The Purpose of the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-

O) of DepEd
by Bicol Standard 7 MONTHS AGO

2 MINUTE

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by Diana E. Rodriguez

Science Teacher

San Jose Pili National High School

The state of environment is a reminder of what we as human are capable of inflicting

nature, which is in perfect harmony with its elements. In this, regard, the role of education is
critical as it is the cornerstone of a modern society. It does not only determines the present
level of progress of people of a society but also charts our future course of advancement of
the civilization. Therefore, in view of the current environmental crisis, the content of
education requires restructuring. This would mean that education system across the world
would require not only to make a person employment worthy, it would have capacitate
people with values that would help them understand their relationship with the society and
environment. In this context, education will have to go beyond mere transfer of information.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has taken steps to strengthen environmental

education in public and private schools to boost government efforts in dealing with climate
change. The Department issued Dep.Ed Memorandum Order No.52 s. 2011 directing
schools to intensify environmental education and pushed for the creation of student-led
environmental awareness groups in school. The order was in compliance with Republic Act
9512 or “ An act to Promote Environmental Education for other Purposes”. In view thereof,
the Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), established the YOUTH for Environment in Schools
Organization (YES-O) under DepEd Order No. 72 s. 2003 entitled “ESTABLISHMENT OF
THE YOUTH FOR ENVIRONMENT IN SCHOOLS ORGANIZATION (YES-O).”
The Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) shall serve as significant
venue for students’ actions and movements toward safeguarding, protecting and conserving
the environment for future generations. It has the following objectives: a. Be aware and
create awareness in others of the state of the Philippine environment and ecology, including
prevailing issues and concerns relative thereto; b. Establish specific and doable programs
projects and activities to address issues and concerns on environment and ecology; c.
Network with other government and non- government organizations, including Youth for
Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) n other schools within the division and
region, with regard to support and assistance to programs, projects and activities of the
organization; d. Encourage community participation and initiative in environmental and
ecological movements and actions; and e. Develop among members and the community
proper environmental values, skills and attitudes.