MODULE VI ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Introduction

Environmental Education has been introduced in the Philippine

Educational System for several years, but has never been properly and
strongly addressed to all as to ensure functional and sustainable
environmental progress and development.
The goal of this environmental education is to have an
environmentally literate and responsible citizenry who will ensure the
progress and development shall be protected and preserved for the
survival and stability of life here on earth.

Environmental Education Defined:

• A process of teaching and learning, helping people to acquire

understanding, skills and values that makes them active and
informed citizens in the development and maintenance of
ecological, sustainable and socially just and humane society.
• Contextualizing environmental issues, problems and concerns
with the physical, biological, social, economic, historical and
cultural imperatives of the Philippines.

Environmental Issues, Problems and Concerns

Worldwide in both developed and underdeveloped countries,

environmental issues, problems and concerns are among the most
significant concerns facing people and its governments. These pressing
issues, problems and concerns include among others are population
explosion, unabated poverty, bloated hunger, wanton deforestation,
environmental pollution in land, water and air, waste management,
extinction of wild life.
There are risks associated with all these problems affecting almost
all phases of human endeavour. Living in a polluted environment as
man fails to manage it, there is no escape we have to pay the price. The
ever-increasing human and animal pollution cause environmental
degradation and over exploitation of the natural resources. Thus the
“Mother Earth” faced these problems nationally, internationally and
globally. The solutions to these pressing issues, problems and concerns
are so enormous and limited.
There seemed to have exerted the best of its effort to save our
unique planet Earth, but at this point in time, people continue to suffer
and threaten with unsurmountable pollution in land, water, air and
even noise pollution, especially in a highly civilized and industrialized
countries, as well as in metropolitan cities.

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Ecosystems in the Philippines

Biodiversity in the Philippines is unique. This many of the life

forms (plants and animals) that are found in our country cannot be
found nowhere else in the world, except the Philippines. A key to
understanding this uniqueness is the knowledge of the niches, habitats
and ecosystems where these plants and animals are located.

A – Agricultural Ecosystem

Agriculture is said to be the “backbone” of the country’s

economy, since most Filipinos are subservient to farming. They depend
to a large extent on agriculture for sustenance and survival. Natural
farming and tilling the soil from sunrise to sunset and from dawn to
dusk, using high yielding varieties of rice and corn to preserve
environmental ecosystem. Using chemicals and fertilizers threatens the
soil’s capability to recycle nutrients and good materials for plants.
Besides, chemical depleted soil fertility, and they are as well as
overburdening our famers as they are too expensive.

B – Coral Reef Ecosystem

The Philippines has some of the richest and most diverse coral
reefs in the world. If left undisturbed, the animal populations of the reef
will increase a number. The reefs provide recreation and tourism
opportunities due to its magnificent beauty. Hence, taking good fair of
the coral reef ecosystem is extremely essential.

C – Freshwater Ecosystem

Water is life. All living things depend so much on it. Clean water
means clean water ecosystem in its entirety. Once the body of water is
polluted, the living things will eventually die and those who depend
solely on them their lives will be affected. And eventually, human beings
will similarly suffer as their life depends on water for drinking, bathing
and washing clothes and other cleaning activities.

D – Forest Ecosystem

A healthy and stable forest ecosystem is “productive.”

Productivity means efficient and effective use of the natural resources
or materials available in the system without external inputs like
fertilizers, pesticides, harmful chemicals, artificial lights and others,
without leaving behind any adverse effects to all life forms.

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 The importance of forest ecosystem

1. They are habitats for all diverse species

2. They provide raw materials for pharmaceutical products
3. They provide raw materials for breeding high-yielding
strains like banana, avocado, cashew, cacao, palm oil,
rubber, coffee and others.

Forest also prevent soil erosion and flood. They absorbed water
from existing trees supply water to the creeks, streams and rivers so that
they never run dry. Some of these water go down to the soil layer to
form underground water wells and springs which supply potable and
drinking water to nearby communities. Forests help stabilize the climate
by regulating the evaporation of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,
thus maintaining the earth’s temperature.

E Marginal Ecosystem

Marginal ecosystems are people-induced ecosystems. Usually

occurring in the circumference of other ecosystems, these are converted
systems of forests, croplands, and coastal areas.

