Mandaluyong students make up first batch of ECO-CORPS grads

Fourteen college students from Mandaluyong City yesterday made the first batch of "environmental cadres" under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources‚ Environment Conservation through Citizens‚ Organized Participation and Support (ECO-CORPS).

The two-semester ECO-CORPS program was designed by the DENR as an alternative to the military Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) under the National Service Training Program (NSTP). Its academic curriculum was developed by PATLEPAM, a national organization of college professors headed by Dr. Ruth Guzman.

Composing the first batch of ECO-CORPS graduates — all students of the Rizal Technological University — are Alexander Abad, Marjorie Caceres, Myselle Carag, Jose Mari Catbagan, Arnel del Rosario, Patrick Diego, Christian Mangao, Joseph Alexander Nario, Juan Jaime Nolasco, Mary Aileen Roldan, Eric San Buenaventura, Paul Patrick Sison, Raffy Tolores and Kristofferson Vidad.

DENR Secretary Elisea Gozun said the first batch of graduates have proven their sincere sense of volunteerism in addressing environment concerns. Gozun, who handed the graduates their certificates of completion yesterday, said they will serve as the DENR’s partners in environment protection.

The curriculum aims to enhance civic and environmental consciousness and awareness in the youth by developing the ethics of science and patriotism while fostering the youth’s active contribution to the welfare of the communities. It is also focused on community based experience on environmental problems and their solutions.

ECO-CORPS’ environmental module include the Vowing topics: Self Awareness and Values Development, Basic Leadership Training, Sustainable Development, Basic Ecological Concepts and Principles, Solid Waste Management, Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Wastes, Air Pollution Prevention, Water Resources Management, Urban Forestry, and Biodiversity Conservation.

Universities participating in the project include Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of Santo Tomas, Philippine School for Business Administration, New Era University, Rizal Technological University and AMA Computer Learning Center-Roosevelt.