Oplan: Ligtas Tubig, a Service-Learning Project of Therese Magno, Hiroki Ogawa, Josiah Talusan (Students), and Dr. Esperanza Cabrera (Adviser) of the College of Science, Biology Department was conducted at Sitio Kay Reyna, Lian, Batangas. The objectives of the project were as follows: 1) Know the presence of bacteria coming human and animals; 2) Know the implications of E. coli presence in water; 3) Ascertain ways to properly stock household water supplies; and 4) Recommend improvements in the water system of the village. The results of the study were presented to the Local Government Unit and the village residents last May 16, 2018. Center for Social Concern and Action
Rm. 202, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147
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Did you know that Esteros (waterways) in Metro Manila play a vital role both in society and in our environment? It served as trading and transport route during the Spanish Era. As a small ecosystem and contributory stream to larger water bodies, it filters pollutants, recycles potentially-harmful nutrients, absorbs excess water during heavy rains, and help recharge underground aquifers. Despite their historical and ecological significance, these waterways however remain neglected. There are approximately two hundred seventy (270) esteros in Metro Manila that are poor in state. They are extremely polluted, causes frequent flooding due to waste, holds large number of informal settlers, surrounded with huge establishments encroaching its perimeters and lack proper management. Our “own” Estero De Maytubig and Estero Fort San Antonio De Abad are no different. To respond to this situation, De La Salle University (DLSU) has decided to participate in the rehabilitation of its nearby Esteros. It is our priority contribution to risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures in our own community. The university through the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) became part of the Adopt-an-Estero Program in collaboration with Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the City Government of Manila in June 2016. The project aims to a) restore the ecological services of Estero De Maytubig and Estero Fort San Antonio De Abad; b) raise public awareness on its intrinsic values; c) collaborate with internal and external stakeholders; and d) sustain efforts through policy and regulation. Last October 1, COSCA mobilized various stakeholders for the first clean-up of the two esteros. With the theme “Bayan Ko, Linis Ko,” the clean-up was organized in support to the country’s National Clean-Up Day. A total of 147 people composed of 4 DLSU students, 3 ALS-DLSU students, 22 DLSU employees, 74 Barangay Partners (707, 714, 717, 718, 719, and 720), 5 EMB-DENR technical staff, 17 DPWH workers, 8 MMDA personnel, and 14 Manila LGU staff, participated in the event. The event was graced by DLSU Vice President for Lasallian Mission, Br. Michael J. Broughton FSC and COSCA Director, Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito. Through their combined efforts, fifty (50) sacks of wastes were collected. Future plans include partnership with the Gokongwei College of Engineering (GCOE) for research and technology development, consultation at the Barangay and City level for long-term interventions and linkage with business sectors surrounding the estero. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Last September 17, 2016, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), Manila Bay S.U.N.S.E.T Partnership Program Inc. (MBSPPI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Leveriza Partner Communities made and threw Effective Microorganism (EM) Mud Balls at the Estero Fort San Antonio de Abad and Estero De May Tubig to help improve water quality at the said waterways. The EM Mud Balls technology utilizes naturally occurring microorganisms which are able to purify and revive nature. It makes use of effective microorganism activated solution (EMAS) in enhancing and improving water quality thereby restoring aquatic habitats and ecosystems. The EM Mudball making workshop and dropping activity was conducted to create an awareness among community members of the EM technology as a step to help improve the water quality of the esteros. The said activity was participated by 18 DLSU-COSCA Alternative Learning System (ALS) students, three (3) representatives from Barangays 720, 718 and 717, five (5) service personnel from DLSU, 15 trainer-facilitators from Earth Ventures, Inc., 6 representatives from the LBP, and 6 COSCA personnel . MBSPPI and LBP supported the Effective Microorganisms (EM) Mudballs Technology workshop facilitated by Earth Venture, Inc. Prior to the mudball workshop, COSCA’s Ms. Terteen Omana, Development Specialist for SDG- L-ENVisage facilitated the orientation of barangay representatives on Climate Change, the EM Technology and the Estero Rehabilitation Initiative. DLSU formalized its partnership with MBSPPI last August 20, 2016. MBSPPI is a partnership of twenty-one (21) government and private institutions committed to protect and clean-up the coastal area of Manila Bay, including its tributaries. With DLSU, the following organizations were welcomed as new members in the Partnership: 1) the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-National Capital Region (NCR) Office, 2) Department of Public Works and Highways –NCR Office, 3) Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and 4) Villar Sipag at Tiyaga Foundation, Inc. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 De La Salle University's Community-Based Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) Project in Lian, Batangas received a "Highly Commended" Distinction during the Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES) Green Gown Awards last September 14, 2016. With the support of the Campus Sustainability Office (CSO), the Office for Strategic Communications (STRATCOM), Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center (SHORE), the Lian Fisherfolk Organization and the Local Government of Lian Batangas, the entry entitled "Local Fishers protecting Nemo and Friends: an effort in Coastal Resource Management of Talim Bay" successfully highlighted the project's multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach in ensuring the integrity of Talim Bay's marine ecosystem. (See actual entry below.)
