ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND FILIPINOS’ VALUES, ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This paper examines the association between the educational attainment of Filipinos and their values, attitudes and actions towards the environment using the World Values Survey (WVS) data for the Philippines in 1996, 2001 and 2012. The three approaches to environment education as discussed in the dissertation paper of Chi (2015) were used as the theoretical framework for this paper. These approaches are: education about the environment, education in the environment and education for the environment. Through appropriate tests of independence, like Chi-square Gamma, and Kruskal-Wallis, data revealed thatFilipinos’ educational attainment significantly influenced their values, attitudes and actions towards the environment. Specifically, those with higher education expressed more positivevalues and attitude towards the environment than those with lower education. The same was found true in taking actions for the environment. Ideally, all Filipinos must care for theenvironment, regardless of education. The findings that is opposite to this scenario callsfor the need to revisit Environmental Education in the Philippines. Transitioning from education about the environment to education for the environment is suggested. Further, subjects like social studies must strengthen citizenship education by incorporating lessons on the environment, especially on participation and taking actions.