Issues and Challenges Affecting Social Movement (Women and Environment)

Feminist aspirations have been expressed since ancient times. However, it was not until
the emergence of the women's suffrage movement in the 1840s and 1850s in the West
that feminist ideas reached a wider audience. This was also known as "first-wave
feminism."

Women's suffrage was achieved in most Western societies in the early twentieth
century. In the 1960s, “second-wave feminism"emerged. Women's suffrage is about
rights ng kababaihan na bumoto at makilahok para sa mga political issues. This strain
was more radical and sometimes revolutionary. Feminist theories and doctrines are thus
diverse, but their unifying feature is “a common desire to enhance, through whatever
means, the social role of women."

Feminism has these underlying themes:

1) that society is characterized by sexual or gender inequality, and
2) that this structure of male power can and should be overturned.

Feminism - A perspective or ideology committed to promoting the social role of women

and, in most cases, dedicated to the goal of gender equality.

4 Different Feminist Traditions

Liberal feminism tended to understand female subordination in terms of the unequal

distribution of rights and opportunities in society. Hence,this "equal-rights feminism"is
essentially reformist and concerned more with reform in the "public" sphere,i.e.,
enhancing the legal and political status of women and improving their education and
career prospects rather than reordering "private" or domestic life. In contrast,

Marxist feminism typically highlights the links between female subordination and the
capitalist mode of production, drawing attention to the economic significance of women
to a family or domestic life where they, for instance, "relieve male workers of the
burden of domestic labor, rear and help to educate the next generation of capitalist
workers, and act as a reserve army of labor." By eradicating social classes, sexism will
be eliminated. But Marxist feminism was challenged in the 1970s by socialist feminism.

Socialist Feminism - The latter tradition concluded that women's oppression is not
due to capitalism and economic class relations alone, although they are significant
sources of oppression. Gender relations are equally important in determining women's
status.
Radical Feminism - Still taking the feminist discourse further, radical feminism
believes that gender divisions are the most fundamental and politically significant
cleavages in society. All societies, past or present, are characterized by patriarchy,
where males control females. Thus radical feminists proclaim. the need for sexual
revolution that will restructure personal,domestic and family life.

As feminist movements interact with global and local developments, feminist theories
have increasingly been linked with other issues and ideas, hence producing other
variants of feminism.

Ecofeminism - For instance, ecofeminism locates the origin of the ecological crisis in
the system of male power or patriarchy, where men are less sensitive than women to
natural processes and the natural world.

Ecofeminism is a belief that there are connections between the way women are treated
and the way the environment is treated, often attributing both to patriarchal and
exploitative systems It seeks to address gender and environmental issues together for
a more equitable and sustainable world.

Black feminism - meanwhile, is situated in antiracist activities. In contrast to white

women, black feminists see race, class, and gender exploitation as intersecting in their
lives.

Third-world feminism - for its part, seeks to challenge the universalizing language of
the Western feminists and developmental state discourses about women, the state, and
the struggle.

Third-world feminism struggles for female equality existing outside the western
countries, specifically in the developing ones. Western feminist discourses consider
third-world women as unenlightened, less powerful, exploited, sexually harassed, and
illiterate.

Women-in-development (WID) Approach - An approach used by development

agencies from the 1970s and 1980s. It assumes that the neglect of women could be
remedied and their situation improved by including or integrating them in development
projects and programs.
Gender and development (GAD) Approach - A critique of the WID approach; a
development approach that looks at the roles and needs of both women and men and at
how these are interrelated, and thus lessens the risk of marginalizing women.

Gender Mainstreaming - A global strategy adopted in 1995 in Beijing for achieving

gender equality. This describes efforts to scrutinize and reinvent processes of policy
formulation and implementation across all issue areas and at all levels from a
gender-differentiated perspective to address and rectify persistent and emerging
disparities between men and women.

