, establishing contact with prospective

buyers and reviewing and making any necessary changes in collecting or
processing the materials to improve their marketability.
In order to encourage establishment of new facilities to produce goods from post-

consumer and recovered materials generated within local government units, and to
conserve energy by reducing materials transportation, whenever appropriate, each local
government unit may arrange for long-term contracts to purchase a substantial share of
the product output of a proposed facility which will be based in the jurisdiction of the local
government unit if such facility will manufacture such finished products from post-
consumer and recovered materials.
Establishment of LGU Materials Recovery Facility. - There shall be established

a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay or cluster of barangays. The
facility shall be established in a barangay-owned or leased land or any suitable open
space to be determined by the barangay through its Sanggunian. For this purpose, the
barangay or cluster of barangays shall allocate a certain parcel of land for the MRF. The
determination of site and actual establishment of the facility shall likewise be subject to
the guidelines and criteria set pursuant to this Act. The MRF shall receive mixed waste
for final sorting, segregation, composting, and recycling. The resulting residual wastes
shall be transferred to a long-term storage or disposal facility or sanitary landfill.
Guidelines for Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility. Materials

recovery facilities shall be designed to receive, sort, process, and store compostable and
recyclable material efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner. The facility shall
address the following considerations:
(a) The building and/or land layout and equipment must be designed to accommodate
efficient and safe materials processing, movement, and storage; and

(b) The building must be designed to allow efficient and safe external access and to
accommodate internal flow.
Composting. The composting of agricultural wastes, and other compostable

materials, including but not limited to garden wastes, shall be encouraged. Compost
products intended to be distributed commercially shall conform with the standards for organic
fertilizers
Criteria for Siting a Sanitary Landfill. The following shall prescribe with the minimum
criteria for the siting of sanitary landfills:
The site selected must be consistent with the overall land use plan of the LGU;
The site must be accessible from major roadways or thoroughfares;
The site should have an adequate quantity of earth cover material that is easily
handled and compacted;
The site must be chosen with regard for the sensitivities of the community's
residents;
The size must be located in an area where the landfill’s operation will not
detrimentally affect environmentally sensitive resources such as aquifer, groundwater
reservoir or watershed area;
The site should be large enough to accommodate the community’s wastes for a
period of five (5) years during which people must internalize the value of environmentally
sound and sustainable solid waste disposal;
The site chosen should facilitate developing a landfill that will satisfy budgetary
constraints, including site development, operation for many years, closure, post-closure
care and possible remediation costs;
Operating plans must include provisions for coordinating with recycling and
resource recovery projects; and
Designation of a separate containment area for household hazardous wastes.
Criteria for Establishment of Sanitary Landfill. The following shall be the minimum
criteria for the establishment of sanitary landfills:
Liners – a system of clay layers and/or geosynthetic membranes used to contain

leachate and reduce or prevent contaminant flow to groundwater;
Leachate collection and treatment system – Installation of pipes at the low areas
of the liner to collect leachate for storage and eventual treatment and discharge;

Gas control recovery system – a series of vertical wells or horizontal trenches
containing permeable materials and perforated piping placed in the landfill to collect gas
for treatment or productive use as an energy source;
Ground water monitoring well system – wells placed at an appropriate location

and depth for taking water samples that are representative of groundwater quality;
Cover – two (2) forms of cover consisting of soil and geosynthetic materials to
protect the waste from long-term contact with the environment:
1. a daily cover place over the waste at the close of each day’s operations, and;
2. a final cover, or cap, which is the material placed over the completed landfill to
control infiltration of water, gas emission to the atmosphere, and erosion.
Closure procedure – with the objectives of establishing low maintenance cover

systems and final cover that minimizes the infiltration of precipitation into the waste.
Installation of the final cover must be completed within six (6) months of the least receipt
of wastes; and
Post-closure care procedure – During this period, the landfill owner shall be
responsible for providing for the general upkeep of the landfill, maintaining all of the
landfill’s environmental protection features, operating monitoring equipment, remediating
groundwater should it become contaminated and controlling landfill gas migration or
emission.
Operating Criteria for Sanitary Landfills. In the operation of a sanitary landfill, each
site operator shall maintain the following minimum operating requirements:
Disposal site records of, but not limited to:
 Records of weights or volumes accepted in a form and manner approved by the

Department. Such records shall be submitted to the Department upon request,
accurate to within ten percent (10 %) and adequate for overall planning purposes
and forecasting the rate of site filling;
 Records of excavations which may affect the safe and proper operation of the site
or cause damage to adjoining properties;
 Daily log book or file of the following information: fires, landslides, earthquake
damage, unusual and sudden settlement, injury and property damage, accidents,
explosions, receipt or rejection of unpermitted wastes, flooding, and other unusual
occurrences;Record of personnel training; and

 copy of written notification to the Department, local health agency, and fire
authority of names, addresses and telephone numbers of the operator or
responsible party of the site:
Water quality monitoring of surface and ground waters and effluent, and gas
emissions;
Documentation of approvals, determinations and other requirements by the

Department;
Signs –
(1) Each point of access from a public road shall be posted with an
easily visible sign indicating the facility name and other pertinent
information as required by the Department;
(2) If the site is open to the public, there shall be an easily visible sign
at the primary entrance of the site indicating the name of the site
operator, the operator’s telephone number, and hours of operation; an
easily visible sign at an appropriate point shall indicate the schedule of
charges and the general types of materials which will be accepted or
not;
(3) If the site is open to the public, there shall be an easily visible road
sign and/or traffic control measures which direct traffic to the active face
and other areas where wastes or recyclable materials will be deposited;
and
(4) Additional signs and/or measures may be required at a disposal site

by the Department to protect personnel and public health and safety;
Monitoring of quality of surface, ground and effluent waters, and gas emissions;
The site shall be designed to discourage unauthorized access by persons and

vehicles by using a perimeter barrier or topographic constraints. Areas within the site
where open storage or ponding of hazardous materials occurs shall be separately fenced
or otherwise secured as determined by the Department. The Department may also
require that other areas of the site be fenced to create an appropriate level of security;
Roads within the permitted facility boundary shall be designed to minimize the
generation of dust and the tracking of materials onto adjacent public roads. Such roads
shall be kept in safe condition and maintained such that vehicle access and unloading
can be conducted during inclement weather;
Sanitary facilities consisting of adequate number of toilets and handwashing

facilities, shall be available to personnel at or in the immediate vicinity of the site;

