
Waste segregation and the use of environment-friendly products are being pushed to be included in the curriculum of the Department of Education, as three schools in Manila, Parañaque, and Pasay City are the pilot areas in teaching the importance of preserving the environment.
The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) has signed a memorandum of agreement with those local government units to incorporate the conservation of natural resources and proper waste disposal in the curriculum.
“These modules are designed to simplify the concept of circularity for schoolchildren and highlight the importance of preserving the environment. The learning materials emphasize simple acts such as properly segregating waste and choosing environment-friendly products go a long way toward sustainability,” ASSIST director Francis Macatulad said.
He added that under the MOA, ASSIST would provide training and teaching materials to the teachers. “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 and most importantly, we also monitor the cascading of the (learnings from) teachers to students. We want to reach as many as possible. We actually have partnerships with various schools around Manila Bay. We will work with the DepEd and representatives of LGUs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Circular Explorer is a solar powered vessel that had collected at least 40,000 kilos of marine litter as of the end of last month, as part of joint rehabilitation efforts by the government and the private sector. Project manager Christine Bellen said her group targets at least 10 schools this year to be covered by the project. “We will provide that resources and the teachers can work within their pace how they will roll it out,” she added.
As the ones who will inherit this planet that past generations have abused, the youth should be given all the tools and knowledge they need to succeed where adults have failed, especially in conservation of natural resources and waste disposal. If the DepEd can make a significant contribution to that effort, starting as soon as possible should be a priority.*