Module 4: Environmental Protection

The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship.
We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.
~ John Paul II
Overview

Human beings have become the primary agents changing the conditions on the
earth. We have done this by tapping into the energy resources buried deep in our planet.
Natural gas provides energy for us to obtain supplies and power for our modern-day
businesses. But the abuse of these natural resources has led to serious consequences for
our environment, so much that we have had to enact laws to regulate our use of our
earth’s resources, and manage our environmental impact.
It can then be concluded that Environmental Management comes down to how
we use these natural resources in a way that is sustainable and creates the less
environmental impact.

This module starts with a brief overview of environmental education and

protection, its definition, and its importance. Next, this module will also discuss the seven
principles of the environment and the related laws in environmental protection. The
module will end discussing the role of the youth in the Environmental Protection and
Management.

Upon completion of this module, you shall be able to:

• Define environmental protection and environmental management;
• Demonstrate awareness of existing laws with regards to environmental
protection; and
• Formulate an action plan that shall address the environmental concerns.
 Lesson 1: Environmental Protection and Management Introduction

Objectives:
• Define the nature of environmental protection;
• Cite the importance of studying and implementing the
principles within Environmental protection; and
• Analyze the implications of the importance of Environmental
Education in daily life.
Introduction
Environmental education is a process which is very useful to human beings in
order to manage their environment well and instill the right behavior that serves as the
key to sustainable development (Labuguen et al., 2012).

It is a learning procedure that increases people's awareness and knowledge about

the ecosystem and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and competence to
address the challenges, and develops motivations, character, and commitments to create
informed decisions and take responsible action (UNESCO, 1978).

Activity 1.1 The class plays the game “Scavenger Hunt." The teacher
will ask each student to make a list of the top 5 to 10
products they use each day.
Explanation:
SCAVENGER • once the lists have been finalized, the teacher
HUNT divides the class into four groups;
Each student needs • each group should gather the list from each
to make a list/ member for inventory;
inventory of the • the goal of this activity is to show the students that
top five to 10 they can make informed decisions by realizing their
products they use consumption patterns and the wastes that they
each day at home. create each day that contributes to environmental
problems.

Once the activity has finished, the teacher gathers the students
and discusses the following points with them. Write your answers on
Activity 1.2 the lines provided:
Your answer will be graded according to Rubric 1, found on page 80 of this module.

1. What does your list/inventory tell you about the top 5 to 10 products that you use
each day at home?
__________________________________________________________________

2 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. How do you feel? Are you saddened or overwhelmed by the result?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. How would you manage to tell your parents about the result and suggest
alternatives?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. Is there a need to change the consumption patterns?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Environmental Protection
The United Nations defines ‘Environmental protection’ as any
movement that involves maintaining or restoring the quality of
“environmental media” by avoiding the discharge of pollutants or
lessening the existence of polluting substances. It may consist of:

(a) changes in the characteristics of goods services,

(b) changes in consumption patterns,
(c) changes in technique production
(d) treatment or disposal of residuals in separate environmental protection
facilities,
(e) recycling, and
(f) prevention of degradation of the landscape and ecosystem.

It is an ethical commitment for people to secure the environment from

contamination and other activities that lead to environmental corruption. The
organization Conserve Energy Future emphasizes that environmental corruption is
extremely critical to address as it threatens animals, people, and plants' long-term well-
being.

Air and water pollution, global warming, smog, acid rain, deforestation, and
wildfires are just few of the environmental issues that we are facing right now. It is
everyone’s obligation to take care of the environment to make this planet a wonderful
place to live in. One does not need to put lots of money to “go green” instead adopt
simple changes in our daily lifestyle to reduce your impact on the environment.

Environmental Management

3 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 It consists of organizing different environmental initiatives to address various
environmental issues that dramatically affect our planet Earth. It also deals with trying to
prevent ecological disasters aiding in ecological crises and trying to find appropriate
solutions. Environmental management looks at the land, marine, and atmospheric
conditions and aims to address issues such as global warming, marine life preservation,
and deforestation.

