In a collective step towards environmental stewardship and sustainable learning, Holcim Philippines—through its Circular Explorer initiative with One Earth One Ocean—has forged a partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).
The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), aiming to introduce circular economy principles in public schools, beginning with pilot institutions across Metro Manila. The partnership will deploy specially designed educational materials such as a teacher’s manual, a comic book, and a high school workbook to help young learners transition from a linear to a circular mindset.
Christine Bellen, Project Manager of the Circular Explorer, emphasized the initiative’s value “This partnership with ASSIST and the Circular Explorer Project aligns with DepEd’s commitment to integrating sustainability education into our schools. By fostering environmental consciousness among our learners, we are equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion a circular economy.”
DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching, Gina Gonong, also acknowledged the initiative’s alignment with the MATATAG Agenda in a previously published message of support:
“I commend the Circular Explorer project for its efforts in developing a comprehensive array of educational resources, ranging from comic books and teacher’s manuals to activity workbooks and posters. These materials align with the DepEd’s vision of fostering a resilient and child-centered nation. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to making significant strides in addressing the challenges facing basic education.”
The collaboration was further strengthened through a full-day Training of Teachers (TOT) program, led by Kendrick Faronilo, MSc, President and Founder of the Philippine Association of Environmental Science Students. The rollout is expected to engage over 3,000 students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel from Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, and Las Piñas, empowering them to become future champions of sustainability.
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