DepEd, UN promote forest conservation with Filipino Kids

FILIPINO children will soon learn the vital link between a healthy forest cover and steady food supply through the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Dubbed as “Forests for a Sustainable Future: Educating Children,” Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said the program would “create opportunities” for her department and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to work with FAO on sustainable forest management.

“In the Department of Education [DepEd], we have…many [underutilized agricultural and fishery high schools] with regard to the properties that they own,” she said during the visit of Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, UN’s FAO country representative.

She mentioned visiting a school in Leyte with around 6 hectares of land area; however, it only has 1 to 3 hectares planted with vegetables due to fund constraints.

With the project, the Education chief added that students may learn about sustainable management of forests, food production and food security, among others.

“Through interactive learning approaches and the development of strategic education modules, the project will equip younger generations with the necessary skills and knowledge to address current food production, distribution and nutrition challenges,” Duterte said.

Image credits: Facebook Page of Inday Sarah Duterte