By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – It may be a huge task for pupils from two elementary schools
in Basilan, but young science clubbers vow to contribute to ease global warming
by employing simple but effective ways in protecting the environment: reducing,
reusing, and recycling wastes.
This was the commitment
made by pupils of Kaum Purnah Elementary School (KPES) and the Isabela East
Central Elementary School (IECES) here during the Science Clubbers Camps held
on Sept. 10 and 11, respectively.
The science club campers
tackled the issue of global warming and climate change as the highlight of the
schools’ observance of the science club month.
At the lecture-forum on
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, the Philippine Information Agency
(PIA) in Basilan explained the cause of global warming and how humans greatly
contributed to climate change.
Through video
documentaries, clips and photos, the PIA walked the participants through deeper
understanding of climate change and its impact on the people’s lives. Moreover,
the PIA emphasized the positive effects of having a sound and balanced
environment and ecosystem.
Evidently from their
responses and feedback, the pupils have shown that they are aware of the causes
as well as the impact of climate change on the communities.
“During bad weather, the
wind blows stronger, thunderstorms become louder, and rains heavier these
days,” a pupil observed.
Another pupil who lived
along coastal areas also observed that sea level had risen and that stronger
waves and sea surges occur more often in recent times.
The pupils have committed
to protecting the environment by maintaining the cleanliness of their schools
and campus grounds, helping their parents in cleaning their homes, disposing of
wastes properly especially candy wrappers, avoiding junk foods, and helping
plant trees and mangrove in their communities.