Philippines

The National Environmental Awareness and Education Act promotes national awareness of the importance of environmental education for sustainable national development in the Philippines. This policy mandates that environmental education be integrated into school curricula at all levels, and that students are provided with a core curricular foundation in environmental issues and laws, the state of international and local environmental policy, citizens' responsibilities to participate in environmental behavior, and sustainable development. The Philippines also fosters participation in environmental behavior through national awareness events and national programs that encourage the greening of schools, communities, offices and industries.

National Legislation

The Republic Act No. 9512, or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, articulates that the state shall promote national awareness of the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national development. It established November as the Philippines’ National Environmental Awareness Month.

EE in K-12 Education

In 2009, in response to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the Philippines began a program called the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools (view National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools video here). The program is part of the roadmap for implementing the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 recognizes schools for integrating environmental education into their instruction, administration, and programs. Its goals include encouraging schools/academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level and developing skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators in initiating active responses and increasing community awareness and participation on environmental concerns. In addition, the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan 2014-2018, which includes the Philippines as a collaborator, articulates as a strategic action the enhancement of awareness on environmental issues among the education community through structured EE/ESD learning and experiences.

Professional Development

Section 7 of the Republic Act No. 9512, or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, states that the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will collaborate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to implement capacity-building programs in environmental education. These include trainings, seminars, workshops, environmental education materials development, and teacher education courses.

Professional Associations

EE in the National Government