Nationalism

is a devotion of love for one’s country. It means to give more importance to

unity by way of cultural background, including language and heritage. It implies to
a person that his country is most superior among other countries and he will
defend it no matter what.

The following are 10 modern and simple ways to express Filipino

nationalism:

1. Respect the Philippine flag and value the Filipino identity.

2. Be a productive citizen

3. Be aware of the issues in our country

4. Stand proud for every Filipinos achievement

5. Patronize and support our own products

6. Preserve the Filipino culture

7. Respect everyone and value our traditions

8. Speak our own language

9. Remember and commemorate our heroes’ sacrifices for our country

10. Love our family, our neighbors, and our compatriots.

1. Respect the Philippine flag and value the Filipino identity,

Being Filipinos; we should respect our Philippine flag and its purpose. The
history and value of this flag are connected to the freedom we have today.
Encourage our fellowmen to participate and respect our flag and its anthem and
even our different symbols. They provide us our identity as Filipinos or citizens of
the beautiful Republic of the Philippines. (Wikipedia.com)

National Flag

It is proclaimed by Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898

It is reaffirmed on February 12, 1998 through R.A. 8491

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National Anthem: “Lupang Hinirang”

 The music was proclaimed by Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898

 The lyrics on May 26, 1958 by Department of Education Administrative Order

 Reaffirmed on February 12, 1998 through R.A. 8491

National Flower: Sampaguita

Executive Proclamation No. 652 on February 1, 1934 issued by Governor

General Frank Murpy

National Tree: Narra

Executive Proclamation No. 652 on February 1, 1934 issued by Governor

General Frank Murpy

National Bird: Philippine Eagle

It was made official in 1978 by former President Ferdinand Marcos through
Proclamation No. 1732.

National Gem: Philippine Pearl

It was declared by Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Oct. 15, 1996 through
Proclamation No. 905

National Sport: Arnis

It became a national symbol on December 11, 2009 when then Pres. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850 into law.

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2. Be a productive citizen

be industrious and make ourselves productive, not only for ourselves but
for our country as well. Serve the people, serve our nation. (google.com)

3. be aware of the issues in our country

We must be aware and updated on the significant issues happening in the

country. Extend help to the needy fellowmen, especially the victims of disasters
like typhoons, flooding, and the like.

4. Stand proud for every Filipinos achievement

Filipinos is globally competitive in many aspects. They are proud to be a

Filipino and for the honors they bring to our country. They unite every Filipino for
their achievements. We can be proud of Filipinos like Manny Pacquiao, the
Azkals Football Team, the Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Team, and many more.

5. Patronize and support our own products

The Philippines has rich resources to create quality goods and products.
The manpower services we provide are also globally competitive. Our economy
will improve more if we ourselves patronize our own products which characterize
our creativity, resourcefulness, and industry.

6. Preserve the Filipino culture

Philippines are rich in various colorful cultural elements. They are our
identity. Be proud and preserve the culture we have for they are our treasure. We
have to keep them for the future generation.

7. Respect everyone and value our traditions

Filipinos are very courteous and respectful. Even in modern times, many
Filipinos show and value their noble norms and traditions. So we Filipinos must
continue to exercise these good traditions like respecting our elders and others,
by using “po at opo”, being hospitable, and being religious.

8. Speak our own language

Using our own language is manifesting and preserving our national

identity. It is our unique means of communicating and interacting with our

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fellowmen. Our language is an important tool to achieve further unity and national
development.

9. Remember and commemorate our heroes’ sacrifices for our country

There were many Filipinos who died for our democracy, freedom, and
independence. Some fought using their pens and tongues, while some used the
power of their arms and weapons. Each had their own way of showing their love
and respect to our country. In today’s generation, let us value and treasured our
heroes sacrifices and devotion for our country. (google.com)

10. Love our family, our neighbors, and our compatriots

Love and help one another. That way, we are showing the world that we
are proud to be Filipinos. Stand united! Do something to help each other and for
the greater good for mother country. Love everyone and love our country as we
love ourselves. (google.com)

There are many ways to show our love for our country. In our generation,
there are things that test our nationalism. What is important though is that we
stand united as Filipino people and we love Philippines as our mother country.
Let us manifest the essence of nationalism in every aspect of our life.

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PATRIOTISM

Patriotism is a devotion of love for one’s country for no other reason than
being a citizen of that country. It is a common virtue that pertains to the love for a
nation, with more emphasis on own values and beliefs. One who is patriotic will
be ready to make any sacrifice for his own country. He will never live selfishly for
himself alone.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN:

NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM

Nationalism – This implies a heartfelt dedication for love, care and preservation
of the Philippines and everything that is identified with it: The Philippine territory,
the inhabitants, the Philippine sovereignty, all things that represent and
symbolize the country; the aspirations, hopes, dreams and needs of the Filipino
people.

Patriotism - is taken from the word “pater” which literally means “father”. It is the
willingness and determination to lay down one’s life for the fatherland. It is the
result of being a nationalistic.

One cannot be patriotic without being nationalistic.

Most of us are nationalist but not a patriot.

As the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore said; that Patriotism is more

important than Nationalism. A patriot loves his own country but he does not hate
the people of other countries. A nationalist might consider his own nation
important and hate the people of other nations. A patriot is international in his
outlook. He is broadminded and tolerant. He is a citizen of the world. A nationalist
may be narrow-minded. He may think in terms of his own country and hate all
those who are not his countrymen. .