Safe and adequate drinking water supply for the site personnel shall be available;
The site shall have communication facilities available to site personnel to allow
quick response to emergencies;
Where operations are conducted during hours of darkness, the site and/or
equipment shall be equipped with adequate lighting as approved by the Department to
ensure safety and to monitor the effectiveness of operations;
Operating and maintenance personnel shall wear and use appropriate safety
equipment as required by the Department;
Personnel assigned to operate the site shall be adequately trained in subject

pertinent to the site operation and maintenance, hazardous materials recognition and
screening and heavy equipment operations, with emphasis on safety, health,
environmental controls and emergency procedures. A record of such training shall be
placed in the operating record;
The site operator shall provide adequate supervision of a sufficient number of

qualified personnel to ensure proper operation of the site in compliance with all applicable
laws, regulations, permit conditions and other requirements. The operator shall notify the
Department and local health agency in writing of the names, addresses, and telephone
number of the operator or responsible party. A copy of the written notification shall be
placed in the operating record;
Any disposal site open to the public shall have an attendant present during public
operating hours or the site shall be inspected by the operator on a regularly scheduled
basis, as determined by the Department;
Unloading of solid wastes shall be confined to a small area as possible to

accommodate the number of vehicles using the area without resulting in traffic,
personnel, or public safety hazards. Waste materials shall normally be deposited at the
toe of the fill, or as otherwise approved by the Department;
Solid waste shall be spread and compacted in layers with repeated passages of
the landfill equipment to minimize voids within the cell and maximize compaction. The
loose layer shall not exceed a depth approximately two feet before compaction.
Spreading and compacting shall be accomplished as rapidly as practicable, unless
otherwise approved by the Department;
Covered surfaces of the disposal area shall be graded to promote lateral runoff of
precipitation and to prevent ponding. Grades shall be established of sufficient slopes to
account for future settlement of the fill surface. Other effective maintenance methods
may be allowed by the Department; and

Cover material or native material unsuitable for cover, stockpiled on the site for
use or removal, shall be placed so as not to cause problems or interfere with unloading,
spreading, compacting, access, safety, drainage, or other operations.

Learning Activity Due on October 30, 2020
Analyze the following infographic:
Requirements:
6. What is being meant by the inverted pyramid?

7. Which part is the responsibility of the household and commercial generators? Explain.
8. Why is avoidance situated in the base part of the inverted pyramid?

Water Quality Management in the Philippines

Learning Objectives
 Define water quality management;

 Explain the need to monitor the quality of water;
 Classify the water bodies in the Philippines; and
 Recall water quality management areas in the Philippines.
Introduction
As early as 1996, monitoring of the country’s rivers showed that only 51% of the
classified rivers still met the standards for their most beneficial use. The rest were already
polluted from domestic, industrial and agricultural sources. Most studies point to the fact that
domestic wastewater is the principal cause of organic pollution (at 48%) of our water bodies.
Yet, only 3% of investments in water supply and sanitation were going to sanitation and
sewage treatment. A recent World Bank report pointed out that Metro Manila was second to
the lowest in sewer connections among major cities in Asia and less than 7% compared to
20% for Katmandu, Nepal and 30% for Dhaka, Bangladesh. Thirty-one percent (31%) of all
illnesses in the country are attributed to polluted waters. Clearly, to ensure access to clean
water for all Filipinos, it was imperative that government put together a comprehensive
strategy to protect water quality.
In the Philippines, a significant law was enacted to regulate the quality of water in the
entire country. The law was enacted to streamline processes and procedures in the
prevention, control and abatement of pollution of the country's water resources, promote
environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of control
mechanisms for the protection of water resources, formulate a holistic national program of
water quality management that recognizes that water quality management issues cannot be
separated from concerns about water sources and ecological protection, water supply,
public health and quality of life, formulate an integrated water quality management
framework through proper delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities,
promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment friendly
and energy efficient, encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and
industries through the application of incentives and market-based instruments and to
promote the role of private industrial enterprises in shaping its regulatory profile within the
acceptable boundaries of public health and environment, provide for a comprehensive
management program for water pollution focusing on pollution prevention, promote public

information and education and to encourage the participation of an informed and active
public in water quality management and monitoring, formulate and enforce a system of
accountability for short and long-term adverse environmental impact of a project, program
or activity; and encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe
and business undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate
and motivate the people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the
local and national levels.
Important Terms to Remember

Aquifer means a layer of water-bearing rock located underground that transmits
water in sufficient quantity to supply pumping wells or natural springs.
Aquatic life means all organisms living in freshwater, brackish and marine
environment.
Use of water for domestic purposes means the utilization of water for drinking,
washing, bathing, cooking or other household needs, home gardens and watering of lawns
or domestic animals.
Use of water for municipal purposes means the utilization of water for supplying
water requirements of the community.
Use of water for irrigation means the utilization of water for producing agricultural
crops.
Use of water for power generation means the utilization of water for producing
electrical or mechanical power.
Use of water for fisheries means the utilization of water for the propagation of
culture of fish as a commercial enterprise.
Use of water for livestock raising means the utilization of water for large herds or
flocks of animals raised as a commercial enterprise.
Use of water for industrial purposes means the utilization of water in factories,
industrial plants and mines, including the use of water as an ingredient of a finished product.
Use of water for recreational purposes means the utilization of water for swimming
pools, bath houses, boating, water skiing, golf courses and other similar facilities in resorts
and other places of recreation.
Classification/Reclassification of Philippine Waters means the categorization of

all water bodies taking into account, among others, the following: (1) existing quality of the
body of water; (2) size, depth, surface area covered, volume, direction, rate of flow and
gradient of stream; (3) most beneficial existing and future use of said bodies of water and
lands bordering them, such as for residential, agricultural, aquacultural, commercial,
industrial, navigational, recreational, wildlife conservation and aesthetic purposes; and (4)
vulnerability of surface and groundwater to contamination from pollutive and hazardous
wastes, agricultural chemicals and underground storage tanks of petroleum products.

Contamination means the production of substances not found in the natural
composition of water that make the water less desirable or unfit desirable or unfit for intended
use.
Discharge includes, but is not limited to, the act of spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring,
emitting, emptying, releasing or dumping of any material into a water body or onto land from
which it might flow or drain into said water.
Drinking water means water intended for human consumption or for use in food
preparation.
Dumping means any unauthorized or illegal disposal into any body of water or land
of wastes or toxic or hazardous material provided that it does not mean a release of effluent
coming from commercial, industrial, and domestic sources which are within the effluent
standards.
Effluent means discharge from known sources which is passed into a body of water
or land, or wastewater flowing out of a manufacturing plant, industrial plant including
domestic, commercial and recreational facilities.
Effluent standard means any legal restriction or limitation on quantities, rates, and/or
concentrations or any combination thereof, of physical, chemical or biological parameters of
effluent which a person or point source is allowed to discharge into a body of water or land.
Environmental management means the entire system which includes, but is not
limited to, conservation, regulation and minimization of pollution, clean production, waste
management, environmental law and policy, environmental education and information, study
and mitigation of the environmental impacts of human activity, and environmental research.
Environmental management system means the part of the overall management

system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices,
procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing
and maintaining the environment policy.
Freshwater means water containing less than 500 ppm dissolved common salt,
sodium chloride, such as that in groundwater, rivers, ponds and lakes.
Groundwater means a subsurface water that occurs beneath a water table in soils
and rocks, or in geological formations.
Groundwater vulnerability means relative ease with which a contaminant located

at or near the land surface can migrate to the aquifer or deep well.

