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Dalaw-Turo which roughly translates to “visit and teach” is an innovative educational intervention for teaching and promoting environmental information on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources of our country. Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS), being one of the largest marine protected areas in the Philippines, it is crucial to prioritize the sustainable protection, conservation, and responsible management of its marine resources. Ensuring the preservation of its marine resources supports local livelihoods and their resilience in the face of various environmental challenges. Conversely, the knowledge gap due to lack of education of most of the stakeholders surrounding the protected seascape hinders the efficiency in the efforts towards sustainability of its aquatic resources. Hence, the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape - Protected Area Management Office (TSPS-PAMO) orchestrated the Dalaw-Turo Activity as part of its Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign to bridge the learning gap and to foster the sense of community responsibility among the stakeholders especially in the youth sector.
In an effort to cultivate environmental stewardship and sustainable practices among the youth, the TSPS-PAMO initiated the Dalaw-Turo Activity this year whose objective is to visit twenty-four (24) National High Schools surrounding the protected seascape. On May 02-10, 2024, the simultaneous Dalaw-Turo Activity started where over 600 students participated from the following National High Schools:
CEBU
Badian National High School of the Municipality of Badian
Moalboal National High School of the Municipality of Moalboal
Matab-ang National High School of Toledo City
Bato National High School of Toledo City
San Remigio National High School of the Municipality of San Remigio
Kawit National High School of the Municipality of Medellin
NEGROS ORIENTAL
San Jose Provincial High School of the Municipality of San Jose
Demetrio L. Aviola National High School of the Municipality of Bindoy
Okiot National High School of Bais City
Ayungon National High School of the Municipality of Ayungon
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
Sipaway National High School of San Carlos City
Calatrava National High School of the Municipality of Calatrava
The Dalaw-Turo Activity started with the invocation then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The Dalaw-Turo team from TSPS provided the rationale of the activity and at the same time highlighted the relevance of the activity in response to a variety of occurring environmental challenges.
The activity proceeded with the screening of a thirty-five-minute audio-visual presentation (AVP) prepared by TSPS-PAMO which includes general overview of biodiversity, ecosystem services, Republic Act 7586 also known as National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, Republic Act 11038 also known as Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System of 2018, Republic Act 9003 also known as Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000, the relevant and timely information of TSPS, and a discussion on mitigating the effects of various environmental challenges occurring in TSPS. Throughout the AVP presentation, the facilitators actively engaged the participants by soliciting their perspectives and insights on the AVP content's relevance and significance.
Following the AVP presentation, a game called “Where do I belong? A game of trash segregation” where its objective is to correctly segregate different types of waste into their respective categories (e.g., recyclable, non-recyclable, biodegradable) to earn points and win the game. This game plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of responsibility among students. By encouraging critical thinking and reflection on their waste disposal habits, it promotes environmentally friendly practices. A quiz bowl game is also being utilized to reinforce the key points being discussed during the activity as well as fostering the spirit of collaboration as the students worked together to answer the questions while competing against other teams.
Teacher Ivy Lapuerta, who serves as the adviser for the Youth for the Environment for Schools Organization (YES-O) Club at San Remigio National High School, expressed her gratitude towards the Dalaw Turo Activity. She was very grateful that San Remigio National High School was one of the chosen schools for the activity.
“We are now on a mission to effectively conserve and sustainably manage coastal and marine resources and habitats of Tañon Strait. The power of using science, evidence-based approaches, participative decision-making and co-management, active stakeholder collaboration and engagement can definitely provide a positive impact to continually protect our Tañon--- ATONG TAÑON.” - Teacher Ivy narrates in her Facebook post.
Through this Dalaw-Turo Activity, the TSPS-PAMO is hopeful that the youth who attended and participated cultivates a deeper understanding and commitment towards sustainable practices and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship that ensures the well-being of Tañon Strait for the succeeding generations to cherish and benefit from.
