QC is 1st Asian city for Temasek’s OASIS Schoolyards Project

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte says the “OASIS Schoolyards’ program resonates with the local government’s vision and commitment to tackle climate change and provide a livable and quality community for all. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Transformation programs under the OASIS Schoolyards Project will be piloted in three public elementary schools in Quezon City, the local government announced Friday.

The Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School, Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, and Placido Del Mundo Elementary School were chosen based on their comparative vulnerability to heatwaves and flooding, and the availability of open space within the school and surrounding neighborhood, it explained.

OASIS Schoolyards was originally conceived and implemented by the city of Paris as part of the Paris Resilience Strategy to address the urgent challenges of climate change in urban areas, with a focus on mitigating the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities and improving the well-being of children.

Based on the principles of Openness, Adaptation, Sensitization, Innovation, and Social Ties, or “OASIS,” it has become an exemplary model using innovative solutions to transform schoolyards into urban oases resilient to climate change.

Quezon City, a champion of climate action and resilience, has joined the new OASIS Schoolyards Project jointly launched by Resilient Cities Network and Temasek Foundation in the Philippines to improve educational quality for Filipino students while simultaneously addressing the challenges of climate change.

READ: Quezon City named among world’s top cities fighting climate change

School communities, including students, parents and teachers, as well as design professionals, will co-design schoolyards in consultation with stakeholders such as government, academia, and community organizations. The schoolyards will also be used as interactive learning tool for students as well as for local government officials to raise public awareness for climate resilience.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte says the “OASIS Schoolyards” program resonates with the local government’s vision and commitment to tackle climate change and provide a livable and quality community for all. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

“The ‘OASIS Schoolyards’ program resonates with the City Government’s vision, and we express our enthusiasm in being part of this initiative,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “We are committed to tackling climate change and provide a livable and quality community for all by strengthening the adaptive capacity of our communities and resilience of our natural ecosystems.”

“Inclusive climate action is also integral in the plan development to ensure representation of various sectors including the youth” she added.

Temasek Foundation programs head Lim Hock Chuan believed that by adaptation solution innovations may inspire local communities and stakeholders to proactively participate in efforts to address climate change.

READ: Vehicles are leading cause of air pollution in QC

He said this project is an experiential learning platform which the youth can relate to in a school environment.

“We expect this pilot program for the three ‘OASIS Schoolyards’ schools will show definitive results in improving livability of the urban environment around schools; and where important lessons will be incorporated into the school curriculum,” Chuan said.

“Temasek Foundation hopes that our contribution will catalyze other local philanthropic organizations, including local governments and community stakeholders to embark on similar projects across Metro Manila,” he also said.

Meanwhile, Lauren Sorkin, executive director of Resilient Cities Network, said “[t]he launch of the OASIS Schoolyards Project marks a significant step towards empowering cities to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte says the “OASIS Schoolyards” program resonates with the local government’s vision and commitment to tackle climate change and provide a livable and quality community for all. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Under the program, “[w]e will transform schoolyards into vibrant urban oases, fostering community engagement and empower children as catalysts for positive change,” she noted.

“I am thrilled to see our vision of creating resilient, sustainable communities taking root in Quezon City,” Sorkin said.

“Our collaboration with Temasek Foundation exemplifies our commitment to creating climate-resilient cities, starting with this innovative initiative in Quezon City,” she continued.