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12 Dalaw turo at Cleanergy Park Matina 2

What could be a better opportunity to broaden the students’ awareness about environmental protection? Perhaps breaking their indoor habits as a rite of passage for more effective learning. An activity coupled with fun and hands-on experience. “PawiCAMP”, for example.

On October 11, 2019, around thirty (30) Grades 5 and 6 pupils from Matina Central Elementary School and Diego Silang Elementary School were gathered in Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, Punta Dumalag, Davao City for a day-long environmental immersion initiated by the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-XI, Department of Education (DepEd) and Junior Chamber International (JCI).

The students showed strong enthusiasm as they were given the chance to explore some parts of the 8-hectare outdoor biodiversity park and see for themselves the various Pawikan species which are being nested within the site.

One of the highlights of PawiCAMP is an interactive activity coined as “Dalaw-Turo”, a unique learning approach facilitated by DENR XI’s Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBC) and the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO).

In aims of enshrining the students’ understanding about nature and its biodiversity, learnings were induced through lectures, games, role-play exercise and a fun-filled skit.

Further, kids and teachers were amused when “Grovey” and “Coralina”, the DENR-XI mascots as the main characters of the skit arrived in the scene. These mascots are one of the learning tools that the DENR-XI uses for its Communication, Education and Public Awareness activities (CEPA).

“We are truly honored and happy that we were invited for this activity. It really helps that the pupils are being taught about environmental protection at an early age. This is for the sake of their future.”, Shella E. Cabad, Diego Silang Elementary School teacher expresses.

As the event is also in line with the “World Migratory Bird Day” celebration, pupils were taught about the kinds of bird species, its conservation status and the threats that these birds are facing.

“Learning by doing is always best when educating the children. Making learning relevant by bringing them outdoors and showing them the importance of our environment.” Marigelaine Arguillas, DENR-XI Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section Chief shares.

Ms. Jayvee Jude Agas, Chief of the Regional Public Affairs Office, also emphasizes the significance of engaging the children in environmental education. Further stressing that “Through this Dalaw-Turo activity, we wanted these kids to be aware how important it is to protect our turtles as well as to conserve our environment and natural resources. Whatever environmental problems we are facing today, we want them to be part of the solution.”