Holcim, in partnership with One Earth One Ocean through its Circular Explorer project, has led the Department of Education (DEPED) and the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. This MOA aims to support the Circular Explorer’s initiative to instill sustainability concepts among young learners in public schools starting with pilot schools in Metro Manila through the introduction of circularity modules in their curriculums.
The initiative seeks to instill concepts and transition to circular economy from a linear economy through the use of a toolkit that includes teachers’ manual, a comic book and a high school workbook. Christine Bellen, Project Manager of Circular Explorer reinforces how the program compliments the initiatives from DepEd, “This partnership with ASSIST and the Circular Explorer Project aligns with DepEd’s commitment to integrating sustainability education into our schools. By fostering environmental consciousness among our learners, we are equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion a circular economy.”
In a previously published Message of Support, Department of Education, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching, Gina Gonong gives credit to Holcim Philippines Circular Explorer saying “I commend the Circular Explorer project for its efforts in developing a comprehensive array of educational resources, ranging from comic books and teacher’s manuals to activity workbooks and posters. These materials align with the DepEd’s vision of fostering a resilient and child-centered nation as outlined in the Basic Education MATATAG Agenda. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to making significant strides in addressing the challenges facing basic education.”
The partnership with DepEd was further cemented with a whole day Training of Teachers (TOT) sessions for teachers from select schools. The sessions were led by Kendrick Faronilo, MSc, President & Founder of Philippine Association of Environmental Science students. As part of the implementation phase, 3,000 students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel from Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, and Las Piñas are expected to participate in the roll out.
About the Circular Explorer
The Circular Explorer is a 100% solar-powered recycling catamaran, designed to recover marine plastic waste in the world’s oceans and rivers. It is currently operating in Manila Bay in the Philippines. To accelerate its impact, the Circular Explorer is building awareness through educational activities to empower next-generation changemakers in the local communities and pushing the boundaries of marine science to explore new solutions with leading marine institutes. Learn more here.
About Holcim
Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 26.4 billion in 2024. Driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet, our 65,000 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers across all regions to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact and ECOPlanet to our circular technology platform ECOCycle®. Through innovative systems, from Elevate roofing to PRB insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are on the way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5°C targets validated by SBTi.
Learn more about Holcim on www.holcim.com, and by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Holcim Philippines
Holcim Philippines, Inc. is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.
Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).