Globally, women's movements have also devised creative means of pushing for
women's issues and causes. For instance, after the 1985 Third World Watch was
formed to monitor, analyze, and encourage reforms in accordance with the 1976 UN
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
In preparation for the Rio Summit in 1992, the Women's Environment and Development
Organization (WEDO) formed a parallel forum, the Women's Caucus, which analyzed
developments at the Rio Summit and lobbied at the summit. Still another effort was the
Global Tribunal on Violation of Women's Rights, which was a dramatic mechanism of
bringing women's testimonies to the world stage.

Comparing women in Asia, it is observable that Filipino women are the most liberated
and one of the most empowered. It is based on statistical comparisons ( using the
Gender-Related Development Index (GDI) & Gender-Empowerment Measure (GEM)
from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ). And some historical and
cultural traditions also support this observation. For example some traditions and
cultures in some countries in Asia that was not practiced lr we are not doing here in the
Philippines, like the bound feet or foot binding in China, bride-burning in India, and
walking several steps behind a man in Japan. But despite these so-called advantages
of Filipino women, with the closer inspection or closer observation of the actual situation
of women, it shows that gender inequalities and discrimination against women do exist
in Philippine Society.

Context and issues confronting Filipino women

In terms of population, the 2000 data of the National Statistics Office (NSO) show that
there were slightly more men (38,524,267 or 50.4 percent) than women (37,979,810 or
49.6 percent). In terms of households, the percentage of female-headed households
has been increasing from 10 percent in 1970 to 12.2 percent in 2000.
In education, the Philippines ranks very high in terms of literacy and other educational
indicators. And there are no marked differences or inequalities in the educational status
between Filipino men and women compared to other developing countries because
there is no general discrimination of girls in terms of education.
The participation of women in terms of labor and employment shows what is observed
in education. Filipinas have been joining the labor force due to economic necessity and
as a response to economic opportunities. And with that women managers rose from 33
percent in 1995 to 59 percent in 2003.

The continuing labor migration flow to other countries has also affected Filipino women.
The NSO's 2002 Survey on Overseas Filipinos shows that there were more male
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) (52.5 percent) than female OFWS (47.5 percent). But
the number of female OFWs has been steadily increasing through the years. Behind
these numbers or figures, Filipino women are also victims of trafficking in and violence
against migrant workers. According to GABRIELA, a women's advocacy NGO
(non-governmental organization), 5,000 Filipino mail-order brides enter the United
States every year. (A mail-order bride is a woman who lists herself in catalogs and is
selected by a man for marriage.) Beyond all these figures on population, households,
education, labor and employment, violence against women is increasingly becoming an
issue. Based on reported cases alone, in the first semester of 2002, the Philippine
National Police (PNP) recorded 4,190 cases of violence against women. Of this total, 67
percent were cases of physical abuse/wife battering (violent acts—psychological, sexual
and/or physical assault—) 11.9 percent were rape cases, and 7.9 percent were acts of
lasciviousness. And during the first half of 2003, DSWD served a total of 3.471 cases of
WEDC (women in especially difficult circumstances).bWherein most of the cases or
31.4 percent were on physical abuse/maltreatment and battering, While the 9.1 percent
of these WEDC cases were on sexual abuse. And on these sexual abuse, 68.1 percent
were rape cases, 29. 6 percent were on incest, and 2.2 percent were acts of
lasciviousness cases. According to the DSWD, there was a 31.5 percent increase in the
number of WEDC cases served from the first half of 2002 to the first half of 2003.

Existing policies and levels of implementation

1970 - PD 633 or the Presidential Decree 633

In 1970, the Philippines responded to the call of the UN for a decade-long effort for
women’s development. They did this through Presidential Decree (PD) 633 in 1975 by
establishing the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women. Ito ang
pinakaunang policy na naestablish in Asia. (it is a policy that ensured the full integration
of women for economic, social, and cultural development)
1980 - CEDAW
On July 15, 1980 the Philippines signed the CEDAW or the Convention on Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and was ratified on August 5, 1981.
Because of this, the Philippines is reporting regularly to the UN Commission on CEDAW
to see the progress of promoting gender equality in the Philippines. CEDAW set
principles and standards in order to achieve the equality between men and women, and
to eliminate discrimination against women in all aspects of life.

