The Department of Education and the BCSP have released a biodiversity toolkit for teachers and students in the Philippines. | 1 June 2021 via DepEd | Last May 21, the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (BCSP), launched the Samot-Saring Buhay: A toolkit on Philippine Biodiversity to impart appreciation and awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity in honor of the International Day for Biological Diversity.
The Samot-Saring Buhay Toolkit was created to inspire teachers and students to participate in conservation efforts by providing information on Philippine biodiversity, risks, and conservation activities. It also examines biodiversity’s challenges and their impact on human health, economics, and risk resilience.
“Recognizing the role of the youth in nurturing and renewing Philippine diversity, we in the Department of Education have a responsibility to equip more learners with the appropriate learning and thinking skills that will enable them to become change agents and biodiversity advocates,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.
Mr. Ranier Manalo, President of the BCSP, spoke at the online launch about the toolkit’s value to society and the environment.
“We are also aware that in our daily lives, this frequently involves complex difficulties in terms of psychological, social, and economic relevance. But, at the end of the day, policy harmonization is required for conservation and sustainability, and this toolkit is for everyone,” Mr. Manalo stated.
Diosdado San Antonio, the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, and Alain Del B. Pascua, the Undersecretary for Administration, both expressed gratitude for the construction of the biodiversity toolbox for teachers.
“We are grateful for this toolbox so that our schools and instructors can assist us increase our advocacy for great education, health, and life,” stated Usec. San Antonio.
“This tool kit, which has been put together by advocates for the Philippine environment from various agencies and organizations, is a way of guaranteeing the continuous protection and conservation of our natural resources, in line with the Department of Education’s core value Makakalikasan. We accomplish this by empowering our Filipino youth via knowledge and respect of our country’s biodiversity,” Usec. Pascua continued.
The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) of the Administration Strand is spearheading the development of the toolkit, which will soon be available for free download on DepEd platforms such as DepEd Commons, DepEd LMRDS, and Microsite on created resources for teaching climate change.
