Dalaw Turo initiative educates youth on environmental stewardship

As part of the Environment Month celebration, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Negros Occidental Dalaw Turo Team conducted a Dalaw Turo session on June 15, 2024, at Sitio Wayang, Himamaylan City.

The event, organized in collaboration with One Green Movement, ProSeed, and ECO 143, aimed to educate young minds on environmental stewardship.

The Dalaw Turo session emphasized the importance of proper waste segregation, reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize environmental impact. Children actively participated in interactive discussions, learning to distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.

“It’s vital for the youth to understand these concepts early on to foster a culture of sustainability,” a representative from PENRO said.

In addition to waste management, the session covered fire prevention measures and earthquake safety instructions.

Representatives from Central Philippines State University (CPSU) taught the children how to prepare for typhoons, secure homes, prepare emergency kits, and understand evacuation procedures.

The initiative aimed to equip children with essential knowledge and skills for responding to natural emergencies.

Meanwhile, on June 26, 2024, the PENRO Guimaras Dalaw Turo Team, in collaboration with the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU), conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity at Guimaras State University (GSU)-Baterna Campus.

Thirty-seven Agriculture and Fisheries students participated in the program, which included lectures and group challenges. The event aimed to raise awareness among the youth about the Department’s initiatives and environmental observances such as World Oceans Day, Coral Triangle Initiative Day, and Arbor Day.

The students engaged in various group tasks at three different stations: a quiz, a role play featuring characters from the coral reef community, and a Coral Dance TikTok Challenge. These interactive activities helped participants understand the importance of environmental conservation and the critical issues affecting nature.

Dalaw Turo, derived from the Filipino words “Dalaw” meaning “to visit” and “Turo” meaning “to teach,” is an innovative, non-traditional educational tool designed to promote environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation. This participatory approach utilizes various forms of folk media, including street theatre, creative workshops, exhibits, ecological tours, and games, to effectively engage and educate diverse audiences on nature conservation and sustainable development.

“The Dalaw Turo initiative is crucial in raising environmental awareness and education among local communities, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship,” said a spokesperson from DENR.

The Dalaw Turo Team’s efforts highlight the ongoing commitment to fostering environmental consciousness and proactive stewardship among the youth, preparing them to become responsible guardians of the environment.