THE DEPARTMENT of Education has partnered with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative to boost climate change education through the conduct of Climate Changemakers.

Climate Changemakers is the first climate change training course recognized by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines as part of the Professional Development Priorities of the department.

The program aims to increase the capacities of teachers to effectively teach climate change competencies, integrate climate change in competencies and commit to climate action.

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

Some 400 teachers completed the ten-week online course that utilized synchronous and asynchronous modalities focusing on correcting misconceptions about climate change.

It also provided a space for teachers to reflect on their learning and share challenges and good practices, the department added.

The course featured lectures from exchange alumni of the YSEALI program of the US Department of State, representatives and former and present members of the National Panel of Technical Experts of the Climate Change Commission, technical specialists and teachers from the Department of Education, and climate change-focused organizations like the Oscar M. Lopez Center and Youth Strike for Climate Philippines.

The first batch of the training was held from November 2021 to March 2022. Participants were trained to be mentors in partnership with the Divisions of Apayao, Sorsogon, Iloilo City, Eastern Samar and Surigao Del Sur.

The second batch was opened to all K to 12 teachers from public and private schools where hundreds applied and completed their synchronous and asynchronous activities.

“Following the ongoing K to 12 curriculum review and revision, we will also further enhance the Climate Changemakers online training course before its next release in 2023 and we hope to continue training our teachers to effectively teach climate education and ultimately answer the call to commit to climate action in the Philippines,” Co said.