Solid Waste Mgt IEC urged in schools
The Regional Ecology Center (REC) 6 has urged schools, colleges and universities in Iloilo City to intensify solid waste management activities in their respective institutions and integrate environmental topics in subjects.
The REC made the call during the 3rd Media Information Day with schools, media and government agencies, which focused on Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 (RA No. 9512).
RA 9512 provides for a collaborative interagency and multi-sectoral efforts in all levels to make environmental advocacy beneficial to the communities, including schools, and help them adapt and mitigate impacts of climate change.
The participants were briefed on the status of solid waste management implementation and of REC 6 activity highlights.
Regional Solid Waste Management Coordinator Collette Juntarciego said implementation of RA 9003 is still a challenge for LGUs and institutions even as efforts are gradually picking up, while EMB-GTZ is also intensifying their technical assistance to facilitate implementation.
Meanwhile, schools have also indicated some programs they undertake and their continuing efforts in integrating topics in their courses.
Further commitments to pursue and institutionalize environmental awareness education in the colleges and universities were expected as result of the forum.
GTZ-SWM4LGUs Team leader Johannes Paul said there are more options which the networks of media and academic institutions and the REC 6 members can do to bring implementation of RA 9512 vigorous. (PIA6/ESS)