The fundamental aim of environmental management is to make sure that we leave

the planet Earth in a healthy state for future generations and to help preserve all forms of
life. To do so, environmental managers need to take a look into the carbon footprint
produced. The Center for Sustainable Systems of the University of Michigan defines
carbon footprint as the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly and
indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. The total emissions are
determined by adding up the greenhouse gases released at each phase of a product or
service's lifecycle, which includes material production, manufacturing, usage, and
disposal. During the entire lifecycle of a product, gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂),
methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) may be emitted, each varying in their capacity to
retain heat in the atmosphere. These carbon emissions are known to contribute to global
warming, and in effect, climate change.

To stabilize carbon footprints in the atmosphere, changes in how energy is

produced and used are essential. Achieving effective mitigation demands that different
agencies collaborate towards shared reduction targets and make significant cuts in
greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. Thus, the United Nations advocates for the
adoption of renewable energy as a key strategy to reduce carbon emissions. This call has
led many environmentalists to focus on researching renewable energy sources to
guarantee that there will be sufficient natural gas available for future generations,
considering that natural gas takes millions of years to replenish. In essence, this
describes what environmental management entails.

Environmental management also involves understanding the structure and the

functioning of the earth and how humans fit in. Thus, environmental management
predicts future environmental changes, and maximizes human benefit while minimizing
environmental degradation (Courtnell, 2019).

Environmental Education is Important

In recent decades, human activity has rapidly altered the natural balance through
environmental transformation. As a result, many living species are increasingly exposed
to threats that could lead to irreversible damage. This has become the prelude for
UNESCO’s Tbilisi Declaration in 1978 which calls for Environmental Education to be
provided for all ages at all levels in both formal and non-formal education.

Environmental Education (EE) is a learning that increases people’s knowledge

and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary
skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and

4 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi
Declaration, 1978).

Environmental Education (EE) fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and

effective decision-making skills by teaching individuals to consider multiple perspectives
on environmental issues, enabling them to make informed and responsible choices. The
author Srinivas, H. (2015) underscored that the aim of EE is to produce citizens that are
knowledgeable concerning the biophysical environment and its associated problems,
aware of how to help solve these problems, and motivated to work toward their solution.

The following are the tasks of EE in shaping the environmental attitudes of the
learners (Vladova, I., 2023):

1. To inform young people about the issues of ecology and conservation of natural
resources, and especially why this is important;
2. To inform young people about ways of saving energy and energy efficiency;
about the possibilities of recycling and its benefits; about the benefits of forests
and the harm of their indiscriminate felling; about the harm of carbon emissions;
about the problems we face regarding the deterioration of nature and ways of
protecting it, etc.

Philippine Laws in Promoting Environmental Education

Republic Act 9512
Enacted in 2008, it is also known as the “National Environmental Awareness and
Education Act of 2008” and seeks to promote environmental awareness through
environmental education.
This law recognizes the responsibility of the state to protect and advance the right
of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthy ecology, as well as recognizing the role
of its youth in nation-building through the protection and conservation of its natural
resources for future generations to come.
The law also mandates that Environmental Education and awareness and any
corresponding activities be integrated into school curricula at all levels and become a part
of the National Service Training Program.
Executive Order 579 s. 2006
An order that encourages the formulation and implementation of Green
Philippines Programs through the National Service Training Program (NSTP).
This order mandates that the NSTP will aid in building a quality of life for all
with the following initiatives:
a) Taking back our forests and replenishing fallen trees with new, protected
forests;

5 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 b.) Beautifying our barangay and cities;
c) Building more urban parks and recreation areas;
d) Purifying our water;
e) Cleaning up industrial sites

CHED Memo 33 s. 2009

This memorandum mandates the integration of Environmental Education in the
college–level curriculum, particularly in the Civic Welfare and Training Service
Component of the NSTP.

Directions: Create a graphic organizer that would show the relationship

of human beings with nature. Then write a one-paragraph essay
describing your graphic. Write your answer in the space provided.
Activity 1.3
Your answer will be graded according to Rubric 1, found on page 80 of
this module.

