Gensan pupils advocate for healthier seas

By Teng L. Datu
Cotabato City Bureau Chief .

Koronadal City — “Let us help our environment bring back its unspoiled state. It is suffering from pollution, deforestation, and climate change,” said a grade six pupil named Sharie Allyna Colano said from Dadiangas West Central Elementary School (DWCES) in General Santos City.

This was bared during the School Visit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) through the Regional Strategic Communications and Initiative Section (RSCIS) in its campaign for environmental education and awareness among elementary pupils.

At least 61 pupils manifested active engagement in the discussions on biodiversity conservation, the Ridge-to-Reef approach, the benefits and threats facing the environment including the richness and wonders of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.

Gleaned from the voices of the pupils were growing consciousness about the need to jointly protect the environment. Most of them expressed that they will act as a role model to the juniors and let the social media be their voice to care for the environment.

DENR-12 regional director Nilo Tamoria strongly promotes environmental advocacy by going beyond establishing awareness among children and youth. He emphasized the necessity of behavioral change as a sustained impact of Information and Education Campaign.

“Elementary pupils are the ideal audience for environmental advocacies. We should inculcate in their minds the value of the environment and their role for environmental conservation,” Tamoria said.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Penro) Renato Domingo of the Office of the Regional Director took his part in introducing the mandate and the policy directions of the DENR.

“It is observed that pupils are really interested on environmental topics and issues. We will make this as a regular activity of our office to reach out to different schools both public and private,” Domingo said. (with reports from rhsumagpao/denr xii)