*Food for thoughts*

In Philippines, today, we are lacking in patriots largely due to the diffusion

of Filipino values, culture, influence of the conquistadores, and the confluence of

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historical bad governance. The Philippine state is in dire need of statesmen who
truly understand the basics of politics.

Politics is being defined as the systematic study of the state. The state is
being defined as having four basic elements: Territory, People (who are
nationalistic and patriotic), sovereignty (freedom from foreign dictates) and
government (Representative of the people to stand and fight for Filipino interest,
dreams, aspirations, and hope.

For as long as our political leaders is blinding us of this things, for as long
as the Filipino people refuse to learn, for as long as we remain mediocre, for as
long as we could not change our self inwardly, for as long we refuse to change,
nationalism and patriotism will only be words in dictionary

6 Truly Unique Filipino Traditions

1. Pagmamano
Practiced as a sign of respect to elders, pagmamano is one of the
oldest and most notable Filipino tradition there is. Mano means hand in
Spanish, fittingly so as pagmamano is done by gently tapping the hand of
the elder to a younger person’s forehead. The elder in return says “God
bless you” hence why the act is also often referred to as “bless”.
2. Fiesta Celebrations
If there’s a celebration you wouldn’t wanna miss out on while you’re
in the Philippines, it would be the colorful fiestas happening all-year round.
Celebrating fiesta is another influence of the Spanish colonizers and was
mainly done to honor the patron saints.
3. Harana
The traditional Filipino courtship is an extremely long process and
one way to “woo” a girl is through doing a harana or serenading. With his
friends in tow, the guy goes to the girl’s house (usually at night) and sings
classic kundiman or folk love songs to her until she opens her window and
invites him inside her house.
4. Pamamanhikan
Once the panliligaw (courtship) stage has been surpassed, all the
possible harana (serenade) has been sung, and the couple finally gets
together, next comes the pamamanhikan. Well, if the couple decides to
marry, that is. Pamamanhikan is the formal act of a guy asking the girl’s

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 family for her hand in marriage. It usually involves the guy’s family bringing
over gifts and discussing the couple’s plans for marriage.
5. Bayanihan
Although not as evident as it was before, bayanihan truly captures
the strong sense of community Filipinos have and is usually exemplified
through helping a neighbor transfer houses. Traditionally, bayanihan
meant your neighbors literally carrying your entire kubo (native nipa hut) to
your new home location.
6. Kamayan
FIlipinos love to eat and when the food is especially sumptuous, they
eat kamayan-style. From the Filipino word kamay or hand, kamayan is the
traditional way of dining using one’s bare hands.

The Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions. Many of these are in
connection with their family life such as DATING, MARRIAGE and BURIAL,
RELIGIOUS and many more.

ABOUT DATING

Women during the Spanish regime were generally shy, refined and
inhibited. Their behavior was strictly monitored by the family to maintain their
good reputation. A girl was not seen alone with a man; he did not touch them, not
even her hands when talking to each other they were always an arm's length
apart. A man got to know a woman only by being a friend of the woman's trusted
friend who would help in case he wanted to have the opportunity to see the girl of
his dreams. He did not directly approach the woman; that was impolite. On the
other hand, the woman did not face a man alone; to exchange glances with the
man was unbecoming.

A man who had the courage to ask for a date had to pass several tests.
First, he got the permission of the girl's parents to visit their daughter. Once he
was permitted, his formal visit was in full attendance of the older members of the
family who also participated in the conversation. The hardest test was how to
convince the girl to say yes because the woman played hard to get. She kept
putting off her answer. When the man finally succeeded, the girl was strictly
chaperoned during their date so that he was not even able to whisper romantic
words.

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ABOUT MARRIAGE

MARRIAGE is a sacred to the Filipinos. One becomes the butt of jokes if

he or she remains single. A bachelorette is considered a potential competitor for
the attention of a husband.

Parents train their sons and daughters in the proper choice of a mate. Both
are reminded that if they marry, they had to get along well not just with one
another but with their in-laws as well.

Before marriage, the boy's parents seek the approval of the girl's parents
for MARRIAGE with their daughter. This called pamanhikan. The man's parents
often take along someone whom they believe is highly respected by the girls
parents. This was especially when they fear that the girl's parents would say no.
The grandparents of the man also join the pamanhikan. They first engage into
discussions regarding the latest happenings and when the proper climate is
established, the man's father states the purpose of their visit, which is to ask for
the girl's hand in marriage. The girl's parents are not expected to agree
immediately. They will first talk about the shortcomings of their daughter. If the
future in-laws persist the parents of the bride give their consent. The details of
their marriage are discussed and agreed upon during the next visit of the future
parents-in-law.

The wedding reception is held in the bride's home. Members of the

community volunteer to help bridegroom in one way or another by either
contributing some money or by offering their services in the preparation of the
wedding feats.

ABOUT THE ART

Filipinos are lovers of art. Their art is reflected in the things they do and
way they believe in daily life. Our ancestors passed their time singing awaits,
corridos, and reading stories about the bravery of legendary heroes. For stage
dramas they performed the Zarzuela and the moro-moro, forms of art which
depicted the life of the people.

The best examples of architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth

century are the churches built by the Spaniards with the help of the Filipinos.
They are structures built in Baroque style with elaborate curved arches, altars
and images of saints.

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 Filipinos love music in any form. This is evident in the presence of various
string and wind musical instruments in almost all communities even before the
coming of the Spaniards, the skill of the Filipinos in playing musical instruments
can gauged when one listens to a number played by a rondalla. A rondalla is
composed of musicians that play stringed musical instruments such as the guitar
and the ukulele.