6 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 Lesson 2: Seven Principles of Environment and Environmental Law

Objectives:
• Provide definition and context on the seven principles of
the environment;
• Translate environmental principles into concrete examples/
explanations based on the contemporary situation; and
• Explain the rationale behind the issuance of the Environmental
Protection Laws and assess its current implementation
Introduction
There is a single key to understanding the environmental problems that we
encounter today, and it is to learn about the ecosystem wherein we as humans live and
move. This lesson highlights the basic ecological principles, varied types of ecosystems,
current ecological issues, anthropogenic activities that threaten the environment, and the
youth's role in protecting our environment.

Activity 2.1

Search on YouTube a
video titled
“Environmental
Principles and
Keystone Species –
Puno ng Buhay –
Grade 7-10
Science.” Make sure
to finish watching
the video and
provide what is/are
asked in the Analysis
below.

Directions: Read the questions carefully and write your answers on the
lines provided:

Activity 2.2 Your answer will be graded according to Rubric 1, found on page 80 of
this module.

1. What was the video all about?

________________________________________________________________________

7 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. From the seven environmental principles, which do you think bears the most
importance? Why?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Can you give an example of environmental law that you may know something
about?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

The Seven (7) Environmental Principles

1. Nature knows best.

This principle is essential and encompasses all the others. Human beings must
understand nature and abide by the rules imposed by nature. One natural preparation that
needs vital consideration is nutrient cycling, wherein nutrients pass from the environment
to the living beings and back to the ground. A human must not go against the natural
order if one wants to guarantee a continuous and consistent supply of resources. Any
disturbance within the cycle can bring inequality. As an example of a disturbance in the
nutrient cycle, the burning of farm wastes
rather than letting it decompose naturally
disturbs the natural pace of nutrient
absorption, and can even pose a pollution risk
to the air and water sources.

2. All forms of life are essential.

Each life form plays a crucial part in

nature. All living things provide a balance in
maintaining their ecosystems. It is easy to
[Link]
appreciate the lovely butterflies, especially
nature/animal-kingdom/

8 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

knowing their important role in pollination. The giant elephants, whales, and alligators
are objects of wonder; and the items they produce like ivory, oil, leather, individually, are
profoundly prized. But when it comes to unattractive, wriggly, and troublesome animals,
this rule is uncommonly ignored. It is even common for us to be disgusted by and kill any
‘ugly’ wriggling creature like worms without considering what part they play in nature.
All creatures, insects, and micro-living beings play an important role in the circle of life.

3. Everything is connected to everything else.

The concept of the ecosystem best

exhibits this principle. All living (plants,
animals) and non-living (rocks, temperature)
components are connected to guarantee that
structure is maintained in the ecosystem. Any
outside interruption may result in inequality and
the weakening of the system.
Deforestation within the mountains may
influence the lowlands through erosion, surges, [Link]
and dry season. Anything that happens to our ecosystem-components-and-its-definition
nation can also affect other nations.

4. Everything changes

There is an old saying,

“Nothing is permanent in this world
but change.” Change may be
cyclical, random, or linear. Cyclical
change is demonstrated by the
seasons and the rhythms in flower
and faunal life stages that go with the
seasons. An example of random
[Link]
change is the 1991 eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo, which brought extraordinary disturbance to parts of Luzon and changes within
the land's geography. Lastly, linear change is the progression or the evolution of species,
which has brought higher and more complex life forms. The environment is always
changing. Living beings also emerge through time.

On the other hand, man's innovation has significantly influenced these common
changes, and to an uncertain degree.

5. Everything must go somewhere.

When you throw away a piece of paper, it

may disappear from your sight, but it does not
mean that the paper does not exist anymore.
Someone may discharge gases through
[Link]
-do-seabirds-eat-plastic-they-think-it-smells-tasty

9 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

smokestacks, but in the end, it will end up as a component of the atmosphere or bring
acid rain. If waste is irresponsibly disposed of, it will still go back to one's own backyard
in some other forms. It is critical that one becomes mindful of the distinctive sorts of
waste – whether they are dangerous or not.

