In celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (BCSP), launched recently the “Samot-Saring Buhay: A Toolkit on Philippine Biodiversity” to impart appreciation and awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity.
Crafted to encourage participation and leadership of teachers and learners in conservation efforts, the Samot-Saring Buhay Toolkit provides information on Philippine biodiversity, threats and conservation efforts, while also discussing its effect on our health, economy and resilience to hazards, DepEd said in a news release.
“Recognizing the role of the youth as partners in nurturing and renewing Philippine diversity, we in the Department of Education hold responsibility to equip learners with appropriate learning and thinking skills to make them become agents of change and advocates of biodiversity,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said during the online launching.
BCSP President Ranier Manalo explained the importance of the toolkit to the society and environment: “We are also aware that this often involves complex issues in our daily lives in terms of psychological, social, and economic significance. But at the end of the day, when we require policy harmonization for conservation and sustainability needs, this toolkit is for all of us.”
DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and instruction Diosdado San Antonio and Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua shared their appreciation for the creation of the biodiversity toolkit.
“We are thankful to have this toolkit so our schools and teachers can help heighten our advocacy for quality education, quality health and quality life,” San Antonio said.
Pascua added: “In line with the Department’s core value, Makakalikasan, this tool kit, put together by advocates for the Philippine environment from different agencies and organizations, is a way of ensuring the continued protection and conservation of our natural resources. We do this by empowering our Filipino youth through education and appreciation of our country’s biodiversity.”
Produced by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) under the Administration Strand, the toolkit can be downloaded for free through various DepEd platforms like DepEd Commons, DepEd LMRDS and Microsite on created resources for teaching climate change.