The idea of organizing a rondalla must have been born during the latter
part of Spanish rule in the Philippines when the guitar was introduced. Added to
the guitar was other string instruments that pre-Spanish Filipinos played and nine
other instrument that were added much later. All together these instruments
formed the nucleus of the rondalla. The rondalla was popular entertainer in
almost all sorts of gatherings like baptisms, wedding, fiesta, and funerals. It also
rendered accompaniment to vocals, violins and other instruments, solos, and
choral ensembles. The rodalla thus became an essentials part of social
gatherings.

The Filipinos also love to sing and dance. Their songs range from folk to
pop; classic kundiman to modern operas. They sing to their souls content. The
Philippines has contributed its share of the world famous opera singers such as
Jovita Fuente, Isang Tapales, Conchita Gaston, and Aurello Estanislao.

Dancing is the moving spirit among many Filipinos. Their skill on the dance
floor is superb. Early indigenous dances represented nature. Other Filipino
dances reflected Malay, Muslim, Spanish, and American influences.

Fifty years ago, every school program was a literary-musical program of

Filipino songs, dances, dramas, and poems. Now, with school programs
consisting of modern dances and plays, pop and jazz music, how can we expect
our youth to be proud of the Filipino culture? What can be done before it is too
late.

ABOUT THE GAMES

Children of yesterdays played games that no longer familiar to the children

of today. Their games were played either indoors or outdoors in involving little
active participation.

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 Some games were imitations of what the elders did. The bahay-bahayan,
lutu-lutuan were imitations of mother's household activities which the girls
enjoyed playing. Other games were replicas of daily happening in the rural areas.

A typical example was the game Pusa at Aso. In a circle, sticks, slippers,
and wooden shoes were placed to symbolized the bones of the dog' which was
IT. The CATS who were the other players tried to get into the circle to steal the
bones without being caught became the dog. This was repeated as many times
for as long as the players are not tired of the game.

A more exciting game called Juego de anillo involved knights on bicycles

trying their best to hook a ring dangling from a ribbon. Hulugang panyo reminded
one of the days when ladies dropped their hankies to call the attention of the
gentlemen.

A game popular to boys and adults is playing with the trumpo or top. The
trumpo is a conical-shaped wood made from guava branches with a pointed nail
at the tail of the cone. The trumpo spins on the iron-nail. In an outdoor game
called podigo, one players would try to split another boy's trumpo placed in the
middle of a drawn circle after spinning, he becomes the next taya or it.

Luksong tinik and Piko are moderately active games which are usually
played by girls. Piko involves hopping on one or two legs through a series of
rectangle drawn on the ground. Luksong tinik is played by two player who are
seated facing each other and stretching their bare feet are in contact.

Touching the toes are their fingers, one above the other is spike form. The
other players jump over the feet; then over the feet and one hand, and so on until
all the hands are spread over the feet. A player may continue playing as long as
he does not touch any of the formal spikes; the moment he touches them, he
becomes the it.

Quite games at siesta time can either be the siklot or sungka. Siklot uses
sigay shells, sampaloc seeds, or pebbles. The player gently tosses the shells
and catches them back with her hand. The forefinger hits the shells that fall to the
floor one by one. When the player succeeds in catching and hitting everything,
he gets a prize. The game continues until all the shells have been captured.

Sungka like siklot, also needs shells sigay or tamarind seeds. The game
hole carved in it. Each hole to begin should contain seven shells. One player

10
drops one shell onto each hole. He picks the other shells in the hole where he
drops his last shell, then continues dropping a shell in each hole. He continues
playing as long as he has shells to drop. Should he drop his last shell into an
empty hole, then his chance to play ends. It is now the other player turn.

THE FILIPINO RELIGION

Before the introduction of Christianity, the Filipinos were mostly pagans.

They worshipped spirits which they believed dwell in objects like trees,
mountains, rivers, ect. They worshipped nature, the sun the moon, and the stars.
They also believed in a supreme God or deity. Because of their belief in a deity
and in animate or living things their religion was called animo-delsm.

It was not long after the Spain colonized the Philippines that the Filipinos
become Christians. Today, majoruty of the Filipinos are Catholics. But a group of
Filipino Catholics headed by Mr. Gregorio Aglipay founded the Philippines
Independent church. This splinter, nationalistic group does not recognize the
Pope as the head of the Catholic church. But their beliefs and doctrines are the
same as of the catholic. This group are called Aglipayan after their founde.

Another Filipino church and one of the true Filipino church that has
originated in the Philippines is the IGLISIA NI CRISTO which has a fast growing
membership throughout the Philippines and the world.

THE CATHOLICS CELEBRATIONS AND PRACTICES

In spite of the diverse religious groups in the Philippines each with its
particular practices; the Filipinos believe in only one God who is almighty and
omnipotent. Religious practices show concern and love for one's neighbors.
Among the Catholics, the Ten Commandment's set the standard of behavior.
They keep images of their saints at home and every church has a patron saint.

THE FIESTA CELEBRATIONS

Fiestas are held on the birthday of the patron saint celebrated with the
holding of a novena, a nine-day devotion of masses followed by special prayers
of praise to the patron saint. The plaza around t5he church is decorated with
colorful buntings. On the ninth day which is the feast day of the saint, a high
mass is celebrated by one or several priests. Suddenly the plaza is transformed
into a mini-market where ready-made clothes, toys, fruits, and native delicacies
are sold. A brass band plays after the mass and then makes a round of the
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immediate vivinity playing popular Filipino songs, marches and kundimans. This
sets a happy, festive mood in the community with residents going on splurge
entertaining relatives and friends from other towns.