Industrial waste means any solid, semi-solid or liquid waste material with no
commercial value released by a manufacturing or processing plant other than excluded
material.
Non-point source means any source of pollution not identifiable as point source to
include, but not be limited to, runoff from irrigation or rainwater, which picks up pollutants
from farms and urban areas.
Point source means any identifiable source of pollution with specific point of
discharge into a particular water body.
Pollutant refers to any substance, whether solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive,
which directly or indirectly:
(a) alters the quality of any segment of the receiving water body to affect or tend
to affect adversely any beneficial use thereof;
(ii) is hazardous or potential hazardous to health;
(iii) imparts objectionable odor, temperature change, or physical, chemical or

biological change to any segment of the water body; or
(iv) is in excess of the allowable limits, concentrations, or quality standards.
Septage means the sludge produced on individual onsite wastewater disposal

systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools.
Sewage means water-borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil wastes,
removed from residences, building, institutions, industrial and commercial establishments
together with such groundwater, surface water and storm water as maybe present including
such waste from vessels, offshore structures, other receptacles intended to receive or retain
waste or other places or the combination thereof.
Sewerage includes, but is not limited to, any system or network of pipelines, ditches,
channels, or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service
connections including other constructions, devices, and appliances appurtenant thereto,
which includes the collection, transport, pumping and treatment of sewage to a point of
disposal.
Sludge means any solid, semi-solid or liquid waste or residue generated from a
wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or water control pollution facility,
or any other such waste having similar characteristics and effects.
Surface water means all water, which is open to the atmosphere and subject to
surface runoff.
Treatment means any method, technique, or process designed to alter the physical,
chemical or biological and radiological character or composition of any waste or
wastewater to reduce or prevent pollution.

Wastewater means waste in liquid state containing pollutants.
Water body means both natural and man-made bodies of fresh, brackish, and
saline waters, and includes, but is not limited to, aquifers, groundwater, springs, creeks,
streams, rivers, ponds, lagoons, water reservoirs, lakes, bays, estuarine, coastal and
marine waters. Water bodies do not refer to those constructed, developed and used
purposely as water treatment facilities and/or water storage for recycling and re-use which
are integral to process industry or manufacturing.
Water Pollution means any alteration of the physical, chemical, biological, or

radiological properties of a water body resulting in the impairment of its purity or quality.
Water Quality means the characteristics of water, which define its use in
characteristics by terms of physical, chemical, biological, bacteriological or radiological
characteristics by which the acceptability of water is evaluated.
Water Conservation and Management
Literature defines water conservation as the practice of sustainably managing fresh

water and protecting the hydrosphere for current and future use. Water management on
the other hand is practiced through a reduction in water use, waste and quality and through
an increase in the favorable use of water.
Some of the water conservation and management practices
Rainwater harvesting. In urban areas, the construction of houses, footpaths and

roads has left little exposed earth for water to soak in. Hence, harvesting the rain water
would be the most efficient way to conserve water and manage it to reduce the risks of
floods. This has become a very popular method of conserving water especially in the urban
areas. This literally means collecting rainwater on the roofs of building and storing it
underground for later use. This method does not only arrest ground water depletion but it
also raises the declining water table and can help augment water supply.
Tank system for agricultural use. The tank system is traditionally the backbone of
agricultural production. Tanks are constructed either by bunding or by excavating the
ground and collecting rain water. For areas that receive hardly any rainfall, large bunds are
created to serve as reservoir, dams, tanks, and other methods are applied to check water
flow and accumulate run-off. At the end of the monsoon, water from these structures are
used to irrigate the crops and help ease the cultivation practices.
Reducing water demand. Simple techniques can be done to reduce the demand
for water. In farms, mulching can be done which makes use of available organic or
inorganic material to slow down the surface run-off, improves the moisture of the soil,
reduces evaporation losses, and improves soil fertility. Soil covered by by crops slows
down run-off and minimizes the evaporation losses. Hence, fields should not be left bare
for a long period of time.

Agricultural practices for water conservation
Plowing helps to move the soil around. As a consequence, it retains more water
thereby reducing evaporation.
Shelter belts of trees and bushes along the edge of agricultural field slow down the
wind speed and reduce evaporation and erosion
Planting of trees, grass, and bushes breaks the force of rain and helps rainwater
penetrate the soil.
Fog and dew contain substantial amount of water that can be used directly by
adapted plant species.
Artificial surfaces such as netting-surface traps or polyethylene sheets can be

exposed to fog and dew. The resulting water can be used for the crops.
Contour farming is adopted in hilly areas and in lowland areas for paddy fields.
Farmers recognize the efficiency of contour-based systems for conserving soil and water
Transfer of water from surplus areas to deficit areas by inter-linking water

systems theough canals, etc.
Desalination technologies such as distillation, electro-dialysis and reverse osmosis

are available.
Use of efficient watering systems such as drip irrigation and sprinklers will reduce
the water consumption by plants.
Water Body Classification and Usage of Freshwater
INTENDED BENEFICIAL USE

Public Water Supply Class I – Intended primarily for waters having
watersheds, which are uninhabited and/or otherwise declared as protected
CLASS AA
areas, and which require only approved disinfection to meet the latest
PNSDW
Public Water Supply Class II – Intended as sources of water supply
CLASS A requiring conventional treatment (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and
disinfection) to meet the latest PNSDW
Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact recreation
CLASS B
(bathing, swimming, etc.)
1.Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic
resources
CLASS C
2.Recreational Water Class II – For boating, fishing or similar activities

3.For agriculture, irrigation and livestock watering
CLASS D Navigable waters
Water Body Classification and Usage of Marine Waters
CLASSIFICATION INTENDED BENEFICIAL USE