1987 Constitution - Article 2, Section 14

So in Article 2, Section 14 in the 1987 constitution, In this one, the role of women are
recognized or acknowledged when it comes to nation building and ensuring
fundamental equality of women and men before the law.
Furthermore, the Constitution also provides for women's representation in the
legislature through the party-list system.

1991 - Republic Act No. 7160

The 1991 Local Government Code (Republic Act or RA 7160) puts importance and
involves women in the process of decentralization and empowerment. In this act, it
allows and empowers women by involving women’s group, like NGO’s and people’s
organizations, in local governance processes through the local development councils
and local special bodies.

Post-1986 Congress
Women in Congress, with the support of women's groups, also promote a legislative
agenda that focuses women's concerns, this includes gender equality, women's
reproductive health, the indivisibility of women's rights and human rights, action on
various forms of violence against women, and the protection of the increasing number
of women working abroad. Women legislators also create Committee for women, and
the laws that passed in this Congress, like the most notable achievements of the
Congress which are the Women's Day Law (RA 6949) in 1990 and the Women in
Development and Nation-Building Act of 1991 (RA 7192)

Women's Day Law (RA 6949) declares March 8 as the day for celebrating women's
achievements, which aims to give recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in
our society.

Women in Development and Nation-Building Act of 1991 (RA 7192)

The intent of the Act is to promote the integration of women as full and equal partners
with men in development and nation building. It recognizes the role of women in nation
building, gives women the right to enter into contracts without having to seek their
husbands' permission, opens the Philippine Military Academy and other military and
police schools to women, and reserves for gender and development programs at least 5
percent of the budget of government departments.

There are also other legislative gains for women in post 1986 Congress, and this
includes (RA 7322, RA 7882, RA 7941, RA 8042, RA 7877, RA 8353, RA 8369, RA
8505)

Republic Act No. 7322 signed in 1992

Increasing the maternity benefits for women in the private sector
It is the increase in maternity leave benefits from 45 days to 60 calendar days for a
normal delivery and 78 days in the case of a cesarean operation)

Republic Act No. 7882 - Women in Small-Business Enterprises Act

It is hereby declared to be the objective of this Act to provide all possible assistance to
Filipino women in their pursuit of owning, operating and managing small business
enterprises.

Party-List Act (RA 7941)

Any organized group can register as a party, organization, or coalition for the party-list
system by filing a petition with the COMELEC 90 days before the election, stating their
desire to participate in the system, including sectors like labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban
poor, indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped, women, youth, veterans,
overseas workers, and professionals.

Migrant Workers-and-Overseas Filipinos. Act (RA 8042)

An act to institute the policies of overseas employment and establish a higher standard
of protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families and
overseas Filipinos in distress, and for other purposes.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877) in 1995

It is an act declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful/illegal in the Employment, Education
or Training Environment and for other purposes. This refers to any individual who has
authority to demand or request sexual favor from another, regardless of whether the
request is accepted or not.

Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353) in 1997

An Act Expanding the Definition of the Crime of Rape and Reclassifying the same as
Crime Against Persons. The law redefines rape as a crime against a person,
recognizing it as a violation of their well-being, not just their virginity or purity. This act
also redefines rape as a public offense, allowing anyone with knowledge of the crime to
file a case on the victim's behalf. The prosecution continues even if the victim drops the
case or pardons the offender.

Child and Family Courts Act (RA 8369) in 1997

Provides for the establishment of Family Courts in every province and city, which shall
include matters regarding juvenile crime, domestic violence, custody, and child abuse

Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act (RA 8505)

This act compose of rules and regulations that seek to implement declared policy of the
State to provide the necessary assistance and protection for rape survivors by the
establishment and operation of a rape crisis center in every province and city that shall
assist and protect rape survivors in the legal process of their cases and their recovery

National AIDS Policy Act in 1998.

