Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today welcomed the move of the Department of Education (DepEd) to strengthen environmental education in all public and private schools nationwide.
Paje thanked Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro for “strongly supporting the government’s campaign to protect and preserve the environment,” adding that Luistro’s issuance of DepEd Order No. 52, strengthening environmental education in all public and private schools nationwide is “indeed laudable.”
“Your initiative to strengthen environmental education through DepEd No. 52 is indeed laudable. The DENR is heartened by this support, which will surely complement our stepped up efforts to protect the environment,” Paje said in his letter to Luistro.
Paje stressed that the country’s educational system can play a vital role not only in developing environmental awareness among students but also in ensuring their active participation in environmental advocacies. This move, he said, raises hopes that the future citizens of this country will be “environmentally-responsible and better equipped to care for Mother Earth.”
Pursuant to Republic Act 9512 entitled “An Act to Promote Environmental Awareness through Environmental Education and for Other Purposes”, Luistro issued DepEd Order No. 52 urging public and private schools to incorporate lessons on the environment in Science subject.
Under the order, Luistro also urged all school officials and teachers to use various instructional materials like books, visual aids, teaching guides and manuals in promoting students’ awareness of issues and concerns on the environment, enhance their participation in environmental activities and advocacies, and instill in their minds the need to preserve and protect the environment.
“While the kids are still in the formative and learning stage of their lives, the integration of environmental education in the school curricula and letting students participate in environmental activities and advocacies will help develop the students’ environmental consciousness as well as instill in their minds the importance of protecting the environment,” Paje said.
The order also provides for the establishment of the Youth for Environment in School Organizations (YES-O) in all public and private elementary (from grades I-VI) and secondary schools.
Among the environmental concerns to be taken up to promote environmental education in school campuses include greening program, clean-up drive, fire prevention and other disaster risks management, anti-pollution, waste management, and water and energy conservation. Ayda Zoleta, PAO-DENR