1.Protected Waters – Waters designated as national or local marine
parks, reserves, sanctuaries and other areas established by law
(Presidential Proclamation 1801 and other existing laws), and/or
CLASS SA declared as such by appropriate government agecncy, LGUs, etc.
2.Fishery Water Class I – Suitable for shellfish harvesting for direct

human consumption
1.Fishery Water Class II – Waters suitable for commercial propagation
of shellfish and intended as spawning areas for milkfish (Chanos chanos)
and similar species
CLASS SB
2.Tourist Zones – For ecotourism and recreational activities
3.Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact recreation

(bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.)
1.Fishery Water Class III – For the propagation and growth of fish and
other aquatic resources and intended for commercial and sustenance
fishing
CLASS SC
2.Recreational Water Class II – For boating, fishing or similar activities
3.Marshy and/or mangrove areas declared as fish and wildlife

sanctuaries
CLASS SD Navigable waters
Classification means the categorization of all water bodies taking into account the
existing quality of the body of water and most beneficial existing and future use of said bodies
of water and lands bordering them, such as for residential, agricultural, aquacultural,
commercial, industrial, navigational, recreational, wildlife conservation and aesthetic
purposes, among others.
Beneficial use means the use of the environment or any element or segment thereof
conducive to public or private welfare, safety and health; and shall include, but not be limited
to, the use of water for domestic, municipal, irrigation, power generation, fisheries, livestock
raising, industrial, recreational and other purposes.

 Use of water for domestic purposes means the utilization of water for drinking,
washing, bathing, cooking or other household needs, home gardens and watering of
lawns or domestic animals;
 Use of water for municipal purposes means the utilization of water for supplying
water requirements of the community;
 Use of water for irrigation means the utilization of water for producing agricultural
crops;
 Use of water for power generation – means the utilization of water for producing
electrical or mechanical power;
 Use of water for fisheries means the utilization of water for the propagation of
cultured fish as a commercial enterprise;
 Use of water for livestock raising means the utilization of water for large herds or
flocks of animals raised as a commercial enterprise;
 Use of water for industrial purposes means the utilization of water in factories,
industrial plants and mines, including the use of water as an ingredient of a finished
product; and
 Use of water for recreational purposes means the utilization of water for swimming
pools, bath houses, boating, water skiing, golf courses and other similar facilities in
resorts and other places of recreation.
References:
https://r5.emb.gov.ph/water-quality-management/
https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RA-9275.pdf
Supplementary Reading:
Kramm, M. (2020). When a River becomes a Person. Journal of Human Development and
Capabilities. https://doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2020.1801610
Kelly, B. (2019). Natural resources management for a sustainable future. Larsen and Keller
Education. NY, New York.

Learning Activity Due on November 13, 2020
Activity 1: Essay. Answer the following:
 What is the classification of Davao River?

 What do you think is the current quality condition of Davao River along the urban
areas of Davao City?
 What could be the possible causes of the present condition?
 What program can you suggest to maintain the water quality of Davao River?
Activity 2: Reaction Paper
Instruction: Make a one-page reaction paper on the paper attached. Click the link
below or scan the QR code below using your android/IOS phone to get a copy of the
document.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2020.1801610

Clean Air Management

Learning Objectives
 Articulate the concept of clean air as every person’s basic right;

 Differentiate the sources of air pollution;
 Evaluate the penalties for violating the law on clean air;
 Explain the “Writ of Kalikasan” and “Writ of Continuing mandamus”
 Design alternatives to help clean the air at home and at the community; and
 Appreciate the role that everyone plays in maintaining clean air.
Introduction
Air is a basic human need to grow and thrive in this planet; therefore, keeping it clean
or unpolluted is our responsibility. As you read this module, you will learn more about the
purpose, guiding principles, policies, and guidelines that govern the implementation of RA
8749. The module also highlights human activities that would impact the quality of the air we
breathe and the penalties for violations of the provision of this Act with examples of decided
cases from the court.
Air pollution remains to be one of the foremost problems that continue to affect the
wellbeing of the people (Su, Solomon & Ragragio, 2018). The poor quality of air impacts on the
lives of those who are exposed to the harmful substances in the atmosphere. Studies (Prisby
et al. 2008, Yang et al. 2008, Parent et al. 2007) have shown that exposure to the deteriorating
air quality poses numerous effects to one’s health, where subtle biochemical and physiological
changes can contribute to respiratory and cardiac conditions. Recognizing these facts, countries
across the world promulgated laws and statutes to protect the rights of the people and the future
generation to clean air. In the Philippines, we have Republic Act 8749 otherwise known as the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 which was approved on June 23, 1999.

Sources of Air Pollution
Air pollution may be due to natural or human-made (anthropogenic) sources. The

emissions of the following pollutants – particulate matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOx), oxides
of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO) are
monitored to assess the quality of ambient air (EMB Report, 2011).
What are covered by Clean Air Act?
All potential sources of air pollution (MOBILE, POINT AND AREA SOURCES),
must comply with the provisions of the law.
MOBILE refer to vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, jeepneys,

tricycles, motorcycles, and vans
POINT refer to stationary sources such as industrial firms and

SOURCES the smokestacks of power plants, hotels, and other
establishments
AREA refer to sources of emissions other than mobile and

SOURCES point sources such as smoking, burning of
garbage, and dust from construction, unpaved
grounds, etc.
Figure 1. Sources of Air Pollution

Other Sources of Air Pollution
Smoking is banned beginning May 25, 2001, in any of the following locations:
Inside a public building;
Enclosed public places including public vehicles and other means of transport;
In any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence, private place of work; or
Any duly designated area which will be enclosed.
The local government units are mandated to implement this provision of the law.
Penalty to violation of this provision is six months and one day to one year imprisonment, or
a fine of ten thousand pesos (P10,000).
Clean fuels are pre-requisites to achieve clean air, hence, CAA provides for :
Complete phase out of leaded gasoline before the end of the year 2000.
Lowering of sulfur content of industrial (0.5% to 0.3% ) and automotive diesel 0.2%
to 0.005%.
Lowering of aromatics and benzene in unleaded gasoline.
Cleaner alternative fuels will be spearheaded by the Department of Energy.
Ban of incineration
Burning of municipal, bio-medical and hazardous wastes are strictly prohibited.
Prohibition shall not apply to traditional small-scale method of community/
neighborhood sanitation “siga”, traditional, agricultural, cultural, and food
preparation, and crematoria.

Learning Activity 2A. Sources of Air Pollution Due on November 27,
2020
In a tabulated form, list down the different types of air pollutant per source with its
corresponding health effects and ambient air guideline values or standard necessary to
protect public health and safety, and general welfare. Give at least five pollutants per
source.
Pollutants Some of the Main Health Concentration (Maximum

Effects Limit)
A. Mobile Sources
1.
2.
B. Stationary Sources
1.
2.
C. Other Sources
1.
2.
Learning Activity 2B. Policy Implications of Clean Air Act Due on

November 27, 2020
Guide Questions:
1. What is your stand on the nationwide banning of smoking in Philippines?
2. How will it affect health and economy in general?
3. Discuss the significance of completely prohibiting the use of leaded gasoline.