6. Ours is finite earth

Planet earth's resources can be labeled either

renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources like
water, plants, and animals, can rapidly be restored by
natural cycles. In contrast, non-renewable resources
like oil and coal cannot be restored through natural
cycles. Even though renewable resources can be
recharged, it is imperative to note that these are
renewable for as long they are not abused or devastated [Link]
illustration-earth-as-green-environment-
by elements like pollution. Information on the planet distructed-illustration-image52555302
earth's restricted assets leads to a conscious effort to
change one's consumerist perception, and create processes and innovation that could
bring effective recycling of an incredible number of resources.

7. Nature is beautiful and wonderful, and we are stewards of God's creation.

Among all creatures, God created human

beings in his image and we have been given the
right to rule over all his creations. Being gifted
with reason and brilliance, the human can
manipulate creation to their own advantage.
However, creation exists not to be ruin or
mishandled but to be taken care of. Without
nature, human beings cannot exist. Human beings
and the environment have this mutual relationship.
[Link] If the environment they live in is annihilated, with
planet-concept-with-people-taking-care-
earth_7824979.htm
it will go Homo sapiens.

Laws in Promoting Environment Protection

Republic Act 9003 – The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
This is an act that provides for an ecological solid waste management program,
creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts
prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.
The law also provides that ecological solid waste management and resource conservation
and recovery topics are integrated into the academic curricula of Philippine schools at all
levels in order to promote environmental awareness and action among the citizenry.

Republic Act 9275: March 2004

10 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 Known as the Philippine Clean Water Act, it was passed into law in 2004 and
provides for the country’s comprehensive water quality management.

While the country still wishes to develop economic growth through its natural
marine resources, it is enshrined in this law that these economic pursuits will be done in a
manner that has the protection, preservation, and revival of our natural marine resources
as the foremost consideration.

Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2009

It was passed as Local Ordinance No. 0371-10, this provides for a localized
Ecological Solid Waste Management Law, prohibiting certain acts, providing penalties
for violations, and for other purposes.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is the lead agency
in enforcing the provisions of this law. Among the highlights of this ordinance include
the use of recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable grocery bags and containers and the
banning of non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food containers. The
city government also mandates that Davaoeños take the lead in ecological solid waste
management by being the first to segregate waste coming from their homes, with the
following types:

1. Biodegradable (Vegetable and fruit residues)

2. Recyclable (Plastic bottles and aluminum cans)
3. Residual (Sanitary napkin and diaper)
4. Special Waste (Rags and battery)

These wastes should be contained separately per type, and properly secured upon
disposal.
Under the ordinance, these are the following prohibited acts:
1. Littering, scattering, throwing, and dumping of waste matters in public places.
2. Littering from vehicles;
3. Leaving or abandoning construction materials or debris on the public road;
4. Dumping of human feces/urine in mobile garbage bins or collection points;
5. Dumping feces or bodies of animals in mobile garbage bins or collection
points;
6. Removal of mobile garbage bins from designated collection points without
authorization from the Barangay;
7. The open burning of solid waste;
8. Non-segregation of solid waste;
9. Causing or permitting the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste;
10. Mixing, causing or permitting the mixing of toxic and hazardous wastes
(THW) from health care facilities, industries, and other THW generators in
the municipal waste collected by the city;

11 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 11. Dumping of waste in areas other than the disposal facility of the city;
12. Open dumping, burying of biodegradable or non-biodegradable materials in
flood-prone areas;
13. Operating without a Solid Waste Management Certificate as prescribed in
these Rules;
14. Non-implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan and Program
submitted as part of the requirements for the issuance of the Solid Waste
Management Certificate;
15. Refusing entry of CENRO or its duly authorized representative while in the
exercise of its visitorial powers provided in these Rules; and
16. Violation of any other provision of these Rules.

