MARIKINA CITY, Philippines – The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), through its Environmental Education Information Unit, conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Caravan at the St. Scholastica’s Academy – Marikina (SSAM) last November 18, 2022.

Mr. Paul John P. Tigno, Head of the Environmental Education and Information Unit, commenced with the introduction of the caravan and provided the students with the background of EMB-NCR. This was followed by the heartwarming message of Mr. Joemel G. Tumangday, Junior High School Science Teacher of SSAM, and the presentation of the four speakers.

Mr. Tigno discussed the State of Metro Manila Environment and underscored the struggles that Metro Manila is experiencing. Part of his discussion is the geographical representation of each city and its required Green Spaces which are beneficial to be considered a healthy city. Likewise, he emphasized that Marikina is one of the healthy cities in NCR providing enough green spaces in the city.

Ms. Rhean Gelyn M. Garcia, Environmental Monitoring Specialist II from the Ambient Air Unit, discussed RA 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, and cited the air pollutants that could harm one’s health. She also highlighted the ways to mitigate air pollution.

Ms. Josephine Q. Natividad, a Senior Environmental Management Specialist from the Ambient Water Unit and Climate Change Focal Person, started her discussion with Climate Change, its cause and effects, the views and opinions of the youth in Climate Change, and their awareness to start a Climate Action.

Mr. Just Edrich Montes, Environmental Monitoring Officer of the Solid Waste Management Section, discussed RA 9003, or the Waste Segregation in School, and the importance of proper waste disposal. He also highlighted the impacts of improper waste disposal and how it can affect human health.

After the informative discussions, Mr. Tigno facilitated the Pamana Activity which aims to provide knowledge in proper waste segregation and promote environmental awareness in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

The said caravan is in celebration of Clean Air Month, National Environmental Awareness Month, and Climate Change Consciousness Week and was participated by 32 female students from Grades 7 and 8 of the St. Scholastica’s Academy – Marikina in support of the Gender and Development mainstreaming of the Bureau.