Iloilo city: The Department of Education in Western Visayas (DepEd-6) is targeting to plant some 3 million trees by 2028 as part of the Eco Champions Program initiated by Regional Director Cristito Eco.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd-6 Regional Information Officer Hernani Escullar Jr. stated that the program aims to incorporate sustainable environmental practices into the learning competencies of students. He emphasized the importance of encouraging children to take actionable steps beyond classroom learning to maintain a green environment by including tree planting activities in major events.
Escullar noted that while trees are primarily planted within school premises, they can also be planted in nearby community spaces if school grounds are insufficient. He highlighted the significant impact of simple acts of planting on the community and environment.
To ensure the success of the project, DepEd-6 has been working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), as well as with local government units, to select appropriate tree species for planting.
In addition to tree planting, Escullar mentioned that DepEd-6 integrates disaster preparedness, resilience, and solid waste management into their curriculum to further promote environmental responsibility among students.