The town fiesta is an event that the residents look forward to. Three or four
months before the fiesta the family takes good care of a piglet and chickens
earmarked for the fiesta. Of course, the fiesta is an occasion when friends and
relatives can be together, enjoy each other's account of the past year's
experiences and partake of the palatable dishes prepared for a day. Children
living out-of-town make a special effort to come home and be with their parents,
relatives, and friends for the fiesta.

THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

As soon as December sets in, everyone in the Philippines, young and old
alike are busy preparing for the biggest religious activity on December 25.
Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated with new colorful curtains, Christmas
decorations and multicolored lights.Lanterns of different Christmas tree and a
Belen are placed in the living rooms of the most homes.

The nine-day masses or Misa de Gallo, celebrated at dawn when the cock
starts to crow begin on December. These masses are well-attended in spite of
the fact that those who attend wake up as early as three o'clock in the morning.
As one walks to the church, one will notice the streets lined with small stores
selling puto, bibingka and puto bumbong.

The climax of the Christmas celebration is a midnight mass on Christmas

eve, December 24. The family makes an effort to go this mass. On Christmas
day children dressed in their best attires visit ninongs, ninangs, relatives and
friends. They kiss the hands of the elders as a sign of respect. In return the
elders give them money gifts or native delicacies. Christmas is for everyone and
at no other time of the year is the family more complete. Even married children
who are abroad make a special effort to be home in the Philippines for
Christmas.

ABOUT THE BURIAL

The loss of a member of the a family was an occasion for bayanihan.

Friends, relatives and neighbors came to condole with the bereaved family.
Flowers, and food and money were offered as tokens of sympathy.

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 Before the burial, there was a lamayan a vigil attended by all who wished
to come. People at the wake participated in some activities such as gambling,
telling stories, or playing mental games, to keep them awake through the night.

For as long as the deceased was in state, sweeping the floor and taking a
bath in the house were forbidden. The bereaved were also cautioned to keep
their tears from dropping in the coffin.

The general practice was for the bereaved family to bury the deceased
member within 24 hours after his death. Close relatives and friends accompany
the corpse to church for the religious rites then the funeral procession headed by
the band of musicians proceeds to the cemetery.

Environmental laws

REPUBLIC ACT 9003 ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

ACT OF 2000

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic,

comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall
ensure the protection of public health and environment. The law ensures proper
segregation, collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through
the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste products.

REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004

The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from
land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and
community/household activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated
strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

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 REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air
Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while
minimizing the possible associated impacts to the economy.

REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND

NUCLEAR WASTE CONTROL ACT OF 1990

The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture,

processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and
mixtures the present unreasonable risk to human health. It likewise prohibits the
entry, even in transit, of hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the
Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose; and to provide advancement and
facilitate research and studies on toxic chemicals.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

STATEMENT (EIS) STATEMENT OF 1978

The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in

1978 with the enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the
attainment and maintenance of rational and orderly balance between socio-
economic development and environmental protection. EIA is a planning and
management tool that will help government, decision makers, the proponents
and the affected community address the negative consequences or risks on the
environment. The process assures implementation of environment-friendly
projects.

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 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1152

PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT CODE

WHEREAS, the broad spectrum of environment has become a matter of

vital concern to the government;

WHEREAS, the national leadership has taken a step towards this

direction by creating the National Environment Protection Council under
Presidential Decree No. 1121;

WHEREAS, it is necessary that the creation of the Council be

complemented with the launching of comprehensive program of environmental
protection and management.

WHEREAS, such a program can assume tangible and meaningful

significance only by establishing specific environment management policies and
prescribing environment quality standards in a Philippine Environment Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the

Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the
Constitution, do hereby order and decree:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Decree shall be known and cited as the
"Philippine Environment Code."

TITLE I

Air Quality Management

Section 2. Purposes. - The purposes of this Title are:

a) to achieve and maintain such levels of air quality as to protect public

health and

b) to prevent to the greatest extent practicable, injury and/or damage to

plant and animal life and property, and promote the social and economic
development of the country.

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 CHAPTER I

Standards

Section 3. Ambient Air Quality Standards. - There shall be established

ambient air quality standards which shall prescribe the maximum concentration
of air pollutants permissible in the atmosphere consistent with public health,
safety and general welfare.

In the establishment of ambient air quality standards, factors such as local

atmospheric conditions, location and land use, and available technology, shall be
considered among others.

Section 4. National Emission Standards. - There shall be established

national emission standards for new and existing stationary and mobile sources
of pollution shall consider among others such factors as type of industry,
practicable control technology available, location and land use, and the nature of
pollutants emitted.

Section 5. Community Noise Standards. - Appropriate standards for

community noise levels shall be established considering, among others, location,
zoning and land use classification.

Section 6. Standards for Noise-Producing Equipment. - There shall be

established a standard for noise-producing equipment such as construction
equipment, transportation equipment, stationary engines, and electrical or
electronic equipment and such similar equipment or contrivances. The standard
shall set a limit on the acceptable level of noise emitted from a given equipment
for the protection of public health and welfare, considering among others, the
magnitude and condition of use, the degree of noise reduction achievable
through the application of best available technology and the cost of compliance.

The installation of any noise-producing equipment shall conform with the

requirements of Presidential Decree No. 1096 and other applicable laws as well
as their implementing rules and regulations.

Section 7. Aircraft Emission and Sonic Booms. - Appropriate

government agencies shall encourage research studies on the harmful effects of
aircraft emissions in the environment in order to establish permissible emission
standards.

