DepEd, BCSP Philippine biodiversity toolkit for teachers, learners

In line with the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity last May 22, the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (BCSP), launched the Samot-Saring Buhay: A toolkit on Philippine Biodiversity to impart appreciation and awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity last May 21.

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. It also discusses the adversity faced by biodiversity and its effect on our health, economy, and resilience to hazards.

“Recognizing the role of the youth as partners in nurturing and renewing Philippine diversity, we in the Department of Education hold responsibility to equip more learners with the appropriate learning and thinking skills that will enable them to become agents of change and advocates of biodiversity,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

During the online launch, BCSP President Mr. Ranier Manalo also shared the importance of the toolkit with regard to society and the 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 we require policy harmonization for conservation and sustainability needs, this toolkit is for all of us,” Mr. Manalo said.

Undersecretary for Curriculum and instruction Diosdado San Antonio and Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua also shared their appreciation for the creation of the biodiversity toolkit for teachers.

“We are thankful that we have this toolkit so that our schools and teachers can help heighten our advocacy for quality education, for quality health, and quality life,” Usec. San Antonio said.

“In line with the Department of Education’s core value Makakalikasan, this tool kit, which has been 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 thru education and appreciation of our country’s biodiversity,” added Usec. Pascua.

The production of the toolkit is spearheaded by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) under the Administration Strand and will soon be available for downloaded for free in various DepEd platforms like DepEd Commons, DepEd LMRDS, and Microsite on created resources for teaching climate change.

To download or know more about the Samot Saring Buhay: A Toolkit on Philippine Biodiversity, interested individuals may go to https://bit.ly/DepEdCCE. Access to the toolkit is free of charge.