By George George Idowu
Several groups are advocating for the integration of waste segregation and the use of environment-friendly products into the curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines in a bid to promote environmental consciousness among the youth and reduce the number of waste.
This initiative was spearheaded by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and other environmental organisations. It aims to educate students on the importance of preserving the environment and practicing sustainable practices.
The initial phase of this initiative has been launched in three schools in Manila, Parañaque, and Pasay City. According to Francis Macatulad, director of ASSIST, these schools were chosen as pilot areas to teach the importance of environmental preservation.
“We started with three schools, but we will expand to reach most of these LGUs (local government units) in all the public schools. We are now expanding it to the other public elementary and high schools,” Macatulad explained.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) has been signed with the local government units of Manila, Parañaque, and Pasay to incorporate the conservation of natural resources and proper waste disposal into the school curriculum. This agreement is a crucial step toward making environmental education a core part of the learning process in public schools.
The curriculum modules developed under this initiative are designed to make complex environmental concepts accessible to schoolchildren. “The modules are designed to simplify the concept of circularity for school children and highlight the importance of preserving the environment,” Macatulad said.
The learning materials emphasise practical actions such as proper waste segregation and choosing environment-friendly products, which can significantly contribute to sustainability efforts.
To ensure the effective delivery of this new curriculum, ASSIST has committed to providing training and teaching materials to the teachers in the three pilot schools. This approach aims to equip educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to teach these new concepts effectively.
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Macatulad said: “We want the sustainability of the project where we provide training to teachers, and they can continue teaching the next batch of students until the end of the year.”
It was further disclosed that the program’s scope is set to expand beyond the initial three schools. Christine Bellen, project manager of the Circular Explorer, another key player in the initiative, stated that they aim to include at least 10 more schools in the program this year.
“We will provide those resources, and the teachers can work within their pace how they will roll it out,” Bellen explained, highlighting the flexibility offered to educators in implementing the program.
The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) collaborates with these groups to rehabilitate Manila Bay. UPMSI scientists use the Circular Explorer, a solar-powered vessel, to collect data on marine pollution.
The vessel, which has already removed around 40,000 kilos of marine litter, 40% of which is plastic, serves as a trash collector and a research platform. “Every Monday and Wednesday are dedicated to our scientists,” Bellen said, emphasising the dual role of the vessel in both environmental cleanup and research.
Integrating environmental education into the curriculum represents a proactive approach to fostering environmental stewardship among the youth.
By teaching students about the importance of waste segregation, the use of environment-friendly products, and broader environmental conservation efforts, these initiatives aim to instil a sense of responsibility toward the environment from a young age.
As these programs continue to expand to more schools across the country, they have the potential to create a ripple effect, reaching thousands of students and influencing future generations to adopt sustainable practices.
This collaborative effort among schools, local governments, environmental organisations, and research institutions like UPMSI marks a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future for the Philippines and the world at large.