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 Research and studies shall also be undertaken to mitigate and/or
minimize the effects of sonic booms in the environment.

CHAPTER II

Regulation and Enforcement

Section 8. Air Quality and Noise Standards. - National Pollution Control

Commission in coordination with appropriate government agencies shall be
responsible for the enforcement of ambient air quality emission and noise
standards, including the monitoring and surveillance of air pollutants, licensing
and permitting of air pollution control facilities, and the promulgation of
appropriate rules and regulations.

Existing air quality emission and noise standards may be revised and/or
modified consistent with new development and technology.

Section 9. Aircraft Noise. - Community noise standards around airports

shall be implemented by the Civil Aeronautics Administration in coordination with
the National Pollution Control Commission.

Section 10. Vehicular Emissions. - The Land Transportation

Commission, shall implement emission standards for vehicles and may deputize
other appropriate law enforcement agencies for the purpose.

Section 11. Radioactive Emissions. - The release and emission of

radioactivity into the environment incident to the establishment or possession of
nuclear energy facilities and radioactive materials, handling, transport,
production, storage, use and disposal of radio active materials shall be regulated
by the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission in coordination with other
appropriate government agencies.

CHAPTER III

Monitoring

Section 12. Air Quality Monitoring. - The National Pollution Control

Commission in coordination with appropriate government agencies, shall
establish to the greatest extent practicable an air quality monitoring network.

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Such air quality monitoring network shall put to maximum use the capabilities of
these agencies.

The National Environmental Protection Council shall be furnished with the

results of air quality monitoring activities.

Section 13. Weather Modification. - The Philippine Atmospheric

Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration shall monitor regularly
meteorological factors affecting environmental conditions in order to effectively
guide air pollution monitoring activities.

Activities relating to weather modification such as rainfall stimulation and

storm seeding experiments shall be undertaken in consultation or coordination
with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration.

TITLE II

Water Quality Management

Section 14. Purpose. - It is the purpose of this Title to prescribe

management guidelines aimed to protect and improve the quality of Philippine
water resources through:

a) classification of Philippine waters,

b) establishment of water quality standards;

c) protection and improvement of the quality of Philippine water resources,

d) responsibilities for surveillance and mitigation of pollution incidents.

CHAPTER I

Classification Standards

Section 15. Classification of Philippine Waters. - The National Pollution

Control Commission, in coordination with appropriate government agencies, shall
classify Philippine waters, according to their best usage. In classifying said
waters, the National Pollution Control Commission shall take into account,
among others, the following:

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 a) the existing quality of the body of water at the time of classification;

b) the size , depth, surface area covered, volume, direction, rate of flow,
gradient ofstream; and

c) the most beneficial uses of said bodies of water and lands bordering
them such as residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, navigational,
recreational, and aesthetic purposes.

Section 16. Reclassification of Waters Based on Intended Beneficial

Use. -Where the public interest so requires, the National Pollution Control
Commission, in coordination with appropriate government agencies, shall
reclassify a body of water based on the intended beneficial use and take such
steps as may be necessary to upgrade the quality of said water. Other
government agencies may adopt higher standards for a particular body of water,
subject to the approval of the National Pollution Control Commission.

Section 17. Upgrading of Water Quality. - Where the quality of water has
deteriorated to a degree where its state will adversely affect its best usage, the
government agencies concerned shall take such measures as may be necessary
to upgrade the quality of such water to meet the prescribed water quality
standards.

Section 18. Water Quality Standards. - The National Pollution Control

Commission shall prescribe quality and effluent standards consistent with the
guidelines set by the National Environmental Protection Council and the
classification of waters prescribed in the preceding sections, taking into
consideration, among others, the following:

a) the standard of water quality or purity may vary according to beneficial

uses; and

b) the technology relating to water pollution control.

CHAPTER II

Protection and Improvement of Water Quality

Section 19. Enforcement and Coordination. - The production, utilization,

storage and distribution of hazardous, toxic and other substances such as
radioactive materials, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and oils, and disposal,

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discharge and dumping of untreated wastewater, mine-tailings and other
substances that may pollute any body of water of the Philippines resulting from
normal operations of industries, water-borne sources, and other human activities,
as well as those resulting from accidental spills and discharges shall be regulated
by appropriate government agencies pursuant to their respective charters and
enabling legislation. In the performance of the above functions, the government
agencies concerned shall coordinate with the National Environmental Protection
Council and furnish the latter with such information as may be necessary to
enable it to attain its objectives under Presidential Decree No. 1121.

Section 20. Clean-up Operations. - It shall be the responsibility of the

polluter to contain, remove and clean-up water pollution incidents at his own
expense. In case of his failure to do so, the government agencies concerned
shall undertake containment, removal and clean-up operations and expenses
incurred in said operations shall be against the persons and/or entities
responsible for such pollution.

Section 21. Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance. - The various

government agencies concerned with environmental protection shall establish to
the greatest extent practicable a water quality surveillance and monitoring
network with sufficient stations and sampling schedules to meet the needs of the
country. Said water quality surveillance network shall put to maximum use the
capabilities of such government agencies. Each agency involved in such network
shall report to the National Environment Protection Council the results of these
monitoring activities as the need arises.

TITLE III

Land Use Management

Section 22. Purposes. - The purposes of this Title are:

a) to provide a rational, orderly and efficient acquisition, utilization and

disposition of land and its resources in order to derive therefrom maximum
benefits; and

b) to encourage the prudent use and conservation of land resources in

order to prevent an imbalance between the nation's needs and such resources.

