TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) JUL 15 P3:20 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED S S.B. No. _ SENATE 55 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT INTEGRATING THE SUBJECT ON CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION INTO THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM OF GRADES 2 TO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATION SYSTEM, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature." Moreover, Article XIV, Section 2 states that "the State shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society." Climate change is a pressing concern worldwide. It is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place which could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole and may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. It is caused largely by human activity such as burning fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and coal. Some of the long-term effects of climate change include: loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves. In the Philippines, prolonged extreme heat between was experienced between December 2024 to February 2025, with Manila among the megacities significantly affected by human- caused climate change, according to a new Climate Central analysis. According to an article by the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated 20 March 2025, the Philippines ranked third in Asia among countries with the most "unusual heat" caused by climate change within the last three months. Moreover, over the past decade, tropical storms have struck the country more often and more severely. Scientists believe this occurred because of climate change, in addition to the country's significant geographic location with over 7,641 islands. The Global Climate Risk Index, released in February 2025, ranked the Philippines 10th in the world among 193 countries (representing 99 percent of global population) in terms of being at risk due to climate change. The Philippines is located in the western
Pacific Ocean, surrounded by naturally warm waters that will likely get even warmer as average sea-surface temperatures continue to rise. Thus, education and awareness- raising for the people to have informed decision-making, play an essential role in increasing adaptation and mitigation capacities of communities, and in empowering women and men to adopt sustainable lifestyles. This bill seeks to integrate, as mandatory, the climate change education into the Science curriculum of Grades 2 to Senior High School of the Philippine Education System, in both private and public. Mandating the subject matter on climate change will help people, especially the youth, in understanding and addressing the impact of global warming, increasing "climate change literacy", and encouraging changes in their attitudes and behavior to protect and preserve our environment. Given the abovementioned, the immediate passage of this Act is earnestly sought. Ficé h. marca IMEE R. MARCOS /
: ' Sire nt TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) JUL 15 P3:20 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEM.L'D: SENATE S.B. No. - Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT INTEGRATING THE SUBJECT ON CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION INTO THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM OF GRADES 2 TO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATION SYSTEM, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Climate Change
Education Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State also recognizes the importance of providing quality education and an integrated system relevant to the needs of the people and society. Towards this end, the State shall introduce pro-active measures to raise the awareness of the public, especially the youth, on climate change and address the impact of global warming.
SEC. 3. Climate Change Education. - The Department of Education (DepEd)
shall prescribe the integration of Climate Change education under the Science Curriculum of Grades 2 to Senior High School level, in both private and public educational institutions. Provided that, it shall include both theoretical and practical components to ensure effective learning and deep understanding of the subject matter including, but not limited to, the following: (a) How natural environment function and how human activities increase hazards to disasters, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, among others; (b) Relevant national and local environmental laws; (c) Pressing global and local environmental issues; and
(d) Measures to prevent and mitigate and mitigate the effects of climate change. Provided Further That, such subject matter shall be integrated and shall form part of the existing Science curriculum of the students.
SEC. 4. Annual Review and Assessment. - The DepEd shall conduct an annual
review of the institutionalization of the Climate Change education in Grades 2 to Senior High School level to ensure its efficient implementation and assess the learning outcome of the students.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DepEd shall formulate and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,