DENR secretary lauds law on environmental protection

01/07/2009

Saying that “starting them young” is the best way to instill environmental awareness among the next generations of Filipinos, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza yesterday lauded President Arroyo’s signing into law Republic Act 9512 which will now require all public and private schools to integrate environmental education in their curricula at all levels.

“This law may yet turn out to be one of this administration’s deepest and long-lasting legacies to the people in Philippine environmentalism. Republic Act 9512 is a quantum leap towards environmental awareness,” Atienza said.

The Environment chief added the DENR has been engaged in getting schools to incorporate environment-related subjects and activities into their curricula since the 1990s to mainstream environmental awareness and education in the country’s educational systems.

“Until the enactment of this law, it was all voluntary on the part of the schools. All that has been changed and we can now look forward to seeing a whole new generation of Filipinos more vigilant and enlightened about the environment than ever before,” Atienza explained.

Atienza also expressed optimism that the law would impact on efforts to save the country’s remaining forests. Growing and caring for trees, he said, is recognized as one of the most effective ways to counter newly emerging environmental threats like global warming arising from climate change.

“With RA 9512, the youth can now demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection right in the classroom and the campuses. This will empower them to make their voices heard when it comes to environmental protection,” he said.

He also said with the enactment of the law, interest in environmental studies in post-graduate courses will increase, noting that his agency has also been working to get law schools to make environmental law as a mandatory subject instead of being offered only as an elective.

Meanwhile, Atienza directed the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to intensify the monitoring of special wastes, such as used car batteries, that could pose hazards to public health and the environment.

Atienza issued the order following reports of lead poisoning in Senegal, where 18 children were killed from lead extracted from a used car battery.

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