It is the act that promotes and declares policies and prescribing measures for the
prevention and control of HIV or AIDS in the Philippines, like instituting a nationwide
HIV/AIDS information and educational program, establishing a comprehensive
HIV/AIDS monitoring system, and strengthening the Philippine National Aids Council.

Twelfth Congress (2001-2004)

In this time, the attention to women's issues and concerns decreased, the percentage of
bills that are related or pertaining to women's concerns decreased, exactly 3.5 percent.
But despite these there are laws that was passed during the 12th Congress which are
the Anti-Trafficking Act (RA 9208), the Anti-Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination
Act (RA 9231), and the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262).

Republic Act No. 9208 provides sanctuary to victims and prevents the continuous
violation of women's rights.

Republic Act No. 9231 an act providing for the elimination of the worst forms of child
labor and affording stronger protection for the working child.

Amended in Republic Act No. 7610, The State declares its policy to offer special
protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation,
discrimination, and other conditions detrimental to their development, including child
labor

Republic Act No. 9262, this law is nagpprotect sa mga kababaihan na naabuso ng
kanilang partner or asawa
Although there are laws that address women’s concern, limitations must also be
recognized, like in the Anti sexual harassment law and anti rape law. For instance, the
Anti-Sexual Harassment Law only applies to employer-employee situation sa office and
school setting but not to colleagues. And The Anti-Rape Law that is recognizing that
rape occurs within marriage but there is a forgiveness clause wherein the offender will
be acquitted if the partner forgives them.

There are also collaborative partnerships among certain national and local government
agencies, which are the academe, NGOs, and POS to address specific women's issues
and concerns. For instance, Women and Children's Desks have been established by
the PNP in every police station all over the country, and the Women and Child
Protection Units are run by the Department of Health (DOH) in many hospitals.

Issues and obstacles in implementing the gender-sensitive laws already available.

However, there are remaining issues and obstacles in implementing the
gender-sensitive laws na meron tayo sa Pilipinas. About a decade ago, Myrna Feliciano
wrote about the remaining issues and obstacles in the legal status and protection of
Filipino women. And kahit na meron ng changes and improvements when it comes to
gender equality and women’s concerns, some of the issues and obstacles mentioned by
Feliciano remain relevant today.

First, there is inadequate enforcement and monitoring of the implementation of laws

addressing women's issues. This might be related to the low priority given to women's
concerns, which is made worse by inadequate (not enough) government resources for
implementation and monitoring.

Second, there generally is a low level of consciousness on women's concerns. Despite

the rise of women politicians and leaders, there is a lack of awareness about women's
concerns, leading to biased appointments, traditional jobs, and limited access to justice.
This is largely due to a lack of information on laws and regulations. Therefore, ongoing
gender information and literacy campaigns by government agencies, academia, NGOs,
and POS are crucial for empowering Filipinos towards gender equality.

Third, reports on the rate of incidence of forms of violence against women, e.g., rape,
domestic violence, sexual harassment, incest, prostitution, etc., are still inaccurate.
Despite the increasing number of women reporting violence against them because of
the support and encouragement of women's groups, progressive legal groups, and
government agencies. Concerned groups should also continue to focus on the culture of
silence that surrounds violence against women.
Fourth, while trafficking in and prostitution of women are prohibited by laws and
tradition, the problem continues amidst precarious sociopolitical conditions and high
unemployment. Despite having such laws and policies na related and prohibits human
trafficking and prostitution, this problem still continues and the precarious sociopolitical
and high unemployment is making this issue worse. For example, young women from
rural areas that lack skills to compete in urban and foreign markets often occupy
low-paying, marginalized (insignificant) jobs. And addressing these issues requires also
addressing the socio political and economic conditions that cause women to be victims.
Therefore, despite the existence of a number of progressive laws and initiatives
recognizing women's rights and equal role in society, the struggle for genuine gender
equality and mainstreaming continues. The persistent issues confronted by women in
different spheres of society discussed previously prove that there are still many
obstacles to full achievement of gender equality.

