Effectiveness of Environmental Law Dissemination and Implementation Among Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Members in the Municipality of Malibcong, Abra

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of environmental law dissemination and implementation among Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members in the Municipality of Malibcong, Abra, in terms of awareness, participation, and implementation of solid waste management and climate change mitigation programs. A descriptive–evaluative research design employing a one-group pretest–posttest approach was utilized. The respondents consisted of 48 SK members selected through total enumeration. Data were collected using validated instruments, including a 30-item multiple-choice questionnaire and a structured survey questionnaire.

The findings revealed that the municipality has established ordinances on solid waste management and climate change mitigation aligned with Republic Act No. 9003 and Republic Act No. 9729. Before the seminar, the respondents obtained a mean percentage score of 38.33%, interpreted as Needs Improvement. The extent of implementation was rated Highly Implemented for solid waste management (M = 4.01) and climate change mitigation (M = 4.00). Awareness of solid waste management was rated Very Aware (M = 3.43), while awareness of climate change mitigation was Moderately Aware (M = 2.88). Participation was rated High in solid waste management (M = 4.20) and Very High in climate change mitigation (M = 4.46).

Following the seminar, the respondents' mean percentage score increased to 87.22%, interpreted as Outstanding. A paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores (p < .001), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. These findings demonstrate that the seminar was effective in enhancing the SK members' knowledge of environmental laws.

The study concludes that structured environmental law dissemination significantly improves the knowledge of youth leaders and supports greater participation in and implementation of environmental programs. It recommends sustaining capacity-building initiatives, strengthening policy enforcement, and enhancing climate change awareness programs to promote effective environmental governance in the Municipality of Malibcong, Abra.