F Mangrove Ecosystem

Mangrove ecosystems are located in brackish water and muddy

portion of the coastline where freshwater from the rivers and saline
water from the seas meet. Mangrove plants which considered people
as less valuable, can be made into charcoal. Mangrove ecosystems
provide food and shelter for various marine organisms from its prop
roots (roots emerge from the water up and are toward the water to
throw bottom soil, forming umbrella-like structures). Mangrove also
provide physical barriers from storm, and prevent soil erosion and
pollutants.

G Sea-grass Ecosystem

Sea-grass ecosystems are called “meadows of the sea.” They are

the sources of food for plant-eating sea animals like sea-cows or dugong,
sea urchin, turtles, and other fishes. Ducks and geese also eat on the
exposed beds during low tide. In this manner, the energy produced by
sea-grass from photosynthesis is passed on to other organisms.
The shady effect of sea-grass protects the organisms from strong
sunlight and temperature, as well as salinity fluctuations. Sea-grass acts
as nurseries for fry and fingerlings and ensure sustainability of fish
production.

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 H Soft-bottom Ecosystem

This ecosystem is found in the open seas beyond light penetration

from a depth of about 50 meters up to more than 10,000 meters deep.

I Urban Ecosystem

This ecosystem refers to the loci of human activities. In an

urbanized place, street patterns exit, town hall, church and market,
public plaza, schools, hospitals and other similar institutions and
establishments existing. Population is one indicator of urban ecosystem.
As the population increases, poverty rate also increases. Since the
consumption of natural resources is increased, the system’s capacity to
produce supplies is also reduced.

POLLUTION

Pollution is defined as the altercation of our surroundings, wholly

or largely as a product of man’s actions, through direct or indirect effects
of changes in every pattern of chemical and physical constituent of
organisms. It is the change in the environment that makes it impure or
unclean. Usually the changes are toxic, poisonous therefore harmful to
all forms of life processes. It occurs when waste products are added to
the environment. Pollutants can be solids, liquids, and gases. Pollutants
are everywhere in land, water and air.

Classification and Sources of Air Pollution

1.Air Pollution

The problem of air pollution has become a worldwide

phenomenon. If left unabated, it can cause major health problem
and even death. In Metro Manila, air pollution has reached the
alarming levels with a total suspended particles (TSP) is as much
as five times greater than the World Health Organization standard
of particulate matters of 10 microns (PM 10), and the lead levels
are even higher as two (2) times than the guidelines.
Air pollution is defined as physical and chemical altercation
of the properties of air, which is harmful to human health,
vegetation and animals as well.

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 • Major Types of Air Pollution

a) Outdoor Pollution is a type of pollution derived from the

mixture or collection of additional loads of chemicals
produced by natural components of the atmosphere
thereby, producing harmful effects to the living things in
the ecosystem.

The following are the major sources of outdoor pollution

• Burning of fossil fuels for power consumption

• Photo-chemicals and industrial smog
• Volcanic eruptions which emit sulphur dioxide and suspended
particulates
• Forest fires, and slash and burn of tress called “kaingin”
• Evaporation of volatile organic compounds from decaying
organic matter
• Natural radioactive 222-gas from uranium deposits

The chemical substances from varieties of sources contribute to air

pollution. These are nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and organic
compounds that can evaporate and enter the atmosphere.

b) Indoor Air Pollution – is a type of pollution derived from

the accumulation or build up of chemicals inside the
office, building, houses, school, commercial center are
detrimental to health.

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution is responsible for the major health problems. Every

year, the health of countless people is ruined and endangered by air
pollution.

Damage of Human Health

• Overloading and degrading of the body’s defense mechanisms

• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema (rupture of lung air sacs)
• Lung cancer
• Damage of plants that lead to dehydration and inhibition of
photosynthesis
• Damage to materials like discoloration of clothing materials
and cars
• Depletion of ozone layer * Increased global warming

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Air Pollution Solution

Air pollution because of its disastrous effects need to be curbed.

In order to accomplish this, government entities, scientists and
environmentalists are using or testing a variety of methods aimed at
reducing pollution. There are two (2) main types of air pollution
control.