Directions: Contextualize the 7 Environmental Principles in the

Philippine Setting. Give concrete examples. Write your answer in
the box provided.
Application 2.3

ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLE CONCRETE EXAMPLE/S

1. Nature Knows Best

2. All forms of life are important

3. Everything is connected to
everything else.

4. Everything changes.

5. Everything must go
somewhere.

6. Ours is a finite Earth.

7. Nature is beautiful and

wonderful, and we are
stewards of God's creation.

12 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 Lesson 3: Forests Issues, Threats, and Protection
Objectives:

• Describe the different laws and policies on forest protection;

• Determine the forest protection initiatives; and
• Utilize knowledge to take action regarding forest protection.

Introduction
The country has a total land mass of approximately 30 million hectares (ha), 14.2
million (47.3%) of which were classified as alienable and disposable lands, while the
other 15.8 million ha (52.7%) were identified as forestlands. These forestlands are then
further subdivided into closed or open forest formations, young natural stands,
plantations, forest nurseries, seed orchards, bamboo, palm, and fern (PNRPS, 2012). The
country was considered one of the megadiverse regions with the most tropical forests in
the world, nourishing biodiversity, and carbon-rich ecosystems that “sequester carbon
through reforestation, agroforestry, and conservation of existing forests” as indicated by
the lush forest cover (Rubas-Leal et al. 2017 as cited by Domingo & Manejar, 2018).

In addition, Presidential Decree No. 75, issued in 1975, became the country's
blueprint for forest management. Forty-three years later, the same law was still practiced.
It has not been updated, revised, or improved into a Republic Act, which can strengthen
the forestry sector.

The past administrations believed two landmark executive orders in 2011 will
solve the problem pertaining to logging and reforestation. The influx of functional
policies down DENR's chain of command was all in the process of maintaining
forestlands however, the sector still faced pressures and problems similar to developing
countries with rich natural resources, which eventually decreased the forest cover
(Domingo & Manejar, 2018).

These concerns included deforestation, illegal logging, and land conversions,

among others. In line with this, DENR and related institutions have put initiatives in
place to mitigate the problems. These were in the form of National Greening Programs
and stricter implementation of tree-cutting and earth balling permits.

Directions: Read the instructions carefully and draw your ideal

forest in a separate sheet.
Activity 3.1 Your answer will be graded according to Rubric 3, found on page
81 of this module.
Draw an image of your ideal forest, which you can be proud to
say that "This is the forest which my grandchildren can enjoy".

13 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

 Directions: Read the instructions carefully and write your answer on the
lines provided.

Activity 3.2 Your answer will be graded according to Rubric 1, found on page 123
of this module.

As an NSTP student-trainee, why do you think it is essential that you know laws
and policies pertaining to the conservation and development of our forests? Elaborate
your answer.

__________________________________________________________________________
+999999999999999999999999999999999999999
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________
.
__________________________________________________________________________

Our Forest Today

Trees and plants play a major part in the world’s initiatives to slow the pace of
climate change, preserve wildlife, and support the lives and livelihoods of billions of
human beings (Nunez, 2019). However, the mass destruction of trees and the ecosystems
continues at a rapid pace, and long-term benefits are sacrificed for short-term profits.

National Geographic reports that while forests still cover about 30% of the
world’s land area, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. For a period of 26 years
between 1990 and 2016, the world lost 502,000 square miles (1.3 million square
kilometers) of forest, which is an area larger than South Africa.

Since humans started sawing down forests, 46% of trees have been felled,
according to a 2015 study in the Journal Nature. Even the “Earth’s lung,” the Amazon
Rainforest, has been seen with 17% of its forest cover destroyed in the last half-century,
with losses still continuing.

14 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

Deforestation

Deforestation is defined in Live

Science as “the permanent removal of
trees to make room for something besides
forest,” which includes the clearing of land
for agriculture or grazing for livestock, or
using the wood for fuel, construction, or
manufacturing. Deforestation results in
more carbon dioxide being released into [Link]
the atmosphere. Trees take in carbon [Link]
dioxide from the air to be able to do
photosynthesis, and the carbon is locked chemically in their wood. When trees are
burned, this locked carbon returns to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Fewer trees
mean more carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
The researcher Serrat, O. (2016), in his study “Deforestation in the Philippines,” has
found that while forests are a major natural resource of the country, it has suffered
immense depletion as a result of logging, ineffective reforestation, population pressure,
and shifting cultivation.