The passage outlines the political involvement of various women's groups in the
Philippines, particularly during the Marcos dictatorship and post-EDSA People Power
Revolution. It highlights the formation of the Kababaihan Para sa Inang Bayan (KAIBA)
party in 1986, its challenges, and the later institutionalization of the party-list system in
1998. Women's groups like Abanse! Pinay and GABRIELA achieved representation in
Congress, contributing to Philippine politics. Despite significant contributions, the text
emphasizes that more work is needed to attain gender equality, implement
women-focused legislation, secure a women's vote, and unify women's groups as a
potent political force.

The passage discusses the limited participation of Filipino women in politics and
governance, emphasizing their continuous efforts to influence decision-making. It
provides a table detailing the representation of women in the Philippine Congress from
1987 to the present, showing a gradual increase. Additionally, it mentions the historical
appointment of women to head specific ministries during Martial Law and the
post-Marcos era. The data reveals a slight improvement in the number of women
cabinet members, but their percentage does not surpass 17 percent. Overall, the text
underscores the ongoing challenges for women in achieving substantial representation
and leadership roles in Philippine politics.

The concept of sustainable development emerged in the 1970s, gaining prominence

after the United Nations Conference on Human Environment in 1972. This conference,
held in Stockholm, stressed the need to integrate environmental concerns into
development planning. Sustainable development became a strategic approach to
harmonize environmental and developmental goals, aiming to address global urgency
and make these considerations integral to state and international planning processes.

Women's involvement in Philippine politics spans various types of groups, both

issue-oriented and election-oriented, with roots dating back to the Spanish period.
Despite diverse origins, these groups shared common goals such as women's
education, service delivery, campaigning, and protesting against governing authorities.
Notably, the Logia de Adopción, founded in 1893, and the women's bureau of the
Katipunan played vital roles in the Philippine revolutionary movement against Spain.
Throughout history, women's groups lacked a single ideology but contributed
significantly to empowering women. The American period saw the formation of groups
primarily focused on delivering essential services and addressing women's concerns.

In the late 1980s, the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland
Commission) popularized sustainable development, defining it as meeting present
needs without compromising future generations. This concept gained momentum with
the 1987 report "Our Common Future" and further flourished after the 1992 Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Governments, including the Philippines, adopted sustainable
development in their policies, aiming for a balance between economic growth and
environmental preservation. While criticized for not being entirely "green," sustainable
development required a shift in policy frameworks, promoting increased public
participation in shaping policies. In the Philippines, this shift occurred in 1989, aligning
with the belief that democratization could empower the public to contribute to
sustainable development.

Women's groups in the Philippines during the American period, influenced by

liberal-democratic structures, were primarily composed of middle- and upper-class
women. Notable organizations like the Asociación de Damas de la Cruz Roja and Liga
Femenina de la Paz aimed at humanitarian services and pacification campaigns. The
Asociacion Feminista Filipina, founded in 1905, focused on social services, prison and
education reforms, and women's appointments in governance. The Society for the
Advancement of Women, later named Club Damas de Manila, addressed suffrage
causes but transformed into a social welfare group. The National Federation of
Women's Clubs became a key suffrage movement from 1921 to 1937. Women's groups
during the American period were linked to political parties, serving as auxiliaries during
elections. Martial Law saw government-organized women's groups, and in the late
1970s, the NCRFW and National Organization of Women were formed to assess
women's roles and tap their development potentials.
The Policy Environment

The Philippine state’s full control and supervision of the country’s natural resources in
mandated by Article 2 , Section 2, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that:

All lands of the public domain, water, minerals, coal, petroleum and other mineral oils,
all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forest or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and
natural resources are owned by the states. With the Ed exception of agriculture lands,
all other natural resources shall not be alienated. The exploration, development and
utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the
states. Because the state is both steward and manager of the Philippines environment,
it has to come up with policies that would ensure the proper utilization, management,
and protection of the country’s natural resources. Furthermore, the government
commitment to achieve sustainable development must be manifested through the
policies it implements.