As recipient of the "Highly Commended" Distinction, the project's sustainability excellence and the lessons learned from it, will be shared to the tertiary education sector worldwide through the network's events, case studies and videos. The GUPES Green Gown Awards are the most prestigious recognition of environmental and sustainability best practice within the further and higher education sectors. The Awards provide the sector with benchmarks for excellence and are respected by Government, funding councils, senior management, academics and students. The GUPES Green Gown Awards are supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES). Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 De La Salle University through the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) partnered with the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University for the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program (AYVP) 2016. AYVP is a youth community leadership program that mobilizes volunteers aged 18 to 30 from across the 10 ASEAN member states. AYVP works with communities to develop innovative solutions to the social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges of the region while forging a sense of ASEAN identity. With the theme, “The Development of ASEAN Youth DRR-Leaders through Volunteerism and Community Engagement,” 50 ASEAN volunteers or AYVP DRR-Leaders embarked on a 4 week knowledge-driven, volunteerism journey in Metro Manila from August 1 to 26, 2016.
The 1st week involved Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training aimed at preparing volunteers for their fieldwork. DLSU experts from various disciplines provided vital input on disaster risk reduction. Dr. Marlon Era from DLSU’s Behavioral Sciences Department provided an overview of the DRR situation in the Philippines. He also discussed salient points of Republic Act 10121 (RA 10121) or the Philippines’ Disaster Risk Reduction Management Law, together with several DRR best practices in the country. Mr. Carl Fernandez, COSCA Program Manager also facilitated a session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support during disasters. He provided participants with examples of how to care for the socio-emotional needs of both survivors and care givers during disasters. Practical DRRM knowledge and skills were also provided by leading DLSU Civil Society Partners such as the Center for Disaster Preparedness and Buklod Tao Inc. (BT), a Peoples’ Organization based in San Mateo, Rizal. For the next two weeks, the DRR leaders were deployed in local communities implementing disaster risk reduction programs. Twenty-five (25) of these participants were assigned to Buklod Tao’s Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Project along the vulnerable areas of the Banaba River (tributary of the Marikina River) in the Municipality of San Mateo, Rizal. As volunteers of the organization, the DRR leaders participated in various activities including community hazard mapping, ASEAN Awareness Orientation, soil composting, paddle making, development and posting of emergency preparedness materials, among others. To know more about AYVP 2016, check out its webpage at http://www.ayvpukm.com.my/. For more information on COSCA's programs for the environment, you may contact Ms. Terteen Gail Omana at the: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Continuing the efforts to create environmental champions, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Lasallian Mission Office (LMO) of the Science and Technology Complex (STC), hosted the Eco Leadership Camp at the Leandro V. Locsin Campus in Biñan, Laguna. Held last July 29-30, 2016 with the theme “Kabataan: Ipagtanggol at Alagaan ang Kalikasan”, almost a hundred students comprised of selected Manila and STC based NSTP students participated in the overnight camp.
