The Department of Education – Schools Division Office of Isabela City, under the leadership of OIC- Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Maria Laarni Villanueva in partnership with the City Government of Isabela through its Gender and Development Unit led by GAD Focal Mendry-Ann Lim successfully conducted the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Environmental Camp on Project ECO-COLLECT: Transforming Plastic Waste into Community Value, held at Kaumpurnah Elementary School.
The activity aimed to raise environmental awareness among Girl Scouts and encourage proper plastic waste management by turning waste materials into useful and community-beneficial resources. It also sought to instill the values of environmental stewardship, creativity, and social responsibility among young learners.
The event gathered Girl Scouts from various schools across the city and commenced with an opening ceremony led by GSP officers and teachers from Basilan NHS. Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, represented by Community Affairs Associate Anna Sahibil from City General Services Office delivered an inspirational message emphasizing the importance of discipline and environmental responsibility as integral traits of every Isabeleño. Dr. Villanueva represented by ASDS Lyna Basri likewise expressed her gratitude to teachers and students for their continued support of DepEd’s environmental initiatives and for actively participating in programs that contribute to a cleaner and greener city.
The day’s activities featured informative discussions on proper waste management, presentations of the GSP Magic Spot Community Project, and the CGSMS Project facilitated by CAA Sahibil and Mardechona Flores of Basilan National High School. These sessions encouraged participants to think critically about sustainability and explore creative ways to repurpose plastic waste.
To further reinforce the learning experience, the Girl Scouts also visited local model sites, including Project Zero at Kaumpurnah Elementary School and the Isabela BRICKS Program Facility in Barangay Baluno. These visits showcased tangible examples of how communities can successfully implement environmental initiatives and transform waste into valuable materials that benefit both the environment and the people. (Words by SJ Asakil, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