Section 23. National Land Use Scheme. - The Human Settlements

Commission, in coordination with the appropriate agencies of the government,
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shall formulate and recommend to the National Environmental Protection Council
a land use scheme consistent with the purpose of this Title.

The Land Use Scheme shall include among others, the following:

a) a science-based and technology-oriented land inventory and

classification system;

b) a determination of present land uses, the extent to which they are

utilized, underutilized, rendered idle or abandoned;

c) a comprehensive and accurate determination of the adaptability of the

land for community development, agriculture, industry, commerce, and other
fields of endeavor;

d) a method of identification of areas where uncontrolled development

could result in irreparable damage to important historic, cultural, or aesthetic
values, or nature systems or processes of national significance;

e) a method for exercising control by the appropriate government agencies

over the use of land in area of critical environmental concern and areas impacted
by public facilities including, but not limited to, airports, highways, bridges, ports
and wharves, buildings and other infrastructure projects;

f) a method to ensure the consideration of regional development and land

use in local regulations;

g) a policy for influencing the location of new communities and methods for
assuring appropriate controls over the use of land around new communities;

h) a system of controls and regulations pertaining to areas and

development activities designed to ensure that any source of pollution will not be
located where it would result in a violation of any applicable environmental
pollution control regulations, and

i) a recommended method for the periodic revisions and updating of the

national land use scheme to meet changing conditions.

Section 24. Location of Industries. - In the location of industries,

factories, plants, depots and similar industrial establishments, the regulating or
enforcing agencies of the government shall take into consideration the social,

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economic, geographical and significant environmental impact of said
establishment.

TITLE IV

Natural Resources Management and Conservation

Section 25. Purposes. - The purposes of this Title are:

a) to provide the basics on the management and conservation of the

country's natural resources to obtain the optimum benefits therefrom and to
preserve the same for the future generations, and

b) to provide general measures through which the aforesaid policy may be

carried out effectively.

CHAPTER I

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Section 26. Management Policy. - The national government, through the

Department of Natural Resources, shall establish a system of rational
exploitation of fisheries and aquatic resources within the Philippine territory and
shall encourage citizen participation therein to maintain and/or enhance the
optimum and continuous productivity of the same.

Section 27. Measures for Rational Exploitation. - Measures for the rational
exploitation of fisheries and other aquatic resources may include, but shall not be
limited to, the following:

a) undertaking manpower and expertise development;

b) acquiring the necessary facilities and equipment,

c) regulating the marketing of threatened species of fish or other aquatic

resources;

d) reviewing all existing rules and regulations on the exploitation of

fisheries and aquatic resources with a view of formulating guidelines for the
systematic and effective enforcement thereof; and

e) conserving the vanishing species of fish and aquatic resources such as

turtles, sea snakes, crocodiles, corals, as well as maintaining the mangrove

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areas, marshes and inland areas, coral reef areas and islands serving as
sanctuaries for fish and other aquatic life.

CHAPTER II

Wildlife

Section 28. Management Policy. -- The national government, through the

Department of Natural Resources, shall establish a system of rational
exploitation and conservation of wildlife resources and shall encourage citizen
participation in the maintenance and/or enhancement of their continuous
productivity.

Section 29. Measures for Rational Exploitation. - Measures for rational

exploitation of wildlife resources may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following:

a) regulating the marketing of threatened wildlife resources;

b) reviewing all existing rules and regulations on the exploitation of wildlife

resources with a view of formulating guidelines for the systematic and effective
enforcement thereof; and

c) conserving the threatened species of fauna, increasing their rate of

production, maintaining their original habitat, habitat manipulation, determining
bag/cree limits, population control in relation to the carrying capacity of any given
area, banning of indiscriminate and/or destructive means of catching or hunting
them.

CHAPTER III

Forestry and Soil Conservation

Section 30. Management Policy for Forestry. - The national

government, through the Department of Natural Resources, shall undertake a
system of rational exploitation of forest resources and shall encourage citizen
participation therein to keep the country's forest resources at maximum
productivity at all times.

Section 31. Measures for Rational Exploitation of Forest Resources. -

Measures for the rational exploitation of forest resources may include, but shall
not be limited to the following:

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 a) regulating the marketing of threatened forest resources;

b) reviewing all existing rules and regulations on the exploitation of forest

resources with a view of formulating guidelines for the systematic and efficient
enforcement thereof;

c) conserving threatened species of flora as well as increasing their rate of

propagation; the banning of destructive modes of exploitation, kaingin, making or
shifting cultivation, indiscriminate harvesting of minor forest products; the
recycling methods of waste materials; and

d) carrying out a continuing effort on reforestation, timber stand

improvement, forest protection, land classification, forest occupancy
management, agri-silviculture, range management, agri-silvicultural/kaingin
management, industrial tree plantation, parks and wildlife management, multiple
use forest, timber management and forest research.

Section 32. Management Policy on Soil Conservation. - The national

government, through the Department of Natural Resources and the Department
of Agriculture, shall likewise undertake a soil conservation program including
therein the identification and protection of critical watershed areas,
encouragement of scientific farming techniques, physical and biological means of
soil conservation, and short-term and long-term researches and technology for
effective soil conservation.

Section 33. Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides. - The use of fertilizers and
pesticides in agriculture shall be regulated, prescribing therefor a tolerance level
in their use.

Their use shall be monitored by appropriate government agencies to

provide empirical data for effective regulation.

