By Ryan Louis Mantilla 

While climate change-related topics are already in the K-12 curriculum, the Department of Education (DepEd) further strengthened the presence of climate education in the basic learning modules.

“The Department of Education, through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), renews its commitment to intensify climate literacy and support climate action in the basic education sector,” the DepEd statement reads. 

According to the education sector, the topics regarding climate change are already integrated into several subjects, including Science, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH), and Technology and Livelihood Economics (TLE), to mention a few.

But while various subjects already include the said topic, the DepEd asserted that there is a need to enhance it further by “refining learning competencies and standards and monitoring learning delivery.”

The Department of Education also stated that it is collaborating with the Climate Change Commission to promote climate literacy and climate action in the basic education curriculum to develop climate literate learners and professionals.

Meanwhile, DepEd teachers underwent an online training course, Climate Changemakers, to enhance climate change education.

“Time is of the essence. Climate change is an emergency. The time to act is now,” DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service (DRRMS) Director Ronilda Co said.