• Input Control – involves preventing a problem before its

occurrence, or at least limiting the chilling effects the process
will produce. There are five (5) major input control methods
that are essentially useful.

1. Restrict population growth

2. Use less energy
3. Improve energy deficiency
4. Reduce waste and
5. Move to non-polluting renewable forms of energy
production

• Output Control – this method of control seeks to fix the

problems caused by air pollution. This means cleaning up an
area that has been damaged by air pollution. This is more
expensive than the input control.

Air pollution has indeed become a serious problem. With this

efforts have been made to address this problem. The passage of the
“Clean Air Act” of 1999, is a milestone of success that provide
comprehensive and integrated policy for air quality management. The
National Ambient Air Quality Values had been set in the law to protect
health, safety and the general welfare of people in our society.
These are routinely reviewed by the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental
Management Bureau (EMB), in coordination with other concerned
agencies and sectors of the community.

• The Clean Air Act (From the Primer on the Clean Air Act
of DENR)
Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean
Air Act, is a comprehensive air quality management policy and program
that aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. The
guiding principles of the Clean Air Act (CAA), provide that the state
shall:

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 • Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature;
• Promote and protect the global environment while
recognizing the primary responsibility of local government
units to deal with environmental problems;
• Recognize that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and
environment is primarily area –based;
• Recognize that the clean and healthy environment is for the
good of all and should, therefore, be the concern of all.

• Coverage of the Clean Air Act (CAA)

o All potential source of air pollution like mobile, point and

area sources, must be within the air quality standards.

o Mobile sources refer to vehicles like automobiles, cars, trucks,

buses, jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles and vans.

o Point sources refer to stationary sources such as industrial

firms and the smoke stacks of power plants, hotels and other
establishments

o Area sources refer to sources of emissions other than above

mentioned, and to include among others are smoking area,
burning of garbage and dumpsites, form of construction,
unpaved ground, etc.

What the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) can do to

help clean the air?

The CWTS students can conduct information campaign related to

the “Clean Air Act” informing the people in the community on how to
help clean the air.

• For vehicle owners and motorists:

- Maintain vehicle by changing oil regularly (every after

5,000 km)
- Keep the engine well-tuned based on 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 the speed required by traffic regulations
and road conditions

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 • For commuters:

- Try talking to the jeep, bus, tricycle driver about the high
health risks of poor vehicle maintenance and improve
driving practices
- Patronize the mass transit such as buses, trains (MRT, LRT)

• For Office Workers

- Reduce use of air conditioners

- Make sure that lights are energy efficient
- Use your company vehicles wisely
- Use natural lighting by opening window curtains at daytime

• At Home

- Use low watt bulbs or energy saving light

- Limit the use of air condition units for a few degree higher
- Don’t burn garbage
- Avoid using aerosols
- Properly dispose refrigerant, refrigeration equipment and
use of coolant

• For everyone

- Talk to people on what they can do about pollution

- Report those smoke-belchers to LTO, MMDA, and / or the
appropriate local government units in your area
- Walk or ride in mass transit transportation
- If possible stop burning of garbage in your community
- Plant trees around the community
- Don’t smoke anywhere in public places

2. Water Pollution

Is defined as the physical or chemical change in the surface and /

or ground of water caused by pollutants that affect all living organisms.
Water pollution is intensified by the increasing population.

a) Major Sources of Water Pollution

• Point Source – a source of pollution that discharges pollutants

into bodies of water to a specific locations

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 • Non-point Source – a source of pollution that are widely
scattered and discharges pollutants over a seemed boundless
sea.

b) Causes of water pollution

The dumping of sewage, sludge, garbage and even toxic wastes

and pollutants from residences, large industries, and even government
into the water makes it polluted, yet the government does not care so
much or give priority attention to it. This problem has arisen from the
very beginning and, still continuously keep pestering in our
surroundings. If this remains unabated, many living species, including
humans and its ecosystem will come to an end.

c) Effects of Water Pollution

Both government and non-government programs and projects

are implemented and are carried out to clean up waterways, like the
“Clean Air Act” and industries are beginning to reduce waste disposal
from water and making of biodegradable products.

