The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) through the Social Forestry Division (SFD) conducted Environmental Education Program (EEP) on 28 August 2018 at Sto. Tomas North Central School, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The program intended for the primary and secondary school community with the goal of producing an educated individual who is environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and a productive citizen in the community. The Department of Education was chosen as partner in this undertaking because it has been proven to be the most effective medium in spreading awareness and instituting knowledge and behavioral change in youth. It is in school where they spread a big part of their waking hours and they look up to their mentors with high esteem. EEP aimed to develop the youth and eventually the adults in the community to appreciate the value of natural resources and provide opportunities for the participation in the protection and conservation of these resources.
A total of 50 Grade VI students of Sto. Tomas North Central School participated the activity. The program includes: environmental message from the head of the Social Forestry Division, For. Nicasio M. Balahadia; film showing about the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park and its importance facilitated by For. Leonardo D. Barua; lecture-discussion about the importance of forest conservation presented by For. Myranel S. Canceran; and open forum facilitated by Mr. Banjamin D. Arizala.
MSCanceran
Photos credit to: GKLInciong and LDBarua