How can we help clean the air?
We all want clean air, but it takes a concerted effort to get it. Luckily, there are
more options than ever for reducing our carbon footprint and keeping harmful pollutants
out of the air. By incorporating positive steps into our lives and supporting industries that
help conserve energy, we can guarantee clean air for future generations.
What can you do to help clean the air?
1. For vehicle owners/motorist:

• Maintain your vehicle by changing oil regularly (every 5,000 kilometers)
• Keep the engine well-tuned following the owner’s manual.
• Keep tires properly inflated, plan trips and observe proper driving habits.
• Remove unnecessary things from the trunk. Don’t overload and travel only
at speed required by traffic regulations and road conditions.
2. For commuters:
• Try talking to the jeep/bus/tricycle driver about the high health risks of poor
vehicle maintenance and improper driving practices.
• Patronize mass railway transit (i.e., MRT, LRT)
3. For office workers:

• Reduce use of air conditioning and ensure that rooms are sealed.
• Make sure that lights are energy-efficient.
• Use company vehicles wisely and make sure that they are well-maintained.
• Use natural lighting by opening window curtains at daytime.
4. At home:
• Use low watt bulbs or energy-saving lights.
• Limit the use of air conditioning units and keep the temperature a few degrees
higher.
• Don’t burn garbage and avoid using aerosols.
• Properly dispose of refrigerant, refrigeration equipment, and used coolant.
5. For everyone:
• Talk to people on what they can do about air pollution.
• Report smoke-belchers to LTO, MMDA, and/or the appropriate local
government units.
• Walk or ride your bike to places.
• Take the bus or mass rail transit whenever you can.
• Work with residential associations to stop burning of garbage.
• Plant trees.
• Spread the word about the ban on smoking in public places.

Learning Activity 4. I Can Help Clean the Air. Due on December 11, 2020
Below are some of the projects that may be adopted to help lessen air pollutants.
Choose one or you may come up with your own idea as an intervention to air
pollution which could be feasible in your area.
Project Remarks
Partnership for Clean Air
Tricycle Upgrading Project
In cooperation with Mandaluyong City, Pasig City and other

stakeholders, with funding support from the Philippine Institute of
Petroleum (PIP), the project swapped old 2-stroke motorcycles
which emit higher levels of CO and PM, with brand new 4-stroke
motorcycles benefitting members of the Mandaluyong
Federation of Tricycles Associations (MAFETA) and the Pasig S-
Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA). The project
was strongly supported by City Mayors Benhur Abalos and
Bobby Eusebio of Mandaluyong and Pasig Cities, respectively,
with the aim of expanding the project scope to more TODA
members. Don Bosco Technical College provided the technical
expertise while Rizal Technical University-Kawani Multi-purpose
Cooperative (RTU-KMPC) handled the financial matters and
collection of loan payments.
Source: Clean Air Asia, https://bit.ly/2wyTSc0

Environmental Studies Institute (ESI) - Miriam College • Padyak
Project
As part of its long-term advocacy for non-motorized modes of

transport, ESI, together with Don Bosco Technical College,
modified the design of the pedicab to provide drive train
durability, driver convenience, passenger comfort, vehicle safety
and economic viability. A prototype was fabricated and, in
collaboration with a pedicab association in Pasig, was subjected
to a series of field tests. The improved design is undergoing an
incubation platform to validate its performance, possible use and
adoption by communities. The project is part of a continuing
study to make the upgraded pedicab a viable product that can
offer livelihood to the marginalized sector of society, improve the
air quality in areas that will be served, address the rising cost of
fuel, and mitigate climate change, while providing a sustainable
form of transport.
Source: Environmental Studies Institute, https://www.mc.edu.ph/esi
Eco-G Nanotechnology, Inc. • Eco-G3000
The Eco-G3000 is a fuel vaporizer that reduces toxic emissions

from fuel combustion, such as carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxide
(NOx). The system consists of a fuel vaporizer and auxiliary tank,
which work to burn the engine more efficiently and economically.
Eco-G3000 was submitted as a green technology for evaluation
by the Climate Technology Initiative— Private Financing
Advisory Network-USAID during the Clean Energy Investor Deal
Flow. In 2011, it was tested on a poorly maintained jeepney by
the Environment Technology Verification (ETV) and was found to
result in savings on diesel fuel and reductions in toxic emissions.
Source: Ateneo de Manila University,

https://ateneophysicsnews.wordpress.com/tag/eco-g-
nanotechnology/

References:
Corona, R., Azcuna, A., Meyer, R.Access to Environmental Justice: A Sourcebook on

Environmental Rights and Legal Remedies (2013).
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/UNDP4/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/4_A-
Sourcebook.-on-Envi-Rights-and-Legal-Remedies-FINAL-B.pdf
Doctors to Roxas: clean up Metro air or we will sue you.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/3644-doctors-to-roxas-clean-up-metro-air-or-we-
will-sue-you
Eco-G Nanotecnology, Inc. Eco-G3000.
https://ateneophysicsnews.wordpress.com/tag/eco-g-nanotechnology/
Environmental Monitoring Board Report (2016). Air Quality in the Pilippines. https://
www.pcw.gov.ph/sites/default/files/documents/efiles/webmaster/gwpf_sofe_air.p
df
Environmental Studies Institute (ESI) - Miriam College • Padyak
Project. https://www.mc.edu.ph/esi
Green minded: PH Clean Air Act Fines up by almost 400% in 2018.
https://www.topgear.com .ph/news/motoring-news/clean-air-act-fines-2018-a962-
20181210
Mandaluyong Tricycle Upgrading Program gets P1M boost. Clean Air
Asia, https://bit.ly/2wyTSc0
Parent, M.E., Rousseau, M.C., Boffeta, P., Cohen, A. and Siemiatycki, J. 2007.
Exposure to diesel and gasoline engine emissions and the risk of lung cancer.
Amer. J. Epidemiol., 1(165): 53-62.
Philippine Clean Air Act 1999. https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RA-
8749.pdf
Prisby, R.D., Muller-Delp, J., Delp, M.D. and Nurkiewicz, T.R. 2008. Age, gender
and hormonal status modulate the vascular toxicity of the diesel exhaust
extract phenanthrraquinone. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health Part A, 63: 555-
563.
Su, G. L. S., Solomon, N. F. R., & Ragragio, E. M. (2018). Air Pollution Tolerance
Index of Selected Trees in Major Roadsides of Metro Manila, Philippines.
Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 17(3), 1005-1009.
Yang, I.A., Fong, K.M., Zimmerman, P.V., Holgate, S.T. and Holloway, J.W. 2008.
Genetic susceptibility to the respiratory effects of air pollution. Thorax., 63:
555-563.

