To give students an early start on environment education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has directed the basic education sector to integrate lessons on the environment in the curriculum and school activities.
In DepEd Order No. 52, Education Secretary Armin Luistro also urged teachers in public and private elementary and high schools to make environmental education a way of teaching by making it the theme of class discussions, visual aids and other school materials.
“Environmental concerns shall be used as tools for classroom drills, discussions and activities and shall be taught and be integrated in the related learning areas,” read the DepEd order.
Luistro said teachers should encourage students to take part in environment-related activities by making green learning part of the daily fare in class.
Luistro said lessons on the environment should be integrated in all science subjects. He instructed the Bureaus of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Alternative Learning System to formalize the adoption in the curriculum.
The order explained the reason for the importance given to green learning. “In view of the pressing global concerns and issues on the environment, DepEd urges all public and private schools to take the lead in environmental awareness by enhancing environmental education and by pursuing effective school-based activities that seek to preserve and protect the environment,” it stated.
The order, addressed to central office executives, regional, provincial and district officials and school heads, aims to operationalize the 2008 Environment Education Act.
“School administrators, officials, and teachers [should] use various instructional materials such as books, visual aids, teaching guides and materials in making the students aware of the concerns and issues on the environment,” said Luistro.
“[These] shall promote student’s participation in environmental activities and advocacies and instill in their minds the need to preserve and protect the environment,” said the secretary.
He said teachers should enrich their own knowledge about the environment by attending conferences, workshops and other fora on the topic.
Luistro also urged school officials to support school organizations fostering environmental awareness.