Preservation and Management of Country's Natural Resources

Learning Guide 1 Preservation and Management of Country's Natural Resources

By ERMA GARIGUEZ

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Natural resources are the main source of people's livelihood. As a result, man adapts his occupation to the characteristics of his environment. Wise use of natural resources is also part of human adaptation. The proper use and protection of the natural resources of the Philippines is the main goal of the government and the duty of every Filipino. 

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Open Ended

​Question: Who is responsible for the protection of the country's natural resources?

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Environmental Issues of the Philippines

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                    Despite its abundant natural resources, the Philippines is experiencing issues such as pollution, depletion and destruction of natural resources, and severe waste problems. These issues have a detrimental effect on our nation’s resources.

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Open Ended

What are the environmental issues in the Philippines?

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Pollution refers to the presence of pollution in nature that harms its condition and the condition of those who live in it. The Philippines is experiencing air, water, and soil pollution that is having a detrimental effect on the country.

AIR POLLUTION

Currently, the Philippines is one of the countries with low air quality in the world. According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines has the third-lowest air quality in the Asia-Pacific region for the year 2018. This is due to the high number of vehicles emitting dark smoke, dirty smoke emitted by factories, and burning objects that create and carry dirty smoke into the sky.

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Open Ended

What are the causes of air pollution in the Philippines?

Open Ended

 Question: What was the report of the World Health Organization about the quality of air of the Philippines in 2018?

​  According to a study conducted by Greenpeace Philippines in 2010, the following are the main causes of water pollution in the Philippines. 

1. Wastewater passes through canals, estuaries, and streams to    large water forms

.2. Wastewater from agriculture carrying dirt and chemical residues     from artificial fertilizers and pesticides.

3. Wastewater from factories, workshops, and industries

.4. Wastewater that passes through garbage dumps that flow towards springs and underground.

          Water pollution is also caused by wastes dumped in bodies of water. According to the report from the Philippine Environment Monitor (PEM) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for the year 2018, the regions of NCR, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas have the lowest water quality in the country.

 

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Open Ended

Question: According to the report from the Philippine Environment Monitor (PEM) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for the year 2018, what are the regions that have the lowest water quality in the country?

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 Depletion of Natural Resources

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Like pollution, the depletion and destruction of natural resources is a serious environmental issue in the Philippines.

Animals and plants are being depleted due to the reckless capture of them by humans. The destruction of the forests that serve as their habitat is also a major factor in the decline of the number of animals. This is the reason for the widespread illegal cutting of trees in the forest. This is due to the shrinking of forest cover in the Philippines in recent years.

           

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Open Ended

         

Question: What are depleted due to reckless capture of them by humans?  How important is a forest to animals?     

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Meanwhile, there are still some who use illegal fishing methods such as the use of dynamite, toxic chemicals, and the muro-ami method. These activities are extremely detrimental to natural resources. Homes or habitats of fish and other marine resources are also destroyed whenever dynamite is exploded. Even small fish die if they use toxic chemicals such as cyanide. Coral reefs are destroyed in a muro-ami way due to fishermen hitting them. The destruction of mountains and terrain caused by illegal mining also has a major impact on the depletion and destruction of the country's natural resources.

 

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Open Ended

Question: What are the illegal fishing methods or activities that are detrimental to natural resources?

            

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Government Programs for the Protection of Natural Resources   

   

 1. Intensified National Greening Program/ Green Environment

2. Intensifying the campaign for clean air, water, and soil

3. Vigilance in the forest

4. Program for Biodiversity Conservation

5. Program for the protection of the Marine and Coastal Ecosystem

6. Blue Environment

8. Forecasting Geohazards, water conditions, and responsible mining

9. Cleaning the Manila area

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Open Ended

Question: Which of the government programs listed above can you do to help protect our natural resources? How will this program help in protecting our natural resources?

 

Government Agencies that take care of the Natural Resources of the Country

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

               The Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR is the primary agency tasked with managing and conserving the country’s natural resources.

Philippine Coastguard

            Enforcing the rule for the cleanliness of waters.

 

Department of Agriculture

          Develops rules for water reuse for irrigation of farms and prevention of pollution arising from aquaculture and farming activities.

Department of Health

           The maker and enforcer of the drinking water rule.

 

Department of Science and Technology

              Learns and disseminates knowledge of technology for pollution prevention.

 

Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Information Agency, and Department of Interior and Local Government

             Prepares and implements a comprehensive program for public knowledge and education.

Open Ended

 Question: What do you think is the government agency that has the greatest responsibility for the protection of our natural resources? Why?

 

The Role of Every Filipino in the Preservation and Management of Resources

             Apart from the government, it is the responsibility of every Filipino to participate in the proper management and protection of the natural resources of the Philippines

Open Ended

Question: As a young Filipino child, how can you help the government in the preservation and management of the country's natural resources?