Climate Change
Learning Objectives
 Define climate change;

 Give examples of impacts of climate change;
 Explain the concept of greenhouse gas effect; and
 Evaluate the country’s commitment to international agreements.
What is climate?
Climate is a pattern of weather elements (temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind

pattern, frequency of storms, sunny days, rough or calm seas, etc.) or the “average
weather.”
Climate and the Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that plays a major role in determining
the earth’s average atmospheric temperature and thus its climate. It occurs when the
some of the solar energy absorbed by the earth radiates into the atmosphere as infrared
radiation (heat). As the radiation interacts with molecules of several greenhouse gases in
the air, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, it increases
their kinetic energy and warms the lower atmosphere and the earth’s surface.
Greenhouse effect refers to rise in global temperature due to the process by which
the gases in the atmosphere trap the heat coming from the sun that is re- radiated by the
earth’s surface and re-emit it downwards. Because of how they warm our world, these
gases are referred to as greenhouse gases.
Why are greenhouse gases (GHGs) important?
These are naturally occurring gases that keep the Earth comfortably warm enough
for plants and animals to live in at an average temperature of 15o C. They act as a natural
blanket around the earth, trapping heat much like a glass roof of a greenhouse.
Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth’s average surface temperature would be some
30°C colder or approximately -15°C and possibly not warm enough to sustain life.

How do greenhouse gases influence climate change?
By burning fossil fuels due to industrialization and to sustain our modern lifestyle,
the level of GHGs increase rapidly. The higher the concentration of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere, the stronger the greenhouse effect making it into enhanced greenhouse
effect.
Green House Gases
GHG Lifetime GWP % Total world

(CO2-e) emissions
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 5-200 years 1 77%
Methane (CH4) 12 years 21 14%
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 114 years 310 8%
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) 3,200 years 23,900 <1%
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 140 to 11,700 <1%
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) 6,500 to 9,200 <1%
Carbon Tetrafluoride (CF4) 50,000 years
The atmospheric concentrations of CO2, CH4 and N2O increased

to levels unprecedented in at the last 800,000 years. Global GHG emissions (CO2, CH4,
N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and HF6) have grown since pre-industrial times with an increase of
70% between 1970 and 2004 due to human activities.
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
1. Chemicals that potentially deplete the ozone layer

2. Contain Chlorine or Bromine atoms
3. Have a long atmospheric life

What is climate change?
“A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that

alters the composition of the global atmosphere which is in addition to natural climate
variability observed over a comparable period of time.” (United Nations Framework result
of human activity.” (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
“A change in the state of the climate that can be identified… by changes in the
mean and/or the variability of its properties, and that persists for an extended period,
typically decades or longer.” (IPCC)
“Climate change is a “change in climate which is attributed directly to human activity
that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural
climate variability observed over comparable time periods.” (United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC])
Rains come at any time of the year (Example: In Davao City)
 Floods and typhoons occur practically throughout the year
 Temperatures during December and January are in upper 20s to lower 30s
What causes climate change? (Based on the 4th Assessment Report 2007 Findings)
 Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations
of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of
snow and ice and rising global average sea level.
 Global GHGs due to human activities have grown since pre-industrial times, with
an increase of 70% between 1970 and 2004.
 Basically, the production of carbon dioxide molecules that absorb heat and radiate
that heat to the surface of the earth.
 Continued GHG emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming
and induce may changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that
would very likely be larger than those observed during the 20th century.
Such as…
1. Burning of fossil fuels by transport vehicles
2. Burning of fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, coal, crude oil) to generate electricity

3. Destruction of rainforests
What are the impacts on the world around us?

• Biodiversity loss.
1.increases in average global temperature (global warming)
2.changes in cloud cover and precipitation particularly over land
3.Disappearing habitat
4.Changing ecosystem
5.Acidifying oceans
6.20-30% of species globally at high risk of extinction
7.Coral bleaching that will result to dead reef ecosystem
8.Arctic sea ice is shrinking
9.Sea level rise results to salt water intrusion Increased coastal erosion
displacement
• Threats to people around the World
1.More frequent and dangerous extreme weather

2.Surge in wildfires (Amazon, Africa, Australia and Cordillera)
3.Increased flooding (worldwide)
4.Droughts
5.Devastating heat waves
6.Earthquakes and erupting of volcanoes
7.More intense hurricanes
8.Increased soil erosion
9.less water in many water scarce regions;
10.increased demand for energy for space cooling because of higher summer
temperatures
11.reduced crop yields in tropical areas leading to an increased risk of hunger
• Threats to human health
1.Deaths
2.Spread of insect-borne diseases
3.Exacerbate respiratory illnesses
4.Spread of disease like malaria and dengue
5.an increased risk of extinction of 20 to 30 % of all plant and animal species
6.Worsening air quality - Higher emission of hydrocarbons, volatile organic
compounds Ground-level ozone, smog Asthma attacks, worsens breathing
problems
What are the likely effects of climate change?

Climate research and worst-case climate model projections indicate that rising
atmospheric temperatures will likely lead to the following effects within this century:

 Floods in low-lying coastal cities from a rise in sea levels
 More severe drought
 More intense and longer-lasting heat waves
 More destructive storms and flooding
 Forest loss and increased forest fires
 Extinction of species
 Changes in the where we can grow food.
These effects will likely reduce food security and increase poverty and social
conflict in many poorer nations that are the least responsible for atmospheric warming
and the least able to deal with its harmful consequences.
Miller. G.T. and Spoolman, S. (2019). Environmental Science. 16th Ed. Cengage. Boston,
MA.
Major impacts of climate change in the Philippines
Increase in temperature. Key Impacts include increased Heat stress, risks to

biodiversity, increase in energy demand, risk to water security (quality/availability) and
risk to food security.
Increased Extreme Rainfall. Key impacts include risks to flooding, risks of

landslide, risks to urban drainage, and transport disruption.
Strong Cyclones. Key impacts include more intense tropical cyclones, pose risks
to national infrastructure and to poorly designed houses, risk to transport and
communication disruption, and risk to agriculture food security.
Sea Level Rise. Key impacts include coastal inundated areas will have a wider
extent inland due to storm surges.
Climate change is as much a social and moral issue as it is an environmental issue.