Several government agencies are involved in environmental management and

protection. The Department of Agriculture (DA) implements soil conservation programs
and measures to protect the marine ecosystem and regulates the use of pesticides and
fertilization. The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for environmental sanitation
and health , while the Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) for the
construction of flood-control systems, sewerage systems and garbage disposal sites.
The Philippine coast guard enforces Laws on Marine pollution while the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) undertakes environmental research. However, the
principal government agency tasked with protection of the country’s environmental and
natural resources is the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).
Executive order 192 issued by President Corazon C. Aquino on June 10, 1987,
mandated the DENR “as the primary government agency responsible for the
conservation , Management development and proper use of the country's environment
and natural resources including those in reservation water shelled areas and land of
public domain as well as the licensing and regulations of the natural resources
utilization.

The following objectives serve as the basic for fallacy formulation to accomplish the
DERN mandate.
1. Assure the availability and sustainability of the country's natural resources.
2. Increase the productivity of natural resources.
3. Enhance the contribution of natural resources for achieving natural development and
ecological integrity.
4. Remote equitable access to natural resources.
5. Maintain a desirable level of environmental quality.
6. Conserve specific terrestrial and marine areas representative of the Philippines
natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

The DERN is headed by the secretary of Environment and Natural Resources. At

present the DENR secretary is assisted by 5 under secretary who are each assigned to
key functional offices. The functional offices are as follows.
1.Management and technical services
2. Policy, Planning, Research and Legislative Affairs
3. Lands
4. Environment and forestry
5. Mining and legal affair

They are authentic assistant secretaries who are in charge of the following offices.
1. Foreign-Assisted and special projects.
2. Policy, Planning, Research and the Legislative Affairs.
3. Environment
4. Failed Operation
5. General Legal Services
6. Muslim Affairs

The following are the staff sectoral bureau of the Department.

1. Forest Management Bureau
2. Land Management Bureau
3. Environment Management Bureau
4. Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau
5. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau
6. Mines and Geoscience Bureau

The DERN line functions are decentralized to three levels.

1. Regional level (Regional Environment and Natural Resources Offices)
2. Provincial level (Provincial Environment and Natural Resources offices or PENRO)
3. Community-level (Community Environment and Natural Resources offices or
CENRO)

Original office was established in the age of the 15 administrative regions, of the
countries. There are currently three PENRO’s and 171 CERRO’s, and eight CENRO’s
transferred to the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by virtue of
Republic Act 6733. In addition, there are also three agency corporations attached to the
DENR. These are the Natural Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA),
the Natural Resources Development Corporation, and the Laguna Lake Development
Authority (LLDA). As the primary government agency responsible for the sustainable
use of the country's natural resources, the DENR is also tasked with implementing
program that are consistent with the goal state in the Philippines is strategy for
sustainable development, which is the government's response to environment and
development issues with the purpose of reconciling the diverse and something
conflicting environmental demographic economic and natural resources-use issues. The
passage of the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC) also contributed to the creation of
a favorable policy context for environmental protection governments at the community
level. The LGC provides for the development of certain environmental functions to local
government units (LGU’s) as well as a mechanism whereby environment and natural
resources committees could be created.

Book 1 Section 26 of the LGC requires all government agency and government owned
and controlled corporations (GOCC’s) to consult with the LGU’s “ in the planning and
implementation of any project or program that may cause pollution, climate, depletion of
non renewable resources, loss of cropland, rangeland or forest cover and extinction of
animals or plant species”. Therefore, it was believed that the LGC wood allows greater
participation on the part of NGO’s and communities in the formulation and
implementation of environmental programs at the local level.

