CLIMATE CHANGE ACT OF 2009

Republic Act No. 9279

Our country has long been vulnerable to extreme weather. We can noticed that in
recent years the Philippines has suffered from even more violent and strong typhoons.
According to studies, every year it is averagely twenty 20 tropical cyclones enter the
Philippine waters and over the past decade, these tropical storms have struck the nation
more severely which according to studies is because of the climate change.

Climate change has been an issue around the world and our country is one of
the most affected countries since geographically Philippines is located in the Western
Pacific Ocean, surrounded by warm waters. As explained by the reporter the ocean
surface warms as it absorbs sunlight, then the ocean will then release some of its heat
into the atmosphere that will create rain clouds and wind. And as the ocean surface
temperature increases over time from the effect of climate change, more and more heat
is being released into the atmosphere. Thus, the additional heat in the air and ocean will
lead to more and strong storms in our country.

Filipinos should be more aware of this issue and help in addressing this problem
even in their own little way. Natural barriers need to be protected to be of help to the
issues on climate change. Coral reefs and Philippine mangroves ecosystems which
serves as the best buffers against typhoons need to be protected and maintained
because these mangroves help mitigate the impact of storm surge and stabilizes the
soil. Also, people need to be educated what the nation and also the world is facing
about the clean energy-solutions available that can be of help in addressing the harmful
effects of climate change in our country and the world.

The last reporter who report on Climate Change is informative. I enjoy listening to
her report.
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
Republic Act 9003

As provided for RA 9003 and in relation to the Local Government Code of 1991
or RA 7160, the different local government units have the power to enforce laws relative
to solid waste management, cleanliness and sanitation and other environmental issues
or matters.

Different local government units are in partnership with other private institutions
in making effort to efficiently and effectively provide a system for solid waste
management. The government should continue and support the different programs,
educate all Filipinos even children in their young age on how they will help issues on
waste management. Also the government should be true and serious providing enough
budget for the programs and give incentives to those local government units in
partnership with several private institution in their participation in addressing the issues
in solid waste management.

By allowing the participation of private institutions, they become not only aware of
the need to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings but also protect the
environment and more importantly they learn to incorporate the proper practices of solid
waste management in their daily lives.

People should view the ecological solid waste management not as a compulsory
activity but rather view this to create a more progressive and livable community for all.
Bear in mind that cleanliness starts with one’s own home. Thus, practicing to segregate
our waste management can go along towards preserving not only our county but also
the world.

The reporter’s materials are informative and timely. Listening to the reports
reminds me of my big responsibility to our mother earth. I will be reminded always to
reuse...reduce....recycle...and to refuse to add pollution to the environment.
Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act
Republic Act 10121

This Act transforms the policy environment on the way how the government
deals with the disasters from plain response to serious preparedness. The formulation
of the National Disaster Risk Management Framework provides a comprehensive inter
agency and community based approach to disaster risk management. Because of this
plan there is now a responsive disaster risk management at all level.

This Act mandates the establishment and creation of Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Office (DRRMO) in every office, municipalities and cities and also a
Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC) in every
baranggay.

Implementation of this law can be seen in the widespread emphasis on post

disaster relief and short term preparedness in our country. An example of this is the
forecasting and evacuation operations of the government.

Under the present administration it can be seen that the calamity fund to be used
in support in disaster risk reduction, prevention, reduction and preparedness procedures
and activities for the potential occurrence of disaster and not just for a response,
rehabilitation efforts and reliefs are being used seriously.

The reporter seems familiar with her topic. I am reminded that being prepared will
save lives of many. I hope that the present administration will continue to give effort and
more efficient and effective plans in dealing with disasters and emergencies our
country. Media are now being used to spread news on how to be prepared and to be
informed ahead of time about the coming disaster or emergencies in different places in
our country.
Philippime Environmental Policy
Republic Act No. 1151

The Environmental assessment in our country was first estasblished in 1977 with
the issuance of Presidential Decree (PD) 1151 also known as the Philippine
Environmental Policy. It was created to addressed the urgent need to formulate an
intensive and integrated program to protect the environment.

This law encourages the use of all practicable means with consideration of other
laws to exploit and use the environment without destroying or degrading it or which
mightbring danger to human life, health and safety or creating adverse conditions for
agriculture, commerce and industry.

RA 1151 also focused on th importance on the preservation of historic and

cultural aspects of the Philippine heritage as well as attainment of rational and orderly
balanced between the resources used and its population as well as the improvement in
the utilization of renewable and non renewable resources.

Provisions of this law established the foundation of the precautionary principle of

environmental policies in the Philippines by imposing the mandatory submission of
environmental impact statement (EIS) of projects and activities that may have adversely
effect the environment. Thus, upholding the right of the people to a healtful environment
as stated in the 1987 Constitution.

The lawmakers must continue their effort to streamline the EIS sytem in the
country. People involved as well as the companies involved should be aware of the
penalties and remedies for violations and non-compliance with the said rules. Local
governement units participation as well as public participation and social acceptabilty is
necessary in creating an independent national environmental policy.
Toxic Subsance and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste
Control Act
Republic Act No. 6969
One of the main objective of this law is to monitor and regulate the importation,
manufacture, processing, handling, storage, transportation, sale, distribution, use and
disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk or injury
to health or to the environment in accordance with national policies and international
commitments.

