MALABON CITY, Philippines – The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), through the Environmental Education and Information Unit (EEIU), conducted the Tinig ng Kalikasan (TNK) Learning Caravan in celebration of International E-Waste Day and International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week at Malabon National High School (MNHS) on October 20, 2023.
The program started with an icebreaker to establish rapport with the participants and promote the Bureau’s Official Facebook Page. This was followed by the inspiring message from Mr. Giovanni C. Callada, Officer-In-Charge, MNHS Office of the Principal. He also thanked the participants for their commitment and dedication to be part of the advocacy for the environment and highlighted the relevance of the topics to be discussed by the resource speakers.
Kicking off the environmental learning caravan, Mr. Paul John P. Tigno, Head of the Environmental Education and Information Unit (EEIU), discussed the EMB Mandates and the Metro Manila Environment. He briefly touched on the topics of Air Quality in Metro Manila, Major River Systems draining to Manila Bay, Environmental Impacts of Improper Waste Segregation, and the Practice of Zero Waste lifestyle. He also highlighted the important role of youth and women in taking care of the environment and addressed the participants’ query on solid waste management.
This was followed by an informative discussion of Engr. Mary Joy Reginio–Mosquete, Senior Environmental Management Specialist of the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management Section (CHWMS), on Lead and its effect on health. She provided relatable examples for the participants, gave tips for ensuring their homes were lead-free, and addressed most of their concerns with research-based data.
The last speaker, Ms. Charmaine J. Cruz, Environmental Management Specialist I of the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management Section, broadened the knowledge of the participants relating to Electronic Waste (E-Waste), its categories, and its effects on human health. She also discussed the proper disposal of e-waste and promoted one of the National Capital Region’s Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) Facility located in Malabon.
The caravan was conducted with the aspiration to include more schools in strengthening the implementation of the Environmental Education and Awareness Act of 2008. It is also part of the Bureau’s advocacy in promoting and encouraging schools to participate in the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.
The caravan was attended by the host school, Malabon National High School along with eleven (11) other schools namely Malabon Science High School, Malabon Senior High School, Potrero National High School, Tugatog National High School, Tinajeros National High School, Imelda Integrated Secondary School, Longos National High School, Tañong National High School, Conception Technical Vocational School, Santiago Syjuco Memorial Integrated Secondary School, and Acacia National High School.
Lower Photo: Photo Opportunity of winning participants