Feature

The Philippines Experience

By Angelina Galang

There is no question that the environmental problems of the world are overwhelming. Global warming, ozone-layer depletion, pollution, lowered soil fertility, deforestation, erosion, siltation, lowered biodiversity, toxic wastes--the list is endless. Economic and industrial activities have been a major reason for this situation. On the other hand, there is likewise no question that growth is needed especially by countries whose economic conditions prevent the full human empowerment of its citizens. Is economic development compatible with environmental protection? The question is better expressed in this way: Is economic development possible without environmental protection? My answer is: No, not if we want development to be sustainable. Investments in socioeconomic measures are useless if the natural resource base on which humans depend continues to deteriorate.


Environmental Education

Sustainable development has to be addressed from various aspects, but one very basic strategy is environmental education. Much environmental destruction takes place because of ignorance. People need to be made aware of the nature and gravity of the situation. All forms of education must be utilized because all sectors must be reached. For purposes of this article I would like to segment education into three types: formal, nonformal and informal or public. Formal education is what goes on in schools and universities: systematic, deliberate programming of lessons and activities at the end of which a degree or other qualification is earned. Nonformal education, as exemplified by special seminars and workshops, is likewise systematically programmed but is of short duration and does not result in a diploma. Informal or public education, achievable through the mass media, involves short messages on posters, stickers or newspaper articles.

Formal education can ensure that all who are enrolled in school are given the knowledge, skills and motivation to care for the Earth. This type of education has great potential because of the many contact hours that are available for the formation of the students. Those who will lead nations in the future should be prepared well. 

However, the leaders and adults of today must not be neglected. They might not have had formal environmental education because this field is relatively new. Short, nonformal training is appropriate because of time constraints for these busy people. The seminars and workshops can be very focused in content and perspective. They can be tailor-fitted to specific groups and can have immediate application. 


Media Messages 

Those who are not being educated in schools or by continuing adult training need to be reached by public information campaigns. The media has the potential to reach large masses of people. The challenge is greater as the audience is amorphous, faceless. It is difficult to determine who is receiving the environmental messages. Communication is one-way. Feedback, much less exchange of ideas, is rare. Moreover, there is much competition from commercial and other messages. The presentations must win the attention of a public that would rather not hear bad news.

In the Philippines, environmental education (EE) has been mandated by presidential decree since 1977. Schools are supposed to integrate EE into their curricula wherever appropriate. Many schools have institutionalized this integration through the offering of core courses specific to the environment. Others integrate environmental concepts in identified courses, for instance, science and social sciences. Traditional professional programs are given an environmental thrust so that lawyers get skills in environmental law, architects in environmental design and engineers in construction that minimizes materials and energy use and wastage and promotes proper disposal of debris. A good number of institutions offer environmental degree programs at the bachelor's, master's or doctoral levels to meet the need for environmental practitioners. 

Recycling bins at Miriam College, Quezon City

The media is increasingly paying attention to the environment. Public education is being delivered through features in newspapers, radio and TV. Investigative journalism has exposed activities and abuses that have destroyed our important ecosystems. The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has an Environmental Education Office which regularly produces posters, calendars, brochures, stickers and other items aimed at increasing public awareness.

NGO Activities

The most vibrant sector is that of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). They are actively involved in public education and provide support to formal education, but their noteworthy contribution is in the nonformal mode. Various organizations advocating environmental care in general and certain causes in particular are tirelessly giving seminars and workshops all over the country. They speak to all types of audiences--grassroots communities, local governments, religious congregations, civic organizations, business corporations, church leaders, media, women and youth groups, etc. Some of the specific causes that they educate about are: solid waste management, community-based resource (forest and coastal areas) management, organic agriculture, the mining issue in the Philippines, destructive versus ecological technology and sustainable development.

In our country as everywhere else in the world, we have to work hard so that everyone will embrace the ecological paradigm. While technological advances have improved the quality of life for humankind, these advances and accompanying social changes have destroyed so much of our environment and natural resources. Yet, such concerns are not seen as priorities by most of our citizens. 


Win-win Solutions

Education for sustainable development must not stop at awareness of the environmental problematic. It must enlighten minds to seek for alternatives that offer win-win solutions that are both economically and environmentally viable. Many examples show that win-win scenarios are not as impossible as previously thought. Proper solid waste management is one example.

Conventional dealing with garbage involved simple disposal in areas far away from people. This method reflected a paradigm based on a linear way of looking at resources. Take from nature, manufacture into products, dispose of waste in a dumpsite. This paradigm was not questioned while people were few, natural resources were plenty, and space was abundant. But now, this paradigm has resulted in many problems. Locations for dumpsites or landfills are hard to find; no areas are now "far" from communities. The expense of hauling waste to far places puts a big strain on the government's budget. Most importantly, resources are wasted when in fact much of the glass, plastic, rubber, paper, etc., can be recycled and all the biodegradables can be composted to enrich the soil. 

The paradigm of proper solid waste management follows the cyclical patterns of nature. Waste is diverted to where it can be a resource again--either in factories as raw materials or in the soil as a source of nutrients. When this approach is followed, much money and resources are saved. This paradigm is economically and environmentally advantageous. 

Correct solid waste management illustrates a win-win solution to a once seemingly unsolvable problem. Other problems can be similarly addressed if only those responsible and other stakeholders would take the time and effort to work on them. But the interest and will to do so starts with enlightenment. Education is the key. Let us all do our part and spread the word. Wanted: Environmental Educators for Sustainable Development.

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