After some getting to know you exercises and group cheer presentations, students were led to the One Mission Park to pitch their tents. As the day broke, they were given raw ingredients for their dinner. Each group had their own cooking spot where they started their own fire and cooked their first meal as a group. The night was not over yet when campers were led to the covered court for their initial orientation as potential environmental champions. Ms. Terteem Gail Omaña, COSCA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Development Specialist, provided an overview of disaster as a concept. She also discussed what students can do to hone their skills and be engaged in disaster reduction efforts. These concepts of preparedness were translated into practical use when Mr. Enrique Roa, COSCA volunteer, taught the campers how to make their own para-cord bracelets. Originally used for parachutes, these cords can hold heavy weights without breaking. The campers capped the night with informal socials that helped them get to know each other better. As dawn emerged, the campers were greeted by the sound of a siren that served as their wake up call. STC student athletes led the campers in a warm up exercise and a 3-kilometer run around the campus to get their blood pumped. Still sweaty and ready for more action, the groups were led to the site where they individually planted native trees in support of the school’s reforestation efforts. The campers returned to the covered court after breakfast and were welcomed by Rescue 177 headed by Mr. Randy Delos Santos. Rescue 177 gave demonstrations on basic bandage use, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rope rescue. As the demonstrations ended, the students were clustered and took turns doing the rescue exercises themselves. They also rappelled from the top of a building to experience high angle rescue management. They also tested their team's unity through the victim transport simulation. The final session consisted of a group race where they applied all the things they learned while being evaluated by the Rescue 177 staff. The camp was concluded by Mr. Lysander Rivera's talk on Ecological Conversion: Laudato Si, the Catholic Church’s teaching on the integrity of creation. He stressed the impact of human activity on climate change. He also discussed the task that is demanded from humans as stewards of God’s creation. The heart of the talk centered on the question “What kind of Earth do we want for the future?” Students responded to the message with creative presentations on how to care for Mother Earth. Lysander is a faculty member of the Theology and Religious Education Department (TRED) of DLSU. After a sumptuous boodle meal, the campers packed up and prepared for departure. They left camp with new friendships forged and new experiences that will hopefully spark an ecological revolution someday. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Photos courtesy of Enrique Roa and UMAP FB Page. The Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), Culture and Arts Office (CAO), Campus Sustainability Office (CSO) and the External Relations and Internationalization Office (ERIO) hosted participants of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific's (UMAP) Discovery Camp 2016 at De La Salle University from July 31 - August 2, 2016. Students from various universities in Asia and the Pacific took part in the DLSU leg of the camp which focused on Building Environmental and Cultural Awareness towards Climate Resiliency. During the first day at DLSU, Norby Salonga, COSCA Development Specialist, presented the objectives and framework for the conference. He also facilitated and synthesized the workshop focusing on how ASEAN youth can influence others to become more environmentally aware and resilient amidst all natural and human-made hazards in the region. On the succeeding day, participants visited COSCA's Talim Bay Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) Project in Lian, Batangas to get a firsthand look at how it has successfully helped the community transition from destructive fishing practices to their present culture of marine protection and care. They also got a taste of the community's cuisine during the solidarity lunch they had with officers and members of the Fisherfolk Associaiton. The Talim Bay Coastal Resource Management Program (CBCRM) is part of the Lasallian Environmental Sustainability and Governance Component (L-EnviSage) of COSCA's SDG Localization Project. To know more about how you can be part of this project, you may contact Terteen Gail Omana, L-EnviSage Development Specialist at [email protected]. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 The Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) participated in the River Council Management Action Planning Workshop organized by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) at the Grand Ballroom Timberland Sports and Nature Club San Mateo, Rizal July 27-28, 2016. Various River Councils around Metro Manila presented their plans on how to conserve and rehabilitate key bodies of water within their communities. COSCA coordinators and representatives from DENR-EMB, DPWH-NCR, DOH, MMDA and the Manila City Government worked together in formulating strategies to reduce pollution at the Estero De Maytubig and Estero Fort San Antonio De Abad - water systems flowing through the communities around De La Salle University. The plans made during the workshop will be implemented by the inter-agency council formally organized last June 28, 2016. The rehabilitation effort is part of the Lasallian Environmental Sustainability and Governance Component (L-EnviSage) of COSCA's SDG Localization Project in District V, Manila. To know more about how you can be part of this project, you may contact Terteen Gail Omana, L-EnviSage Development Specialist at [email protected]. You may also reach us through: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 |