The law provides acts and omissions which shall be considered unlawful such as
knowingly use a chemical substance or mixture which is imported, manufactured,
processed or distributed in violation of this Act or implementing rules and regulations or
orders; Failure or refusal to submit reports, notices or other information, access to
records, as required by this Act, or permit inspection of establishment where chemicals
are manufactured, processed, stored or otherwise held; Failure or refusal to comply
with the pre-manufacture and pre-importatio requirements; and Cause, aid or facilitate,
directly or indirectly, in the storage, importation, or bringing into Philippines territory,
including its maritime economic zones, even in transit, either by means of land, air or
sea transportation or otherwise keeping in storage any amount of hazardous and
nuclear wastes in any part of the Philippines.

Our laws are good alws and a well intentioned but the problem is its
implemenation. I believe that there must be a stricter toxic and hazardous wastes law in
the our country.

Filipino people can also help by being aware of the proper use and disposal of
this toxic and hazardous subtance in their home since this will aslo affect people’s
health as well as the environement.

The reporter delivered the report in a jolly and informative manner.

Basel Convention
One of the objective of the Basel Convention is to protect human health and the
environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes. Its scope of application
covers a wide range of wastes defined as “hazardous wastes” based on their origin
and/or composition and their characteristics, as well as two types of wastes defined as
“other wastes” - household waste and incinerator ash.

This Convention aims the restriction of transboundary movements of hazardous

wastes except where it is perceived to be in accordance with the principles of
environmentally sound management. Also, the reduction of hazardous waste generation
and the promotion of environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes,
wherever the place of disposal. It also provides for the establishment of regional or sub-
regional centres for training and technology transfers regarding the management of
hazardous wastes and other wastes and the minimization of their generation to cater to
the specific needs of different regions and subregions

Illegal traffic pertains to any transboundary movement of hazardous wastes or

other wastes without notification pursuant to the provisions of this Convention to all
States concerned; or without the consent pursuant to the provisions of this Convention
of a State concerned; or with consent obtained from States concerned through
falsification, misrepresentation or fraud; or that does not conform in a material way with
the documents; or that results in deliberate disposal (e.g. dumping) of hazardous
wastes or other wastes in contravention of this Convention and of general principles of
international law.

One of the controversial issue here is the garbage of Canada being sent here in
our country. Many Filipinos react saying that the Philippines is not other countries
garbage can. I hope that government officials will do something about this to prevent
future happening of said event and to be involved in diplomatic talks with other country.

The reporter is informative and has a good presentation of powerpoint in relation

to the topic.
The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
Republic Act 8749
The pollution in our country is very heavy. According to studies the air pollution
is a major environmental risk to health and contibutary to many diseases like stroke,
heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including
asthma. Being exposedposed to smoke emitted by motor vehicles while caught in the
middle of traffic in Metro Manila, at home or workplace, could trigger life-threatening
episodes of heart attack and stroke.

Our laws are good laws that need strict implemenation. Poor law engorcement
and graft and corruption against several officials of the Land Transportation Office
(LTO) and Department of Trade and Industry for violation and nonimplementation of
certain provisions of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 is a big factor why the issues
on poluution is increasing. There must be s strict implementation of emmission test.
Section 22, Paragraph 5 of the Philippine Clean Air Act states that, “No motor-vehicle
registration shall be issued unless such motor vehicle passes the emission-testing
requirement promulgated in accordance with this Act. Such testing shall be conducted
by the DOTC [Department of Transporation and Communacations] or its authorized
inspection centers within 60 days prior to date of registration.” The issue raised here is
that some LTO official as well as at the government-accredited private motor-vehicle
emission-testing centers for allowing “no-show” and “nonappearance” of motor vehicles
in exchange for extra fees. This practice must be corrected to enable for us to lessen
the air pollution in our country

However, its nice to know that the government is continuously thinking of some
other ways to addressed the issues on air pollution. One of these is the the policy
mandating the use of Euro 4 fuel, that will help improve the air quality in Metro Manila,

The use mass public-transport system, such as LRT and MRT will also help
addressing the issue on air pollution as well as congested traffic in the Philippines. The
reporter helps me realize how will i contribute to lessen the air pollution problem in our
country by walking or using bike in travelling to near places. This will not only help in
achieving a cleaner air but also this will benefit my health thru simple leg exercise.
The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Sewerage & Septic)

Republic Act No. 9275

This program was prepared by the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH), through its relevant attached agencies, in coordination with the Department,
local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies. This include a priority
listing of sewerage, septage and combined sewerage-septage projects for LGUs based
on population density and growth, degradation of water resources, topography, geology,
vegetation, program/projects for the rehabilitation of existing facilities and such other
factors that the Secretary may deem relevant to the protection of water quality.
The discharge permit shall be the legal authorization granted by the Department to discharge
wastewater:

The Island of Boracay as one of the World’s Best Island Philippine President
Rodrigo Duterte has slammed it as a cesspool in 2017 . He then instructed DENR
Secretary Roy Cimatu to clean up and rehabilitate the island back to its primeval state.