Dalaw Turo: Raising Awareness to Young Minds

Negros Occidental- As part of the Environment Month Celebration, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Negros Occidental Dalaw Turo Team, in collaboration with One Green Movement, ProSeed, and ECO 143, conducted a Dalaw Turo on June 15, 2024, at Sitio Wayang, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Through presentations and discussions on proper waste segregation, the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to minimize environmental impact were emphasized. Children engaged in interactive discussions, learning to distinguish between biodegradable and
non-biodegradable materials.

Additionally, the session also covered fire prevention measures and earthquake safety instructions by Central Philippines State University (CPSU) representatives taught the children how to prepare for typhoons, including securing homes, preparing emergency kits, and
understanding evacuation procedures. This initiative aimed to equip children with essential knowledge and skills for responding to natural emergencies while promoting environmental awareness and stewardship within the community.

Meanwhile, on June 26, 2024, the PENRO Guimaras Dalaw Turo Team, in collaboration with the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU), conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity at Guimaras State
University (GSU) – Baterna Campus. Thirty-seven (37) Agriculture and Fisheries students participated in the program, which included lectures and group challenges.

The event aimed to raise awareness among the youth about the Department’s initiatives and environmental observances such as World Oceans Day, Coral Triangle Initiative Day, and Arbor Day. The students engaged in various group tasks at three different stations: a quiz, a role play featuring characters from the coral reef community, and a Coral Dance TikTok Challenge.

These interactive activities helped the participants understand the importance of environmental conservation and the critical issues affecting nature.

Dalaw Turo, derived from Filipino words Dalaw meaning "to visit" and Turo “To teach”  is an innovative, non-traditional educational tool designed to promote environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation. This participatory approach utilizes various forms of folk media, including street theatre, creative workshops, exhibits, ecological tours, and games, to effectively engage and educate diverse audiences on nature conservation and sustainable development.

The Dalaw Turo Team initiates to raise environmental awareness and education among the local communities, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. /DENR 6