CHAPTER IV

Flood Control and Natural Calamities

Section 34. Measures in Flood Control Program. - In addition to the

pertinent provisions of existing laws, the following shall be included in a soil
erosion, sediment and flood control program:

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 a) the control of soil erosion on the banks of rivers, the shores or Lakes,
and the sea-shores;

b) the control of flow and flooding in and from rivers and lakes;

c) the conservation of water which, for purposes of this Section shall mean
forms of water, but shall not include captive water;

d) the needs of fisheries and wildlife and all other recreational uses of
natural water;

e) measures to control the damming, diversion, taking, and use of natural

water, so far as any such act may affect the quality and availability of natural
water for other purposes; and

f) measures to stimulate research in matters relating to natural water and

soil conservation and the application of knowledge thereby acquired.

Section 35. Measures to Mitigate Destructive Effects of Calamities. –

The national government, through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration, shall promote intensified and concerted
research efforts on weather modification, typhoon, earthquake, tsunami, storm
surge, and other tropical natural phenomena in order to bring about any
significant effect to mitigate or prevent their destructive effects.

CHAPTER V

Energy Development

Section 36. Policy. - Consistent with the environmental protection

policies, the national government, through the Energy Development Board, shall
undertake an energy development program encouraging therein the utilization of
invariant sources such as solar, wind and tidal energy.

Section 37. Measures for Energy Development. - Measures for energy

development program may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

a) setting up pilot plants utilizing invariant sources of energy;

b) training of technical personnel for purposes of energy development; and

c) concluding researches aimed at developing technology for energy

development.
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 Section 38. Safety Measures on Energy Development. - Rules and
regulations shall be promulgated to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of
energy development on the environment. For this purpose, all nuclear powered
plants and plants exploring and utilizing geothermal energy, whether owned or
controlled by private or government entities shall:

a) observe internationally accepted standards of safety: and

b) provide safety devices to ensure the health and welfare of their

personnel as well as the surrounding community.

CHAPTER VI

Conservation and Utilization of Surface Ground Waters

Section 39. Management Policy. - In addition to existing laws, the national

government through the National Water Resources Council in coordination with
other appropriate government agencies, shall prescribe measures for the
conservation and improvement of the quality of Philippine water resources and
provide for the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.

CHAPTER VII

Mineral Resources

Section 40. Management Policy. - The national government, through the

Department of Natural Resources, shall undertake a system of gainful
exploitation and rational and efficient utilization of mineral resources and shall
encourage citizen participation in this endeavor.

Section 41. Measure for Exploitation and Utilization of Mineral

Resources. - Measure for the gainful exploitation and rational and efficient
utilization of such mineral resources may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following:

a) increasing research and development in mineral resources technology;

b) training of additional technical manpower needed in geology,

geophysics, mining engineering, and related fields;

c) regulating the exploitation of identified mineral reserves;

d) accelerating the exploitation of undiscovered mineral deposits; and

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 e) encouraging the establishment of processing plants for refined metal.

TITLE V

Waste Management

Section 42. Purposes. - The purposes of this Title are:

a) to set guidelines for waste management with a view to ensuring its

effectiveness;

b) to encourage, promote and stimulate technological, educational,

economic and social efforts to prevent environmental damage and unnecessary
loss of valuable resources of the nation through recovery, recycling and re-use of
wastes and waste products; and

c) to provide measures to guide and encourage appropriate government

agencies in establishing sound, efficient, comprehensive and effective waste
management.

CHAPTER I

Enforcement and Guidelines

Section 43. Waste Management Programs. - Preparation and

implementation of waste management programs shall be required of all
provinces, cities and municipalities.

The Department of Local Government and Community Development shall

promulgate guidelines for the formulation and establishment of waste
management program.

Every waste management program shall include the following:

a) an orderly system of operation consistent with the needs of the area

concerned;

b) a provision that the operation will not create pollution of any kind or will
constitute public nuisance;

c) a system for a safe and sanitary disposal of waste;

d) a provision that existing plans affecting the development, use and

protection of air, water or natural resources shall be considered;
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 e) schedules and methods of implementing the development, construction
and operation of the plan together with the estimated costs; and

f) a provision for the periodic revision of the program to ensure its effective
implementation.

Section 44. Responsibility of Local Government. - Each province, city

or municipality shall provide measures to facilitate collection, transportation,
processing and disposal of waste within its jurisdiction in coordination with other
government agencies concerned. For this purpose, the national government shall
provide the necessary subsidy to local governments upon request made through
the National Environmental Protection Council and subject to such terms and
conditions as the latter may provide.

CHAPTER II

Methods of Solid Waste Disposal

Section 45. Solid Waste Disposal. - Solid waste disposal shall be by

sanitary landfill, incineration, composting, and other methods as may be
approved by competent government authority.

Section 46. Sanitary Landfills. - Local governments, including private

individuals, corporations or organizations may operate or propose to operate one
or more sanitary landfills. Any entity proposing to operate a sanitary landfill shall
submit to the appropriate government agency an operational work plan showing,
among other things, a map of the proposed work location, disposal areas for
rubbish, garbage, refuse and other waste matter; and the equipment or
machinery needed to accomplish its operations. In no case shall landfill or work
locations under this Section be located along any shore or coastline, or along the
banks of rivers and streams, lakes, throughout their entire length, in violation of
any existing rules and regulations.

Section 47. Incineration and Composting Plants. - The installation and

establishment of incineration or composting plants, or the alternation/modification
of any part thereof shall be regulated by the local governments concerned in
coordination with the National Pollution Control Commission.

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 Section 48. Disposal Sites. - The location of solid waste disposal sites
shall conform with existing zoning, land use standards, and pollution control
regulations.

