Green and environmentally friendly schools

March 18, 2017 Educator's Corner Opinion

All over the world and in any government and non-government agencies, everybody is getting more conscious of the essence of valuing health and each one’s welfare. Likewise, environmental awareness is given importance.
In schools, the Department of Education in partnership with other agencies of the government like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Health (DOH) are doing campaigns and activities consistent with preserving the natural resources and making the environment green. DepEd and DENR establishes the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) as the only recognized co-curricular environmental club or organization in the schools and consolidates all other environmental and/or ecology clubs or organizations in school with main and primary programs or projects for the environment.(DO. 93 s. 2011).
YES-O is a student organization aimed to wake and inculcate the sense of awareness and initiative in improving the current situation of the environment. Last year (under DO No. 369, s. 2016), all public schools observed the celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month with the theme: “Green Schools…Building Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Communities”, highlighted with varied activities for the elementary, secondary and senior high school. This is a great opportunity to inculcate among our learners the value of building up green and environmentally friendly schools where every student, parent and member of the community is welcomed. We all know that an environmentally friendly school affects the growth and learning opportunities; encourages and stimulates a pleasing atmosphere to study, work and play; and enhances the skills and capabilities of our students.
Educating the generation now starts in schools. We may not have all the resources to be utilized in campaigning such but I believe starting the initial step in orienting, guiding, and teaching our students to become educated in creating a green and friendly environment is a big step to help in the global environmental problems the world is facing. Ultimately, educating our students ensure a clean and healthy environment for everybody to live in. Making a difference in their lives enables them to make a difference in the real world. PHYLIS BAGUILAT-LANG-AKAN, Sto. Tomas National High School, Baguio City