Holcim, in partnership with One Earth One Ocean through its Circular Explorer project, has led the Department of Education (DEPED) and the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. This MOA aims to support the Circular Explorer’s initiative to instill sustainability concepts among young learners in public schools starting with pilot schools in Metro Manila through the introduction of circularity modules in their curriculums.
The initiative seeks to instill concepts and transition to circular economy from a linear economy through the use of a toolkit that includes teachers’ manual, a comic book and a high school workbook. Christine Bellen, Project Manager of Circular Explorer reinforces how the program compliments the initiatives from DepEd, “This partnership with ASSIST and the Circular Explorer Project aligns with DepEd’s commitment to integrating sustainability education into our schools. By fostering environmental consciousness among our learners, we are equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion a circular economy.”
(Caroline Labrague, Project Development Officer II External Partnership Service DepEd-Central)
In a previously published Message of Support, Department of Education, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching, Gina Gonong gives credit to Holcim Philippines Circular Explorer saying “I commend the Circular Explorer project for its efforts in developing a comprehensive array of educational resources, ranging from comic books and teacher’s manuals to activity workbooks and posters. These materials align with the DepEd’s vision of fostering a resilient and child-centered nation as outlined in the Basic Education MATATAG Agenda. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to making significant strides in addressing the challenges facing basic education.”
(Circular Explorer Comic Book, High School Workbook and Teacher’s Manual)
The partnership with DepEd was further cemented with a whole day Training of Teachers (TOT) sessions for teachers from select schools. The sessions were led by Kendrick Faronilo, MSc, President & Founder of Philippine Association of Environmental Science students. As part of the implementation phase, 3,000 students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel from Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, and Las Piñas are expected to participate in the roll out.
(Attendees of TOT working on their lesson plan as part of the TOT exercise.)
(Master Trainer Kendrick Mico Faronilo MSc. during one of the sessions in the TOT)