As the lead agency responsible for the formulation, implementation of policies

and guidelines, and rules related to environmental management, the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also sets the rules and regulations that
govern the exploration, development, extraction, disposition, and use of forests, minerals,
wildlife, and other natural resources.

Meanwhile, it is the Forest Management Bureau of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources that provides technical guidance to the central and
field offices for the effective protection, development, and conservation of forestlands
and watersheds. The bureau recommends policies and programs towards the achievement
of sustainable forest management, based on science and principles of good forest
governance.

Causes of Deforestation in the Philippines

Forest Fires – otherwise known as wildfires. According to National Geographic, a

wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildland vegetation, often in rural areas.
Wildfires can ignite from natural events like lightning or from human activities.
However, the extent of a wildfire's growth is often influenced by weather conditions.
Wind, high temperatures, and low rainfall can dry out trees, shrubs, fallen leaves, and
branches, making them more susceptible to burning. Additionally, the landscape affects
the fire's spread, with flames moving more quickly uphill than downhill.

Kaingin System – the method of clearing forested areas by cutting down and burning
trees and plant growth for farming/cultivation purposes. Also known as “swidden

15 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

farming” in other countries or the “slash-and-burn” method, it is a traditional practice but
is considered a destructive agricultural system used in many parts of the world (Domingo,
2012). It has been criticized as one of the major causes of forest destruction, degradation,
and landslides in the Philippines (Suarez & Sajise, 2010).

Illegal Logging – defined by Conserve Energy Future as the cutting down of trees,
transporting them, or utilizing their products, such as timber, for economic gains against
the law. According to World Wildlife Fund, illegal logging severely impacts biodiversity
as offenders often target forests with high conservation value—forests that have
significant biological, ecological, social, or cultural importance. This includes protected
areas, which contain trees that have been exploited and in other locations and have
become extinct. Illegal logging also impacts indigenous peoples and local communities
by depleting natural forest resources and, in some cases, through intimidation and
violence.

Some Effects of Deforestation

➢ Increase in global warming – Lack of trees to absorb greenhouse gases such as
carbon dioxide that increases its presence in the atmosphere, contributing to
global warming
➢ Increase in greenhouse gas emissions – Cutting and burning wood and other
plant materials contribute to the presence of emissions in the atmosphere
➢ Floods – Trees aid in retaining water in the soil. When they are cut down, it can
lead to floods in some areas and droughts in others.
➢ Wildlife Extinction & Habitat Loss - Forests are home to a variety of plants and
wildlife that each do their part in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Wiping out
forests means they lose their home, and the balance of nature is disrupted.
➢ Loss of Biodiversity – A large percentage of global biodiversity is found in our
rainforests. Forests not only provide habitats for wildlife but also foster medicinal
conservation. The forest acts as a critical medium to preserve a wide variety of
species.
Source: Conserve Energy Future

Laws Protecting Philippine Forestland

Republic Act 9175

Known as the Chainsaw Act of 2002, this law regulates the ownership, possession, sale,
importation, and use of chain saws providing for the penalization of violators and other
provisions.
It is a measure to aid in the conservation of forest resources by limiting the equipment
that one person can use which is classified as potentially harmful to this type of
environment.

16 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao

Executive Order No. 23, s. 2011
This executive order bans declares a halt on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the
natural and residual forests, and as well as provided for the creating of the Anti-Illegal
Logging Task Force. Natural and Residual Forests are forests composed of indigenous
trees, not planted by man.
It also mandates that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
establish a forest certification system that adheres to United Nations standards and
guidelines. This system is designed to ensure the sustainability of legal

Directions: Inside the balloon, write your thoughts on the possible

things that you can do to help conserve our forest ecosystem.
Activity 3.3
Your answer will be graded according to Rubric 2, found on page 80 of
this module.

17 National Service Training Program 1 | University of Mindanao