3. Solid Waste / Land Pollution

This type of pollution refers to the presence of any solid wastes

in land that is injurious to health of human beings, animals and other
living organisms. Solid waste takes up space and produces unpleasant
smells.

d) Causes of Garbage

- effects of “thrown-away and disposable society”

- over population
- over production of non-biodegradable materials
- waste materials from fast food center like Jollibee & Chow
King and large cuisine and restaurants
- school canteens
- hospital wastes & household wastes

4. Solid Wastes and Its Disposal

• Landfills – designed to reduce the amount of waste that leaks

out into the environment.
• Incineration – the process of reducing solid wastes by burning
it first. This causes the production of ash, gases, and particulates
in the air

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 • Ocean Dumping – discharge of wastes are dumped into the
ocean

The Biodegradable and the Non-biodegradable Wastes

Commercial products in the market are widely utilized non-

biodegradable products, which contribute to the growing
environmental wastes if not properly disposed and managed. Ecological
Waste Management (EWM) through zero-waste concept is primarily
concerned with maximizing opportunities and mobilizing school
resources to achieve the vision and goals of sustainable Earth and
Society through low-technology approach concept.

A. Nature of Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable

Wastes

1. Biodegradable Waste – they are compostable and can be

reused as feeds for pets and farm animals. They are
fermentable, can be used as fuel and fertilizers. Examples:
rotten vegetables and fruits, dried leaves, left-over and spoiled
foods, and others.
2. Non-biodegradable Wastes – they are factory returnable and
can serve as potential sources of livelihood and income-
generating projects. Examples are metals, bottles, plastics,
glass, etc.

B. The 4r’s of Waste Management –Guiding Principles

1. Reduce – avoid wasteful consumption of goods

2. Reuse – reuse items that are still useful instead of throwing
them out of the window
3. Recycle – is a process whereby portion of these wastes are
sorted out and used for something beneficial
4. Repair – repair reusable items being kept for sometimes, and
make them something personal, instead of being them
thrown out in the bin

Simple but Effective Ways of the 4R’s (Personal Waste

Management)

• Avoid over-packed goods

• Avoid disposable goods such as thrown-away razors, pens,
papers, and lately even disposable cameras
• Buy food in bulk and patronize products whose contents are
refillable

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 • Buy durable products
• Practice composting, yard clipping and leaves
• Patronize recycled and recyclable goods. There are several
kinds of plastics. Avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers,
often used as cooking oil and salad dressing bottles. These are
virtually non-recyclable materials. Chlorinated Polyethylene
(CPE), plastics are highly recommended instead.
• Patronize products that are made from renewable, rather than
non-renewable resources
• When buying products such as shampoos and other toiletries,
choose those with little packaging as much as possible. Avoid
products with numerous and unnecessary layers of plastics,
cardboard and Styrofoam, as they will only add to the bulk of
garbage. Choose products with reusable and recyclable
containers. Jars and tin cans can be reuse at home instead of
being thrown out as garbage.
• Recycle paper. It is one way of saving our trees. Use backslides
of used papers as scratch pad. You can also send all your used
paper to RECYCLING CENTERS. You may have one in
your neighbourhood. Share your magazines, newspaper and
comic books with your friends.

Study Guide:

Activity 1

1. Divide the class into four (4) or five (5) groups

2. Choose a leader and a rapporteur
3. Discuss your insights on the following:

- Causes of gradual loss of our natural resources. Relate these

to the security and quality of life that the people in the
community have had experienced
- Formulate a plan of action to protect, preserve and restore
our natural wealth.
4. Present your finished output creatively and exhaustively

Activity 2

1. Divide the class into four (4) or five (5) groups

2. Assign a leader and a rapporteur
3. Allow each group to discuss the causes and the adverse effects
of pollution
4. Recommend efficient and effective measures to prevent
pollution in the community
5. Present the report by group
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Activity 3

1. Group the class into four (4) or five (5)

2. Let them discuss the following topics

a) What is the status of the Solid Waste Management

Program in your community where you live?
b) How does your Local Government Units (LGU)/ or
Barangay Officials undertake programs and projects
related to waste management?
c) As a member of the community, what role will they
take to help in the proper wastes management?
d) Present their output to class through their assigned
presentors.

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