Its far-reaching effects will touch all of us in some way. The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) a group of over 2,500 leading scientists from around the world
are now predicting a rise in globally‐averaged temperatures by the end of this century.
With these changes in temperatures, scientists are predicting that we Filipinos will
experience more extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heat waves,
earthquakes further water shortages and more intense bushfires.
The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report stated that it is now very likely that most of
the observed increase in globally‐averaged temperatures in the last 50 years is
attributable to human activities.
The current climate change that the world is experiencing has historically been
caused by those wealthy countries as they have developed and controlled much of poor
countries’ economies. However, the people who stand to lose the most are people in

impoverished countries like us in the Philippines, who have historically contributed least
to the problem. Furthermore, we lack the financial resources to cope adequately with the
problem. The deep injustice of wealthy countries’ actions and the disproportionate effect
to poor countries will have a great impact on its people. Thus, it requires a moral and
ethical response.
Climate change is becoming increasingly common in Philippines resulting in a

huge effect and damages in agriculture sector in various parts of the country. Climate
change and its effects showed considerable variability across the world. It is considered
as the most critical global challenge of the century, which predicted that the global
temperatures will increase further between 1.4 and 5.8°C by 2100. However, most of the
poorest countries and their people are likely to suffer the earliest because of their low
adaptive capacity and dependence on agriculture, which is highly reliant on climatic
factors. Agriculture and food security are key sectors for intervention under climate
change. Agricultural production is highly vulnerable even to 2°C (lowend) predictions for
global mean temperatures, with major implications for rural poverty and for both rural and
urban food security.
Moreover, climate change will hinder agricultural productivity growth. It is expected

to change agricultural productivity by affecting cropping calendars, yield quality and
levels, the proliferation of pests and incidence of diseases, livestock and fisheries
production, and infrastructure. Despite all this, the Philippine Government has taken
major steps in addressing climate change vulnerability and impacts through an ambitious
policy and institutional framework that focuses on food security, resilience building, and
disaster risk reduction. It is seen that by 2050 climate change and variability is estimated
to cost the Philippine economy approximately PHP 26 billion yearly. In fact, the Philippine
Government crafted the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change. It is committed
towards ensuring and strengthening the adaptation of natural ecosystems and human
communities to climate change. In the process, the Framework aspires to chart a cleaner
development path for the Philippines, highlighting the mutually beneficial relationship
between climate change mitigation and adaptation. As a matter of principle, the
Framework aggressively highlights the critical aspect of adaptation meant to be translated
to all levels of governance alongside coordinating national efforts towards integrated
ecosystem-based management which shall ultimately render sector's climate-resilient. As
the world stands at the threshold of an important juncture in the history of the planet and
the international community grapples for a lasting global solution to the climate crisis, the
threats to humans and nature have become unprecedented. The international community
stands at a point where even the most aggressive and immediate actions to mitigate
climate change will not stop the impacts at least for the next half of this century. While
deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions may buy time for human and natural systems to
adapt in the decades ahead, human and natural systems have begun to reel from the
unfolding impacts. The aim of this national process is to build a roadmap that will serve
as the basis for a national program on climate change and establish an agenda upon
which the Philippines would pursue a dynamic process of determining actions through the
National Climate Change Action Plan process.

In the Philippines, the most affected sectors are agriculture, water, health, biodiversity,
ecosystems, power and energy, and others.
What could be the possible adaptation methods?
Climate Change Adaptation - response to climate change that seeks to reduce

the vulnerability of social and biological systems to climate change effects.
Disaster Risk Reduction - systematic approach to identifying, assessing and
reducing the risks of disaster
What are the possible adaptation measures?
1. Legislative Proposals: (Framework)
• The achievement of significant increase in renewable energy-based capacity as

follows:
–50% from 2008 to 2013; and
–50 % from 2013 to 2020
• The identification of the most vulnerable communities / areas to the extreme
impacts of climate change;
• The conduct of local risk and vulnerability assessments for the purpose of
identifying options and selecting appropriate adaptation measures for adoption as
joint priority projects of the national and local governments
• Research, development and extension initiatives;
• Local database development and vulnerability assessment;
• Capacity building for DENR, other national agencies, and their regional
counterparts;
• Training of vulnerable communities;
• Facilitation of local adaptation programs for priority vulnerable areas and
communities;
• Promotion of incentive schemes, rules and regulations for accelerated preferential
use of renewable energy sources; and
• Advocacy for and monitoring of the inclusion of climate risk management costs in
the national and local plans, budgets and permitting systems of relevant
government offices
2. Climate Change Commission

• monitor the implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999;
• recommend legislation, policies, programs and budgets on global warming or
climate change adaptation and mitigation;
• disseminate climate change information to the general public and to the
government;
• represent the Philippine Government in all international and regional meetings,
conferences and/or conventions concerning climate change; and
• keep under review all unratified international environmental treaties

3. Fiscal incentives for greenhouse gas emission reduction and carbon sequestration
projects and activities
• tax [free] and importation of machinery, equipment and materials;
• tax credit on domestic capital equipment;
• real estate tax exemption;
• value-added tax exemption; and.
• income tax holiday and exemption.
What could be the possible mitigation methods?
Climate Change Mitigations - actions to limit the magnitude and/or rate of long-
term CC
What are the possible mitigation measures?
1. Energy
• improve energy efficiency and conservation;
• modernizing utilities;
• reducing losses in transmission and distribution; and
• use of renewable energy sources.
2. Agriculture
• reducing methane emissions in rice cultivation;
• providing training and dissemination of information on mitigating methane
emissions;
• improving water management;
• improving collection, use and storage of organic waste; and
• using animal waste for energy production.
3. Land-Use Change and Forestry

• conserving existing forest cover;
• preventing and controlling forest fires;
• creating low-impact logging; and
• improving timber utilization.
4. Waste Management
• minimizing waste at the production, distribution, consumption and disposal stages;
• recycling waste;
• improving organic waste collection, utilization and storage systems;
• improving waste water treatment; and
• using waste for energy production.
Strategies for Agricultural Resiliency against Climate Change
In order to address these future challenges, the Department of Agriculture of