Section 49. Dumping into the Sea and Other Navigable Waters. – The
dumping or disposal of solid wastes into the sea and any body of water in the
Philippines, including shore-lines and river banks, where the wastes are likely to
be washed into the water is prohibited. However, dumping of solid wastes or
other materials into the sea or any navigable waters shall be permitted in case of
immediate or imminent danger to life and property, subject to the rules and
regulations of the Philippine Coast Guard and the National Pollution Control
Commission.

Government agencies and private entities which are undertaking solid

waste management programs shall make consultations with the government
agencies concerned with respect to the effects of such dumping to the marine
environment and navigation.

CHAPTER III

Methods of Liquid Waste Disposal

Section 50. Liquid Waste Disposal. - Wastewater from manufacturing

plants, industries, community, or domestic sources shall be treated either
physically, biologically or chemically prior to disposal in accordance with the rules
and regulations promulgated by proper government authority.

Section 51. Applicability of Section 49. - The provisions of Section 49

hereof shall likewise apply to the dumping or disposal of liquid waste into the sea
and other bodies of water.

TITLE VI

Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 52. Population-Environment Balance. - In the assessment of

development projects, the National Environmental Protection Council, hereinafter
referred to in this Title as the Council, shall take into consideration their effect on
population with a view to achieving a rational and orderly balance between man
and his environment.

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 Section 53. Environmental Education. - The Department of Education
and Culture shall integrate subjects on environmental education in its school
curricula at all levels. It shall also endeavor to conduct special community
education emphasizing the relationship of man and nature as well as
environmental sanitation and practices.

The Council and other government agencies implementing environmental

protection laws in coordination with public information agencies of the
government shall undertake public information activities for the purpose of
stimulating awareness and encouraging involvement in environmental protection.

Section 54. Environmental Research. - The Council shall undertake

and/or promote continuing studies and research programs on environmental
management and shall, from time to time, determine priority areas of
environmental research.

Section 55. Monitoring and Dissemination of Environmental

Information of Foreign Origin. - The Council shall keep itself informed of
current environmental developments by obtaining information and literature from
foreign sources through the Department of Foreign Affairs, government agencies
and other entities, both domestic and foreign. Such information and literature
shall be given the widest dissemination possible.

Section 56. Incentives. - To operate the installation and the utilization of

pollution control facilities, the following incentives are hereby granted:

a) exemption to the extent of fifty (50) percent of tariff duties and

compensating tax for importation of pollution control equipment, devices, spare
parts and accessories for a period of five (5) years from the effectivity of this
Decree subject to the conditions that will be imposed by the Council;

b) a tax credit equivalent of fifty (50) percent of the value of the

compensating tax and tariff duties that would have been paid on the pollution
control equipment, devices, spare parts and accessories had these items been
imported shall, within a period of seven (7) years from the effectivity of this
effectivity of this Decree, be given to the person or firm who or which purchases
them from a domestic manufacturer, and another tax credit equivalent to twenty-
five (25) per cent thereof shall be given to the said manufacturer subject to such
conditions as may be imposed by the Council; and

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 c) deductions equivalent to fifty (50) per cent of the expenses actually
incurred on research projects undertaken to develop technologies for the
manufacture of pollution control equivalent which have been proven effective and
commercially reproducible, from the taxable income of the person or firm actually
undertaking such projects subject to the conditions that may be imposed by the
Council.

The pollution control equipment, devices, spare parts and accessories

acquired under this Section shall not be sold, transferred or disposed within five
(5) years from the date of acquisition without the prior approval of the Council
otherwise the importer or purchaser shall pay twice the amount of the tax
exemption or tax credit granted.

Section 57. Financial Assistance/Grant. - Financial assistance/grant for

the study, design and construction of environmental protection facilities
especially for waste disposal in favor of cities, municipalities, small and medium
scale industries may be granted on case-to-case basis subject to such conditions
as may be imposed by the Council.

Section 58. Participation of Local Government Units and Private

Individuals. - It shall be the responsibility of local government units as well as
private individuals to actively participate in the environmental management and
protection programs of the government.

Section 59. Preservation of Historic and Cultural Resources and

Heritage. - It shall be the duty of every person to help preserve the historic and
cultural resources of the country such as sites, structures, artifacts, documents,
objects, memorials and priceless trees.

Section 60. Government Offices Performing Environmental Protection

Functions. - Government agencies vested by laws to exercise environmental
management powers, shall continue to function as such within their respective
jurisdictions.

The Council may, however, in the exercise of its powers and functions
under Presidential Decree No. 1121, inquire into any action or issue of
environmental significance.

Section 61. Public Hearings. - The Council may, whenever it deems

necessary, conduct public hearings on issues of environmental significance.

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 Definition of Terms. - As used in this Code.

a) "Ambient Air Quality" means the average atmospheric purity as

distinguishedfrom discharge measurements taken at the source of pollution. It is
the general amount of pollution present in a broad area.

b) "Emission" means the act of passing into the atmosphere an air

contaminant, pollutant, gas stream and unwanted sound from a known source.

c) "Water Quality" means the characteristics of water which define its use
in terms of physical, chemical and biological contents;

TITLE VII

Final Provisions

Section 63. Separability of Provisions. - If any provision of this Code, or

the application of such provisions to any person or circumstance, is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Code or the application of such provisions
to other persons or bcircumstances shall not be affected by such declaration.

Section 64. Effectivity. - This Code shall take effect upon its approval.

Done in the City of Manila, this 6th day of June in the year of Our Lord,
nineteen hundred and seventy-seven.

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