The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Malolos City headed by Schools Division Superintendent Ms. Leilani Samson Cunanan – CESO V, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Environmental Watchdog group BAN Toxics, headed by Mr. Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Executive Director on February 6, 2024, to implement Toxic-Free and Waste-Free School Program (TFSP) that aim to raise awareness of the schools on the sound management of chemicals and wastes.
Part of the understanding is to develop and implement chemicals and wastes module integration in the school curriculum, information, education, and communication activities for students, teachers, and parents, and the conduct of project monitoring and evaluation.
The TFSP has been one of the main initiatives of BAN Toxics since 2009. The program was designed to raise awareness on the negative effects of toxic chemicals and wastes found in schools, homes, and communities and promote environmentally sustainable and safe alternatives, as well as educate students and members of the community on sound chemical and waste management.
The Toxics-Free and Waste-Free School Program is concerned with toxic chemicals and wastes that may be present in schools, homes, and communities. Children’s health is jeopardized by their exposure to toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, phthalates, cadmium, and arsenic. The program also promotes responsible waste management at school and at home. This includes proper waste segregation, the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), urban gardening and composting, and reducing the use of single-use plastics.
Attending the ceremonial signing of agreement were Dr. Erwin Pagtalunan, DPA Regional Education Program Supervisor, Mr. Danilo Fajardo, Senior Education Program Specialist – Social Mobilization and Networking, Ms. Mary Grace June D. San Pedro, Project Development Officer II-DRRM, Ms. Mary Ann Andres, Principal IV of Sta. Isabel Elementary School, some student officers of Sta. Isabel ES, and BAN Toxics staffs.