The opening of democratic space for people's participation as provided by the 1987
constitution and the 1991 LGC allow the passage of Environmental Laws, such as the
Clean Aur Act and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, through the active lobbying
of various environmental groups. Furthermore, the development of a policy
environments favorable to environmental protection can be attribute not only to
international pressures but also the active participation of environmental group in
Philippines politics. The context of democratization further the development of the
environmental movement in the 1990's
.
The Philippine Environmental Movement

In general, environmental movements in the Philippines comprises group that have

some aspects related to the theme of environmental concern or ecological stability
within their avowed statement of goal, mission, or objectives. According to Leoren,
historical trends identify the factors that have influenced the rise of the Philippines
Environmental movements.
1. The emergence of social movements developed during martial law, and immediately
thereafter assumed the form of legal organization dealing with environmental and
ecological concern.
2. Involve the process by which many conversation organizations took on a more
developmental role, there we’re not simply concerned with environmental conversation
but broadly with sustainable development. This trend has been largely influenced by the
opening of democratic space under Aquino administration as well as the significance
given to the concept of sustainable development.
3. The third trend was associated with the development of alliance building ( drain
forum, Philippine environmental action network, and the NGO’s and PO’s that
participated in the Philippine council for sustainability development processes) and the
fact that the government health process of formulating master plans attracted the
attention of a significant portion of the movement.

In particular, this had to do with the desire to make (Agenda 21) more concrete on both
national and local levels.

An additional factor in the rise of the Philippine environmental movement is the

influence of the so-called global environmental movement. Basically, the concern for the
environment surge of the attention given to this concept many Philippines groups have
included environmental desks in their offices. Funding for environmental projects is
easily accessible as developing countries prioritize environmental concern.

Environmental group began the emerged in the Philippines in 1970s the periods of
authoritarianism environmental and coalitions to protest against the development project
of the state that cost pollution and displaced communities. The first attempt to
coordinate the effort of environmental groups at the national level happened in 1979
when the first Philippines Environmental Con (FPEC) was convinced. As a result of this,
a coalition called the Philippines Federation for Environmental Concerns (PFEC) was
created. At this inception, the PFEC’S environmentalism clearly exhibited a commitment
to the politics of transformation and redistribution. The “Declaration of Environmental
Concern” passed at the FPEC said that “at the root of Environmental problems are
social economic and political system imposed upon this nation. Fish allowed greed and
exploitation to predominate over a proper respect for the well-being of present and
future generations.

A prominent environmental group that traced it beginning in the 1970s is the Haribon
foundation for the conservation of national resources or Haribon. This environmental
group was originally organized as a party of birdwatchers in 1972. The nature
appreciation society evolved into a nature conservation organization until it became a
conservation foundation involved in environmental research and advoc8 in 1983. Today
haribon aims to implement an “ integrated, multidisciplinary, participatory, and science
based approach to conversation” through its four core programs.

1. The Terrestrial Ecosystem Program

2. The Marine Ecosystem Program
3. The Institutional Participation Development Program
4. The Communications and Membership Program

Since the 1980s Haribon has been at the forefront of activities for the world wildlife fund
(WWF) and the DERN, SIGNED the first debt-for-nature swap agreement. During the
same year, Haribon launched the “ Save Palawan”. Haribon also played a significant
role in the formation of the green room which is a national network consisting of 125
organizations (among them NGO's, people's organizations, churches, and cause
oriented groups).

Other significant environmental groups and coalitions aiming for the achievement of
sustainable development were established in the 1990’s. One of these is the (PSDN) or
Philippine Sustainable Development Networks, which was incorporated in 1993 and
composed of organizations actively involved in the pursuit of sustainable development.
PSDN’s objective are:

1. To provide easier, more affordable and rapid access of information to users in

environmental research and educational non-government and entrepreneurial
organizations.
2. To develop simple cost-effective and recyclable information networking of individuals
and organizations in sustainable development.

Environmental NGOs also pushed for the concrete of the (PCSD) or PHILIPPINE
COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, a multi-sectoral body which aims to
put sustainable development in the map and consciousness of government planners.
President Fidel Ramos approve establishment of the PCSD which attempts to bring into
the government’s development plants a concern for the environment.