Region XI should intensify its program approaches on climate change adaptation. This
may include protection and enhancement of ecosystem services to secure food and water

resources and livelihood opportunities to the whole Davao Region community. This may
also include the following strategic approaches to be prioritized in programming climate
change adaptation:
1. Strengthen convergence strategies with other agencies like the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources to reduce climate change risks and vulnerability of
natural ecosystems and biodiversity through ecosystem-based management
approaches, conservation efforts, and sustainable ENR based economic endeavors such
as ecotourism.
2. Increase the resilience of agriculture communities through the development of
climate change sensitive technologies, establishment of climate-proof agricultural
infrastructure and climate-responsive food production systems, and provision of support
services to the most vulnerable communities.
3. Improve climate change resiliency with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources through the restoration of fishing grounds, stocks and habitats and investment
in sustainable and climate change-responsive fishing technologies and products.
4. Expand investments in aquaculture and in other food production areas.
5. Strengthen the crop insurance system as an important risk sharing mechanism
to implement weather-based insurance system.
6. Strengthen sustainable, multi-sectoral and community-based resource
management mechanisms.
7. Link with the academic institution to establish a concrete programming through
inclusion of the Climate Smart Farm Business in schools, colleges and university’s
curriculum.
What needs to be done?
We need to change the way we use energy, travel and do our daily chores
1. Practice Green Economy
2. Respect, Rethink, Replenish and Restore
3. Strict implementation of environmental laws
4. Amend/Repeal irrelevant laws
5. Our environmental, economic, political, social, and spiritual challenges are
interconnected, and together we can forge inclusive solutions.
The global response to the climate change crisis will define humanity in the 21st
century.
References:
Asuncion D. Merilo, M. G. 2001. Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Strategies: The Philippine

Experience. Workshop on Good Practice Policies and Measures, Copenhagen,
Denmark.
Capili, E., A. Ibay, and J. Villarin. 2005. "Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation on
Philippine Coasts". Paper presented at the International Oceans 2005 Conference.
19-23 September 2005, Washington D.C., USA.

Department of Energy. 2005. “Renewable Energy: Energy Resources”. Online. Accessed
18 September 2008. Available at: http://www.doe.gov.ph/ER/BioOSW.htm
Habito, C.F. 2002. Climate Change and National Development. A presentation made at
the Meeting on Climate Change and National Development in the Philippines, held
on November 8, 2002 at the Justitia Room, Ateneo Professional Schools, Rockwell
Center, Makati City, Philippines.
Lasco, R. D., R. V. Gerpacio, M. R. N. Banaticla and A. G. Garcia. 2007. Vulnerability of
Natural Ecosystems and Rural Communities to Climate Change: An Assessment
of Philippine Policies and their Impacts.
Perez, R.T., L.A. Amadore and R.B. Feir. 1999. “Climate Change Impacts and Responses
in the Philippine Coastal Sector”. Climate Research. Vol. 12: 97-107
United Nations. 2007. Philippines 2006 Typhoon Appeal. Geneva, United Nations
Javier, S., Palicte C. M., Seguiro, A., and Torrentira, M. (2018). Climate change
adaptation strategies of the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region,
Philippines. International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering
Development. Vol. 1, Issue 2 pp 198-201.
Learning Activity Due on December 18, 2020
Evaluative Essay: (Paris Agreement on Climate Change)
At the Paris climate conference in 2015, countries adopted an international

agreement to address climate change that requires deeper emissions reduction
commitments from all countries—developed and developing. The agreement aims to limit
global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius while making best efforts to keep it to 1.5
degrees Celsius. Prior to the conference, countries responsible for 97 percent of global
emissions submitted their climate commitments prior to the conference. These
commitments have been enshrined in over 160 countries with domestic ratification,
acceptance, or approval. The agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016,
contains provisions to hold countries accountable to their commitments and mobilize
greater investments to assist developing countries in building low-carbon, climate-
resilient economies.
While the Paris Agreement does not “solve” climate change, it is a critical inflection
point. It brings us much closer to a safer climate trajectory and creates an ambitious path
forward for decades to come. Countries have put forth an agreement that helps
strengthen national action by ensuring that the current commitments are the floor—not
the ceiling—of ambition. The agreement will also help spur greater action by cities, states,
provinces, companies, and financial institutions. The Paris Agreement has created a
virtuous cycle of increased ambition over time.
Source: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/paris-agreement-climate-change
Full Content of the Paris Agreement may be downloaded on the following link:
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/what-is-the-paris-agreement
Or you may scan the QR Code below using your android/IOS phone for automatic access
of the document.
Questions:
1. What is the commitment of the Philippines to the Paris Climate Agreement? (you
may search in the internet for other details)
2. What should be the first step of the Philippine government to materialize this
commitment?
3. What do you think is the responsibility of developed countries in augmenting
climate change?
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Dissertation View project

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Finally, an understanding of biological and ecological principles and their application

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 2 | page

Qualifications: AB Philosophy, Ateneo de Davao University

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 3 | page

Premier Research University in the ASEAN.

1. Recognized ASEAN Research University

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 5 | page

CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL THINKING SKILLS

Demonstrates creativity, innovativeness, and intellectual curiosity in optimizing available resources to

CORE VALUES OF THE UNIVERSITY

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 6 | page

Understanding Environment and

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

Environment means the surrounding external conditions influencing development or

Environment can be defined as the circumstances or conditions that surround an

The environment consists of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and the

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 7 | page

Elements of the Environment

Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and

What is environmental science?

Awareness in the field of environmental sciences is becoming a global talk. People

Environmental science is a study of connections in the natural environment. It is an

Environmental science is concerned with changes wrought by human activities, and

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 8 | page

The science of environment studies is a multi-disciplinary science because it

Issues in the Environment

Rapid population growth. Human populations have grown at an alarming rates in

Poverty. The poverty and environmental degradation have a connection between

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 9 | page

Need to Ground water. It is essential of rationalizing the use of groundwater. Factors

Degradation of Land. Worldwide record of degradation of the condition of land has

Reduction of Genetic Diversity. Proper measures to conserve genetic diversity

Consequences of Urbanization. Nearly 27 per cent Indians live in urban areas.

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 10 | page

Deforestation and threat to biodiversity. Deforestation of tropical forests, coral

Improper disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Mountains of solid and

Allaby, M. (2000). Basics of environmental science. Routledge. New York, NY.

Learning Activity: Due on August 14, 2020

Who are responsible for these environmental issues you see?

How do you think these issues should be addressed?

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 11 | page

The State of Environment and Natural Resources

By the end of the introduction, the student will be able to:

 Define environmental resource;

Conversely, the Philippine environment and natural resource sector is generally

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 12 | page

Deforestation and the associated conversion of upland land to agriculture degrades

Agriculture and Croplands

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 13 | page

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

The most tangible and direct economic impact of environmental degradation of

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 14 | page

Urban water pollution is caused primarily by the inappropriate disposal of household

Costs of Environmental Degradation

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 15 | page

1. What are some of the causes of degradation of natural resources?

Torrentira, Moises Jr. C. Course Module GE Elective: Environmental Science 16 | page

Protected Areas in the Philippines