DepEd, DENR adopt eight public schools

CEBU, Philippines – At least eight public elementary and secondary schools in the cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu have been adopted by the regional offices of the Department of Education and Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas.

The adopted schools will be jointly developed by the two agencies as “sustainable and eco-friendly zones.”

DepEd-7 and DENR-7 through the Environmental Management Bureau-7 entered into a memorandum of agreement on August 17 adopting Banilad Elementary School; Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School; Apas Integrated Senior High School; and Talamban National High School in Cebu City.

Basak Elementary School; Soong Elementary School; Pajo National High School; and Pusok National High School in Lapu-Lapu City.

EMB-7 director William Cuñado said the chosen schools will serve as venue for young learners to be oriented on the sustainable environmental practices that will be adopted in their respective communities.

EMB-7’s adoption program aims to develop the skills and understanding of the school community, including teachers and parents, in giving importance to environment-related concerns.

The regional agency has been adopting schools in Central Visayas since 2011. However, the signing of a MOA was the first time for the agency.

According to the provisions of the MOA, it will take effect for two years. During the first year of the adoption, EMB-7 will provide technical assistance and capacity-building activities to the schools and its representatives.

The school administration will get inputs on environmental protection and conservation programs that they may apply based on their desired action plan.

On the second and last year, the schools are asked to implement the environmental programs they have stipulated under their respective action plan.

The EMB-7 will monitor the progress of the programs. The public schools in highly-urbanized cities are prioritized because of several environmental concerns. —/FPL (FREEMAN)