DepEd strengthens environmental education

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has taken steps to strengthen environmental education in public and private schools to boost government efforts in dealing with climate change.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the move seeks to match lectures in the classroom with concrete school-based activities that will preserve and protect the environment.

Luistro issued DepEd Memorandum Order No. 52 directing schools to intensify environmental education and pushed for the creation of student-led environmental awareness groups in schools.

The order was in compliance with Republic Act 9512 or “An Act to Promote Environmental Education and for other Purposes.”

“I urge all public and private schools to take the lead in promoting environmental awareness by enhancing environmental education and pursuing activities in schools that nurture the environment,” said Luistro.

DepEd directed all public and private schools to intensify lessons regarding environment in all science subjects as well as in classroom discussions, drills and activities.

School officials and teachers were also ordered to use instructional materials such as books, visual aids, teaching guides and materials to reinforce the teaching of environmental issues.

To integrate environmental protection in related learning areas, Luistro instructed the DepEd’s Bureau of Elementary Education, Bureau of Secondary Education and the Alternative Learning Systems to review the existing curricula and adjust them accordingly.

The DepEd secretary also ordered the creation of the Youth for Environment in School Organizations (YES-O) in all public and private elementary (Grades 4 to 6) and secondary schools and have them registered in the Division Office. The YES-O will take the lead in implementing environmental activities in their respective schools.

“Student membership should be voluntary and no membership fee shall be collected from the students.”

“We want environmental concerns to grow naturally from the hearts of our young, that is why we give them enough elbow room to grow, but with clear guidelines,” Luistro said.

Subject to the rules of the schools, the YES-O may be allowed to conduct fund-raising activities within the school premises to support environmental programs. It will be under the supervision of DepEd’s Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs.