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MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN:

Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, 2(1) Maret 2017

M IMBAR P ENDIDIKAN
Published every March and September ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online)

Jur nal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan

JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO

Students’ Environmental Awareness


and Practices: Basis for Development
of Advocacy Program
ABSTRACT: The descriptive study was used to identify the environmental awareness and practices of the selected
students at the Sta. Elena High School in the Philippines. Findings revealed that based on the responses in the
modified Environmental Awareness Scale, the respondents were moderately aware of the environmental concepts. In
the participation in environmental programs, the respondents sometimes do the tasks of recycling; water and energy
conservation; non-use of harmful products; creative possible solution; and social media solution. They seldom do
the tasks of participating in tree planting and joining in school’s environmental clubs. Students’ interview revealed
that in spite of the almost the same programs about environmental care cited by the officers of the different school
clubs, not all of their schoolmates had initiatives in keeping the school campus clean. Through the guidance of their
parents, the students participate in environmental practices at home. Accordingly, the teachers should strengthen
the integration of environmental concepts, principles, and practices in various subjects in the school.
KEY WORD: Awareness; Environmental Awareness Scale; Environmental Advocacy Program; Environmental
Problems; Social Media.

ABSTRAKSI: “Kesadaran dan Pengamalan Siswa tentang Lingkungan: Dasar untuk Pengembangan Program
Advokasi”. Kajian deskriptif ini digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi kesadaran dan praktek siswa terpilih di SMA
(Sekolah Menengah Atas) Sta. Elena, Filipina. Temuan mengungkapkan bahwa berdasarkan tanggapan dalam
Skala Kesadaran Lingkungan yang dimodifikasi, para responden cukup sadar akan konsep lingkungan. Dalam
partisipasi program lingkungan, para responden kadang-kadang melakukan tugas-tugas daur ulang; konservasi
air dan energi; tidak menggunakan produk yang berbahaya; solusi sekreatif mungkin; dan solusi media sosial.
Mereka jarang melakukan tugas partisipatif dalam penanaman pohon dan bergabung di klub lingkungan sekolah.
Para siswa mengungkapkan bahwa meskipun ada program yang hampir sama tentang perawatan lingkungan yang
ditekankan oleh petugas dari klub sekolah yang berbeda-beda, tidak semua siswa sekolah memiliki inisiatif dalam
menjaga lingkungan sekolah yang bersih. Melalui bimbingan orang tua, para siswa berpartisipasi dalam praktek
menjaga lingkungan di rumah. Karena itu, guru harus memperkuat integrasi konsep lingkungan, prinsip, dan
praktek dalam berbagai mata pelajaran di sekolah.
KATA KUNCI: Kesadaran; Skala Kesadaran Lingkungan; Program Advokasi Lingkungan; Masalah Lingkungan;
Media Sosial.

About the Authors: Jenny Perez Cruz is the Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) Department Coordinator of Sta. Elena
High School at present in the Philippines. Nerissa S. Tantengco, Ph.D. is a Full Professor VI in the College of Teacher
Development, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences PNU (Philippine Normal University) in Manila, Philippines.
Corresponding authors: tantengco.ns@pnu.edu.ph
How to cite this article? Cruz, Jenny Perez & Nerissa S. Tantengco. (2017). “Students’ Environmental Awareness
and Practices: Basis for Development of Advocacy Program” in MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN: Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian
Pendidikan, Vol.2(1) March, pp.43-64. Bandung, Indonesia: UPI [Indonesia University of Education] Press, ISSN 2527-3868
(print) and 2503-457X (online).
Chronicle of the article: Accepted (September 19, 2016); Revised (January 19, 2017); and Published (March 30, 2017).

©2017 by UPI (Indonesia University of Education) Press in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online), and http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/mimbardik
43
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

INTRODUCTION Philippines (Ofreneo, 2012; and Sering, 2013).


Our environment is dynamic, constantly Because of these environmental concerns,
changing, and evolving in response to the school system is one of the highly
the conflicting demands of the people. As affected institutions. During typhoons or
the world’s population and the per capita even heavy rains, classes’ suspensions
consumption of natural resources increase, are expected, because of the flood. This is
we will have an even greater effect on these evident most especially in schools located
environmental problems, exacerbating them near the river and other flood-prone areas.
further (Harris, 2004). The big issue that This situation can cause a big effect in the
needs to be considered is whether we still learning process of the students considering
have enough resources to meet the need of the fact that every time the classes are
the present as well as the future generation. suspended, they will not learn anything due
The Philippines is one of the countries to the situation. Marikina City is one of the
that are facing environmental challenges flood-prone areas in the National Capital
and issues. Scenarios like floods, due to Region, which is being monitored every
heavy rain and poor solid waste disposal, are time heavy rain occurs. It was one of the
just some of the reasons of environmental affected places during the typhoon Ondoy
degradation. This can be easily gleaned from that hit the Philippines last September 26,
the list of environmental concerns, which 2010 (Reyes, 2009).
the DENR (Department of Environment It is the purpose of this study to help
and Natural Resources) does not tire in in eliminating the problems brought by
enumerating in its Annual Report other environmental degradation, particularly the
than what are being reported in the damage caused by flood through the aid of
news at present. Foremost among these investigating the students’ environmental
environmental concerns are the massive awareness and practices. Sta. Elena High
and continuing decimation of the country’s School is one of the public schools in
forests, loss of biodiversity, air pollution, Marikina City that is the locale of this study.
water pollution, poor solid waste disposal, The school is the best venue in this study,
and climate change concerns (Palmer & Neal, because it is education which can make the
1994; Louka, 2006; and Ofreneo, 2012). human being conscious and knowledgeable
In 1998, the NEDA (National Economic about environment and environmental
Development Authority) noted under the problems. Moreover, awareness is essential
Philippine National Development Plan: for action (Ajzen, 1991; Louka, 2006; and
Directions for the 21st Century the threats Kaur & Kaur, 2013).
posted by an oscillating climate system, due As our environment faces different
to global warming which spawns destructive problems, it might be too hard to support
episodes of El Niño droughts and La Niña the needs of the future generation.
floods. This oscillating El Niño and La Niña The government regulators are in the
weather pattern causes natural disasters, right position to implement appropriate
such as droughts, floods, and powerful environmental laws, policies, and programs
storms. NEDA also noted that at the time to avoid the massive destruction of our
that the tragedy of global warming is that environment. Even the school system has
although industrialized countries have caused its part in promoting environmental care.
bulk of historical and current emissions of Education is a good medium for raising
greenhouse gases, it is highly likely that the environmental awareness and honing
most serious impact of global climate change environmental skills (Palmer & Neal, 1994;
will host the developing countries, like the and Agarwal & Nangia, 2005). However,

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MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN:
Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, 2(1) Maret 2017

this has been given official attention only is our own national agenda for sustainable
in recent years. The Catholic Association of development. It is basically made up of the
the Philippines has integrated environmental following: the Principles of Unity, the Action
studies Makabayan (Social Studies) and Agenda, and the Implementation Strategies.2
Science curriculum for high school students The World Youth Report, in 2003,
(cited Ofreneo, 2012), which can make even cited that youth have both concerns and
the young generation show their concern in special responsibilities in relation to the
taking care of the environment even in their environment. A number of environmental
own little way. risks and hazards disproportionately affect
The subject of sustainable development young people, who have to live for an
is one of the key research and policy extended period with the deteriorating
issues as we enter the early years of the environment bequeathed to them by
twenty-first century (Brandon & Lombardi, earlier generations. Young people will be
2011). Sustainable development is the compelled to engage in new forms of action
development that meets the needs of the and activism that will generate effective
present without compromising the ability responses to ecological changes.3
of future generations to meet their own An awareness of the different
needs (Guzman et al., 2000). It has been environmental problems is necessary most
acknowledged that there is no single route especially to the youth, who will be the hope
to sustainable development. Furthermore, it of our future generation. Being aware of
is coherent that understandings and visions the present situation of the environment can
for sustainability will be different for each help us achieve sustainability, but it can only
of us and that we will need to work together be possible if we will also have action and
to negotiate the process of achieving reflection or a so called praxis (Freire, 1972),
sustainability (Vega et al., 2009). together with the environmental awareness
The Brundt-Land Commission was the or else, everything will just be a waste. The
first official commission to adopt the notion term “Environmental Awareness” has a broad
of sustainable development as a prerequisite connotation. Not only it implies knowledge
for continued societal existence. It was about environment but also attitude, values,
mainly responsible for putting this notion on and necessary skills to solve environment
the international agenda (Opschoor & Turner, related problem, and also is said to be the
1994). It is everyone’s responsibility to essential step ultimately leading to the ability
promote sustainable development. By having to carry on responsible citizenship behaviour
a program of action, it will be much easier (Ajzen, 1991; and Sengupta et al., 2000).
to meet the goal of achieving a sustainable In the UNESCO (United Nations
future. One of the programs of action is the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Agenda 21, which aims for bringing the Organization) Discussion Note for the Global
earth into a sustainable future into the 21st Thematic Consultation on Environmental
century. It was adopted by the participating Sustainability in 2010, Education Millennium
governments of the world in the UNCED Development Goals (MDG 2 and 3) focus on
(United Nations Conference on Environment access to education, but integrating education
and Development), otherwise known as the
Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2
See also “The Philippine Agenda 21”. Available online
June 1992.1 Philippine Agenda 21 (PA 21) at: http://emb.gov.ph/eeid/philagenda.htm [accessed in
Manila, Philippines: August 4, 2016].
1
See, for example, “Agenda 21”. Available online at: http:// 3
As cited in “World Youth Report in 2003”. Available
sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/Agenda21. online at: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/
pdf [accessed in Manila, Philippines: September 21, 2016]. ch05.pdf [accessed in Manila, Philippines: October 14, 2016].

©2017 by UPI (Indonesia University of Education) Press in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online), and http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/mimbardik
45
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

into MDG 7 is critical for achieving any assertions. One of his assertions is that
environmental sustainability target (Agarwal Malthus predicted that human population
& Nangia, 2005). Decisions and actions growth would be checked by food supply.
taken today have a decisive impact on the Thus, argument has been further developed
future. In order to take responsible decisions by several authors (cf Harris, 2004; and
and actions, people need to have the relevant Mukherjee, 2012).
skills and knowledge, skills and values. According to F. Harris (2004), P.R.
It is widely agreed that education is an Erlich (1968) also argued that population
indispensable vehicle for improving the growth rates at that time would exceed the
possibilities for a sustainable society and world’s resources. Furthermore, population
for enhancing sustainable lifestyle (Scott & growth and declining food production were
Gough, 2003; and Arlemalm-Hagser, 2013), found to occur in developing countries, they
in which children are acknowledged as advocated population control (Erlich, 1968;
environmental stakeholders (the Philippine and Harris, 2004). It was also cited by F.
Agenda 21) with a right to meaningful Harris (2004) that A.J. Bennett (2000) points
participation in environmental issues. One out, that “there seems to be no evidence that
key element that has been recognised is our ability to produce food has been a lasting
the importance of promoting a potentially break on population growth” (Bennett, 2000;
life-long disposition towards caring for the and Harris, 2004). In contrast, F. Harris
environment among young children and (2004) also cited that T. Dyson & C.Ó.
youth (Davis & Elliott, 2003; and Arlemalm- Gráda (2002) maintains that production has
Hagser, 2013). increased and outstripped population growth
Conceptual Framework of the Study. in recent decades (Dyson & Gráda, 2002; and
Environmental awareness is necessary to Harris, 2004).
solve environmental problems that we are The UNESCO (United Nations
facing at present. But, this awareness will Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
be much effective if we put it into practice. Organization) Discussion Note for
The youth are supposed to be one of the the Global Thematic Consultation on
best agents of change for they will be the Environmental Sustainability, in 2010, cited
new generation that will inherit the wealth that environmental sustainability cannot
of the environment (Agarwal & Nangia, be achieved by scientific, engineering or
2005; and Sering, 2013). Unfortunately, technological solutions alone (Agarwal &
as the population grows, the environment Nangia, 2005). It is education that enables
cannot sustain its needs. Human-environment learners to acquire the values, skills, and
interactions are not just about meeting the knowledge that allows equitable economic
global population’s food needs, or even progress without depleting our natural
meeting natural resource needs. The human resources (Soriano, 1995; Raven et al.,
population also affects the environment 2010; and Enger & Smith, 2013). This
through what it leaves behind. requires fostering environmental awareness
As national populations grow and the as well as teaching about sustainability
demand for natural resources, particularly issues and promoting participatory teaching
for food production and energy generation and learning methods that support critical
increases, worries that we shall exceed the thinking and collaborative learning.
resources of the planet have been expressed The perspectives of Environmental
by many over the years. In this context, F. Education seem to be, consecutively,
Harris (2004) cited different population- related to positivism or knowledge about the
environment theories, which support these environment; constructivism or activities

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46 ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online), and http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/mimbardik
MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN:
Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, 2(1) Maret 2017

in the environment; and the critical theory vision based on its own values, actualizes
or actions for the environment of education itself as actualizes its vision.5 There is a must
(Robottom & Hart, 1993). In this context, P. to have not only practice, but praxis aside
Madsen (1996) emphasized the concept that from having an environmental awareness;
awareness is the ultimate driving force that because praxis, as P. Freire defines, it is
stimulates knowledge. The acknowledgement reflection and action upon the world in order
that an environmental problem exist entails to transform it (Freire, 1972).
being more cognizant of the facts about the The context of Environmental Education
state of the environment (Madsen, 1996). Praxis, according to D. Tilbury (1995)
This degree of environmental awareness and cited also in J.E. Santos et al. (2000),
involves a personal commitment to work to discusses the opportunities of effective
solve environmental problems. P. Madsen involvement of the community in the
(1996) emphasized the power behind the construction of the more responsible society
awareness factor by categorizing three in considering the implementation of
levels of awareness as: basic belief of Environmental Education about, in, and for
an environmental problem; factual and the environment, incorporating the cognitive,
scientific knowledge; and a commitment affective and technical (participative)
to solve environmental problems (Madsen, domains through the proposition of six basic
1996). One of the best ways to increase stages: the awareness for obtaining ecological
environmental awareness is to be a part in knowledge inserted in the process of educative
celebrating the Earth Day or the modern competencies; interacting with the involvement
environmental movement. The idea of of social actors, who through responsibilities,
Earth Day was from the founder Gaylord will look for action, and participation for the
Nelson, a USA (United States of America) effective exercising of citizenship (Tilbury,
Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing 1995; and Santos et al., 2000).
the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill Part of environmental problems is the
in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by environmental issues that we have. There are
the student anti-war movement, he realized many environmental issues, such as global
that if he could infuse that energy with an warming, climate change, environmental
emerging public consciousness about air and degradation due to pollution, and loss of
water pollution, it would force environmental biodiversity that endanger the environmental
protection onto the national political agenda.4 sustainability. These issues are intrinsically
In order to solve environmental problems related to human behaviour (Gardner &
that we have, environmental practice must Stern, 2002). The Stern’s Value Belief Norm
be looked upon. Environmental awareness Theory, as cited by K. Spehr & R. Curnow
will be an effective tool in achieving (2011), believes that for those behaviours not
sustainability if it is concurred with positive strongly constrained by contextual forces,
practices towards environmental care. It is individual choice about pro-environmental
the “praxis”, as defined by P. Freire (1972), actions can be driven by personal norms – an
which will lead to sustainability. It indicates internalized sense of obligation to act in a
life practice formed from both reflection and certain way (Spehr & Curnow, 2011).
action. The self, striving to transform the Norms are activated when an individual
world creatively according to an emerging believes that violating them would have
4
See “Earth Day: The History of a Movement”. 5
As cited in “Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural
Available online at: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day- Foundations of Education, 2008”. Available online at: http://
history-movement [accessed in Manila, Philippines: www.markfoster.net/struc/praxis.html [accessed in Manila,
October 5, 2016]. Philippines: October 5, 2016].

©2017 by UPI (Indonesia University of Education) Press in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online), and http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/mimbardik
47
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

adverse effects on things they value; exploitation and instrumental use of the
and that by taking action, they would natural environment (cf Habermas, 1968; and
bear significant responsibility for those Barry, 1999).
consequences. Karl Marx and Friedrich In this study, the researchers believe
Engels, and also their political and social that by having an environmental awareness
theory of Marxism, is one of the significant and by performing positive environmental
bodies of the nineteenth-century social practices, environmental sustainability can
theory in which the environment plays a be achieved. Hence, environmental advocacy
particular role. Early Marxist theory was must also be looked upon. As B. Primack
vehemently anti-ecological. Marxism (2004) cited, people have a responsibility to
expresses the thoroughly modern view that future generations (Primack, 2004). From a
human social progress is dependent upon the strictly ethical point of view, if we degrade
exploitation and domination of non-human the natural resources of the earth and cause
environment. Karl Marx can be seen as the loss of biodiversity, future generations of
wanting to intensify the exploitation of the people will have to pay the price in terms of
natural environment which Capitalism had a lower standard of living and quality of life.
begun, but end the exploitation of humans Therefore, people of today should use
by humans and distribute the fruits of the resources in a sustainable manner so as not
exploitation of the environment more equally to damage species and communities. The
than under Capitalism (cited in Barry, 1999). youth of today must be challenged to play
The appreciation of the regenerative and a big role in preserving the environment for
aesthetic qualities of the natural environment, their future needs. It is cited in chapter 25 of
which has its roots in Romanticism, was the Agenda 21 that:
a view shared and extended by American
transcendentalism of the late nineteenth It is imperative that youth from all parts of
century. This American movement in social the world participate actively in all relevant
levels of decision-making processes, because
and literary theory and practice was a form it affects their lives today and has implications
of nature religion/spirituality in that it saw to their future. In addition to their intellectual
God and spirituality as immanent in nature contribution and their ability to mobilize
(Tietenberg, 2006; and Enger & Smith, support, they bring unique perspectives that
2013). According to the transcendentalist need to be taken into account.6
view, the direct experience and appreciation
of nature was a way to enter a higher or By having an environmental concern
transcendental realm of eternal truth, beauty, through an advocacy, the youth can help in
and happiness, away from the mundane preserving our environment. The Center for
distractions of our everyday, urban world Democratic Education defines advocacy as a
(cited in Barry, 1999; and Obar et al., 2012). process which organisations and individuals
In the twentieth-century social theory, use to exert pressure for changes in a
Jürgen Habermas (1968) has sought to specific policy or behaviour of government
show that the only relation we have with or institution. It is a fundamental process
the natural environment is an instrumental in a democratic society as it allows groups
one, governed by productive, prudential and and citizens to influence public institutions
technical concerns about how best we can and policy (cited in Everts et al., 1996). The
exploit it. Jurgen Habermas does share with
classical social theory is the Enlightenment 6
See again “Agenda 21”. Available online at: http://
sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/
belief that the progress and development Agenda21.pdf [accessed in Manila, Philippines: September
of human society is premised on the 21, 2016].

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MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN:
Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, 2(1) Maret 2017

term advocacy is used to describe a series possible solution; and social media
of activities built around a theme or set of environmental exposure. The level of
themes with the aim of effecting a specific students’ environmental awareness was
change in action or policy. At the same time, measured through the use of Environmental
advocacy processes of group formation Awareness Scale instrument by J. Canarias
and community organization, and build (2005). The instrument was adopted and
confidence at the local level (Brown, 2000; modified by the researchers with their
and Raven et al., 2010). permission in order to suit the level of
Effective environmental advocates are those understanding of the fourth year level high
who are able to create “intended, permanent, school students and to include the present
institutional change”; and those who remain environmental problems and issues.
committed, active, and motivated (Snow The Students’ Environmental
& Benford, 1992; and Soriano, 1995). Awareness, which is based on the Modified
The USA EPA (United States of America, Environmental Awareness Scale Instrument
Environmental Protection Agency) developed of J. Canarias (2005), is sub-divided into two
a “Make a Difference in Your School”, levels. Level I consist of (1) Knowledge of
a guide to provide advice, ideas, and environmental concept/state of environment;
inspiration to teachers, school administrators, and (2) Knowledge of environmental
and others for planning a hands-on issues/problem (Canarias, 2005). The
environmental day at school (cited in www. knowledge of environmental concept/state
epa.gov/osw, 9/10/2016). The suggested of environment is regarded as the familiarity
activities in “Make a Difference in Your of the respondents on the facts about the
School” can be a basis for the development ecology, latest policies, and laws about
of an environmental advocacy program. the environment; while the knowledge of
In this study, the students’ environmental environmental issues/problems is regarded
awareness and practices were investigated as the familiarity of the respondents on
and through the result of which an the recent issues/problems, which are
environmental advocacy program happening in the present which have caused
was formulated. The awareness of the the degradation of the environment. The
environment covers the seven ecosystems, interpretation of the responses can fall under
which are as follows: forest; freshwater; highly aware, moderately aware, slightly
marine; urban ecosystem; land ecosystem; aware, and not aware, depending on the mean
atmospheric condition; and biodiversity that will be gathered in each item.
(Tietenberg, 2006; and Hoffman & Bory- Level II of the Students’ Environmental
Adams, 2010). The researchers assumed Awareness consists of the following:
that the population of the study is aware (1) Awareness of the needs to formulate
with some of the concepts of the seven alternative solution; (2) Awareness of the
ecosystems. However, even if they might need to take action in solving problems;
be familiar with the different environmental and (3) Awareness of the need to possess a
concepts, they may not be practising positive high degree of commitment and advocacy
environmental practices that will help in (Canarias, 2005). The awareness of the needs
preserving the environment. to formulate alternative solution is regarded
The environmental practices, in this study, as the familiarity of the respondents to make
covers: recycling; tree planting and clean- a wise choice in solving the environmental
up drive; water and energy conservation; problems.
participation in school’s environmental The awareness of the need to take action
club; non-use of harmful products; creative in solving problems is regarded as the praxis

©2017 by UPI (Indonesia University of Education) Press in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online), and http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/mimbardik
49
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

or the reflection and action of the respondents mentioned above, in which Karl Marx and
and on how they act upon in taking care of Friedrich Engels, in the nineteenth century;
the environment. The awareness of the need and Jurgen Habermas (1968), in twentieth
to possess a high degree of commitment and century, shared the same assertion that
advocacy is regarded as the familiarity of the humans exploit the environment (cited in
respondents to their need to participate in the Habermas, 1968; and Barry, 1999).
different activities and programs that will The concept of the students’
preserve the environment. The interpretation environmental awareness with the level I and
of the responses can fall under always does II of the Environmental Awareness Scale is
the task, sometimes does the task, seldom connected to the concept of environmental
does the task, and not at all, depending on practices, because they are related with each
the mean that will be gathered in each item. other. The responses of the respondents
The conceptual paradigm of this study, in level I and II of the Environmental
as shown in figure 1, stresses that the main Awareness Scale are expected to be
objective of this study is to know the level supported by the result of the interviews to
of environmental awareness of the selected the selected students, parents, and teachers.
4th year high school students. As presented From the two constructs, there is an arrow
above, P. Madsen (1996) pointed out that pointing out to the different interpretations
there are three levels of awareness; but such as: highly aware; moderately aware;
in this study, the use of Environmental slightly aware; and not aware for level I; and
Awareness Scale which was modified from always does the task; sometimes does the
the instrument of J. Canarias (2005), level I task; seldom does the task; and not at all for
and level II of the instrument were used. level II and for the students’ environmental
The study also aims to know how the practices.
students demonstrated their environmental J.S. Gambro & H.N. Switzky (1996)
practices in their school and household by stressed that increased knowledge and
participating the different environmental understanding of environmental problems
practices, such as: recycling; tree planting will lead to a more responsible behaviour
and clean-up drive; water and energy as well as environmental activism (Gambro
conservation; school’s environmental club; & Switzky, 1996). This supports why the
non-use of harmful products; creative environmental activities with high awareness
possible solution; and social media exposure. are usually performed by the respondents.
By doing positive environmental practices, But, on the contrary, the responses in level
the students are helping in the preservation of I might also fall under moderately aware,
the environment. slightly aware or even not aware about the
This can be supported by transdentalism, concepts which resulted in sometimes does
the view shared by the American Movement, the task, seldom does the task or not at all of
as cited by J. Barry (1999) that by the environmental practices related in it as
appreciation of nature, distraction of the cited in level II.
urban world can be avoided which also The possible responses in level I, such
shared the same assertion in the Stern’s Value as moderately aware, slightly aware, and
Belief Norm Theory, as cited by K. Spehr not aware as well as the responses in level
& R. Curnow (2011). On the contrary, by II, such as sometimes does the task, seldom
having poor environmental practices, these does the task, and not at all are connected
students contributed to the exploitation of with an arrow to another construct which is
the environment which is supported by the the development of an advocacy program.
social theories about environmental practices The suggested activities in the EAP

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MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN:
Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, 2(1) Maret 2017

Highly Aware

Students’ Environmental Awareness Moderately Aware


Level I
b. Knowledge of Environmental Slightly Aware
Issues/ Problems
Not Aware
a. Knowledge of Environmental Concept/
State of Environment

Level II
c. Awareness of the Need to Possess
a High Degree of Commitment &
Advocacy

b. Awareness of the Need to take


Action in Solving Problems Always Does the Development
Task of an
a. Awareness of the Need to Formulate Environment
Alternative Solution al Advocacy
Sometimes Does
the Task Program

Seldom Does the


Students’ Environmental Task
Practices
a. Recycling.
b. Tree Planting and Clean-Up Drive. Not at All
c. Water and Energy Conservation.
d. School’s Environmental Club.
e. Non-Use of Harmful Products.
f. Creative Possible Solution.
g. Social Media Exposure.

Figure 1:
Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

(Environmental Awareness Progam) will be look for action and participation upon having
developed to help the students to deepen their an awareness, knowledge and educative
environmental awareness for the responses competencies (Tilbury, 1995; and Santos
in level I with moderately aware, slightly et al., 2000). Chapter 25 of the Agenda
aware, or not aware; and to increase their 21 supports the development of the EAP,
environmental practices for the responses in because it believes that the youth must
level II with sometimes does the task, seldom participate in the decision-making processes
does the task, or not at all. that will have in preserving the environment
D. Tilbury (1995), as cited also in J.E. for their future (Santos et al., 2000; dan
Santos et al. (2000), points out in the context Tietenberg, 2006).
of the Environmental Education Praxis In making an EAP, items in the
mentioned above, the involvement of the Environmental Awareness Scale that will
social actors, through responsibilities, will gather a low mean will be the basis of what

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51
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

programs and activities that will be included. 2003). The interviewer controls the pace of
The EAP will help the students to be more the interview by treating the questionnaire as
aware of the condition of our environment. if it were a theatrical script to be followed in
It will also encourage them to participate in a straightforward manner. Qualitative method
different programs and activities that will is best to be used in order to describe the
deepen their environmental awareness and students’ environmental practices at home and
practices. The EAP is composed of 10 (ten) in school (Sevilla et al., 1984).
suggested programs and activities that aim Second, the Participants. The participants
to preserve the environment and deepen of the study were fourth year high school
their environmental awareness and practices students of Sta. Elena High School, School
(Soriano, 1995; and Hoffman & Bory- Year 2013-2014. The school is located in W.
Adams, 2010). Paz St., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, Philippines.
The following are the suggested programs It is one of the public high schools in Marikina
and activities included in the EAP: (1) City, which is located at the heart of the city
Symposium of the seven ecosystems; (2) near the Marikina City Hall, Division City
Facebook Environmental Group; (3) House- Schools Office, Marikina market, and other
house Visitation for Giving Leaflets about important establishments in the city.
the Environment; (4) Synchronized School The participants of the study were
Clean-Up Drive; (5) A Trip to Clean the randomly selected 262 (two hundred and
Community; (6) Recycle Mania Competition; sixty two) students from a total fourth year
(7) Green Day; (8) Waste-Free Lunches; (9) population of 762 using the Slovin’s formula
Green Team; and (10) Environmental Fund with 5% margin of error (cited in Sevilla et
Campaign Through Making a Product Out al., 1984). Male and female students were
of Recyclable Materials (Soriano, 1995; and well represented. The list of students from
Sering, 2013). the registrar’s office was the basis in random
sampling. To determine the total participants
METHODS this formula was followed, as cited by J.F.
Discussions on the following topics Calderon & E.C. Gonzales (1993).
are presented as follows: (1) the research
method; (2) the participants; (3) the data- n = ___N____
gathering instrument; (4) time table of 1+ Ne2
activities; and (5) the transcription and Where: n = a sample size.
treatment of the data. N = population size.
First, Research Method. The descriptive e = desired margin of error (percent allowance
method of research was used in this study for non-precision because of the use of the
(Sevilla et al., 1984), which looked into sample instead of the population).
the environmental awareness and practices n = _____762_______
of the selected fourth year students. After 1+762 (0.05)2
knowing the environmental awareness of
the population, a structured interview was n = _____762_______
1+762 (0.0025)
done with the selected students, teachers, and
parents of the fourth year students. = ___762____
N.K. Denzin & Y.S. Lincoln (2003) cited 1+1.905
that in structured interviewing, the interviewer __ 762 __
=
asks all respondents the same series of pre- 2.905
established questions with a limited set of
= 262.30 or 262 students 47.
response categories (Denzin & Lincoln,

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About 10 (ten) students’ participants, The instrument was written in Filipino,


who were officers and members of different since it is the medium of instruction in
school clubs/organizations, were selected Social Studies IV. Level I include knowledge
for the in-depth interview to know their of environmental concepts/state of the
environmental activities in their club/ environment, issues, and problems. Level II
organization. About 6 (six) teachers were includes the frequency of doing tasks, like
also chosen for interview to confer the formulating solutions, taking actions, and
students’ environmental practices in and possessing a high degree of commitment to
outside of the classroom. Two of their Social the environment. There are no right or wrong
Studies teachers in third year level, two of answers in the Modified Environmental
their Social Studies in the fourth year level, Awareness Scale, but they will be the
and two Science teachers in the fourth year basis for determining the awareness of the
level were interviewed to support their respondents in the environmental problems
responses in the Environmental Awareness and issues as well as the frequency of doing
Scale Instrument. To support the students’ the environmental care tasks included in the
environmental practice at home, 5 (five) instrument.
selected parents of fourth year students were A 4-point Likert scale was used to indicate
visited and asked to answer a short interview. their responses in which point 1 signifies not
Third, the Data-Gathering Instrument. aware; point 2 signifies slightly aware; point
The instrument used in this study is the 3 signifies moderately aware; and point 4
EAS (Environmental Awareness Scale) signifies highly aware of the environmental
by J. Canarias (2005), which is originally concepts/state of the environment, issues,
intended for second year high school and problems in Level I of the modified
students from the instrument done by environmental awareness scale. A 4-point
E. Garcia (1997). The instrument was Likert Scale was also used to indicate the
also modified by the researchers to give responses in Level II in which point 1
emphasis on the environmental problems signifies not at all; point 2 signifies seldom
and issues evident at present. does the task; point 3 signifies sometimes
The researchers asked the permission of J. does the task; and point 4 signifies always
Canarias to allow the researchers to use and does the task, like formulating solutions,
revise some of the items in his Environmental taking actions, and possessing a high degree
Awareness Scale to give emphasis on the of commitment to the environment.
environmental problems and issues that we Part I of the Modified Environmental
have at present. Upon the approval of J. Awareness Scale consisted of 20 (twenty)
Canarias, the researchers modified some of items, which has the same number from the
the items and asked the help of the experts to scale of J. Canarias (2005). Sixteen 49 out of
validate the instrument. The questionnaire, twenty items were revised by the researchers,
consisting of two levels, was prepared by which were as follows: item numbers 1, 3, 4,
the researchers and was validated by five 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and
environmental experts. The advisers of the 20. Part II of the Modified Environmental
researchers suggested to seek the help of the Awareness Scale consisted of 30 (thirty)
validators of the modified environmental items which also has the same number from
awareness scale. Among the experts who the scale of J. Canarias (2005), in which
validated the instrument were Dr. Enrico the researchers revised 19 (nineteen) items
B. Garcia; Dr. Cristeta R. Dumadaug; Dr. which were as follows: item numbers 21,
Marie Paz E. Morales; Prof. Ronald Allan S. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 41,
Mabunga; and Prof. Cristy S. Ocampo. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 50. The revisions

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JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

Phase I: Phase II: Phase III:


Review of Selection of Identification/
Related Respondents Selection of
Literature. . Research Instrument.

Phase VI: Phase V: Phase IV:


Data Analysis of Administration
Instruments. Data Gathered. of Research
Instrument.

Figure 2:
A Flow Chart of the Procedures Undertaken in the Study

were done based on the suggestions given consolidated to serve as foundation of the
by the validators and to include the latest present study.
environmental concepts. Phase II: Selection of Respondents. Upon
A table of specification was prepared gathering of the related literature and having
by the researchers in order to determine the idea on how the study will be done, the
the items presented in the environmental researchers decided to choose the fourth year
awareness scale. A follow-up interview level high school as the respondents of the
with 10 (ten) fourth year students who were study. The researchers chose the fourth year
officers and members of different school level, because of the assumption that among
organization, 6 (six) teachers, and 5 (five) the other year level in high school; they
parents with their children was conducted to are the most aware ones when it comes to
support the responses of the students in the environmental concepts and practices.
instrument. The questions were presented in Likewise, six teachers from the third
Filipino to be able to make the respondents and fourth year level in the Social Studies
comfortable in answering it. and Science Department were chosen to be
Fourth, the Time Table of Activities. interviewed. This will further support the
Figure 2 shows the processes the researchers result of the respondents’ responses in the
underwent in conducting the study. The Environmental Awareness Scale. In order to
following data gathering procedures were determine the environmental awareness at
as follows: Phase I is the 50 Selection of home, the researchers visited five parents and
Respondents; Phase II is the Identification/ gathered data in a short interview.
Selection of Research Instrument; Phase III Phase III: Identification/Selection of
is the Administration of Research Instrument; Research Instrument. Since there is already
Phase IV is the Analysis of Data Gathered; an available Environmental Awareness
and Phase V is the Data Instrument. Scale instrument which was used by J.
Phase I: Review of Related Literature. Canarias (2005) in his study, the selection
Related topics about the environment and of the research instrument was quite easy
environmental practices were gathered and on the part of the researchers. However,

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the researchers sought the permission of J. The analyses of the data gathered from
Canarias if he would allow her to modify the interview were done from 7 February
some of the questions in the Environmental to 31 March 2014. The researchers found it
Awareness Scale. This stage was done from very hard to make an interpretation, because
7 October to 12 December 2013, which we needed to learn the categorization,
covered the period of asking permission from thematizing, and coding of the interviewees’
J. Canarias, modifying the instrument, and responses.
the validation of the five experts. Phase V: Data Interpretation. After the
Phase IV: Administration of Research analysis of the quantitative and qualitative
Instruments. The administration of research data, the researchers started the data
instrument started from 7 January 2014, in interpretation from 1-18 April 2014. In
which the researchers sought the permission the quantitative part, each table was given
of the Division Superintendent of the DepEd an interpretation that reflects the result
(Department of Education) in Marikina, of the responses on the Environmental
Philippines as well as the principal of the Awareness Scale instrument. While in the
locale of the study. Parents’ consent letters qualitative part, the result of the categorizing,
were also sent to the chosen respondents thematizing, and coding of the interviews
to know if they would be allowed to was used to interpret the data.
participate in the data-gathering. After the Phase VI: Formulation of the EAP
retrieval of all the parents’ consent letters, (Environmental Awareness Program).
the administration of the instrument was The EAP was formulated based on
done from 13 to 15 January 2014. This was the findings of the data gathered from
properly coordinated with the respondents’ the result of the administration of the
class adviser and their Social Studies Environmental Awareness Scale instrument
teacher, because it was during this time the and the interview. The researchers made
instrument was being administered. an Environmental Awareness activities
The data gathered were analyzed through that can be done collaboratively by the
the help of Maribel Gerundio, in which the different schools’ organization in order to
researchers asked her expertise in tallying achieve environmental awareness and good
the responses and doing the statistical environmental practices.
treatment from 16 to 27 January 2014. These activities are based on the result
From the prepared statistical treatment, the of the responses in the Environmental
researchers began to analyze the result of Awareness Scale instrument, in which the
the administration of the environmental respondents got the weighted mean with an
Awareness Scale Instrument. The researchers interpretation of sometimes does the task and
studied and analyzed the table presented seldom does the task, in which the researchers
which showed responses of the respondents. believe that needs to be enhanced. The
In the qualitative part of the study, the formulated EAP was validated by the three
researchers prepared a parent consent letter validators. The formulation of the EAP was
asking for the permission if they can be done from 19April to 6 July 2014.
interviewed during their most available time. Fifth, the Transcription and Treatment
Upon the approval of the five chosen parents, of the Data. The data gathered from the
the schedules were set by the researchers. instrument that was used in the study
The researchers video-taped the on-going were treated with the use of frequency
interview for the purpose of transcribing the and weighted mean to measure the
responses. Photos were also taken for the level of environmental awareness of the
additional documentation. respondents. The weighted mean was used

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55
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

Table 1:
Weighted Mean and its Interpretation

Level I: Interpretation Weighted Mean Level II: Interpretation


Highly Aware 2.50 – 3.00 Always Does the Task
Moderately Aware 1.50 – 2.49 Sometimes Does the Task
Slightly Aware 0.50 – 1.49 Seldom Does the Task
Not Aware 0.00 – 1.49 Not at All

in the computation of the scores per item Transcriptions of video-taped interviews


in the level I and II of the instrument based were done by the researchers to be able
from the responses of the students in the to analyze the gathered data. Coding is
environmental awareness scale. This was a method that enables to organize and
the basis on how each item was interpreted group similarly coded data into categories
as highly aware, moderately aware, slightly or families, because they share some
aware, and not aware for the level I of the characteristics (Saldana, 2008). In this
instrument. The weighted mean in level II context, G.B. Rossman & S.F. Rallis (2003),
of the instrument was interpreted by always as cited also in J. Saldana (2008), explain
does the task, sometimes does the task, the differences between codes and themes:
seldom does the task, and not at all. category is a word or phrase describing some
The table 1 shows the weighted mean segment of data that is explicit, whereas a
and its interpretation that was used in the theme is a phrase or a sentence describing
gathered data of the study in level I and II of more subtle and tacit process (Rossman &
the instrument used. Rallis, 2003; and Saldana, 2008). The present
The interviews of selected students, study coded, categorized, and thematized the
teachers, and parents were video-taped. transcribed interview which further gave a
Transcriptions were made based on the clear view and analysis of the gathered data.
video-taped interviews. Thematizing, An EAP (Environmental Advocacy
categorizing, and coding were done and Program) was produced by the researchers
were presented in tables for further analysis. which is the outcome of the study. The EAP
The degree of their environmental practices was validated by E. Garcia (1997), who has
was revealed through their responses to the done studies about environmental awareness;
questions prepared by the researchers, which Noemi Velario, who is a focal person from
was presented and approved by the two thesis Parang High School in the implementation
advisers. of environmental programs in the Schools
E. Babbie (1999) defines qualitative Division of Marikina City; and Eugenia Martin,
interview as an interaction between an who is a Program Education Supervisor in
interviewer and a respondent (Babbie, 1999). DepEd (Department of Education) in Marikina,
It is essentially a conversation in which the Philippines, who has done different write-
interviewer establishes a general direction ups about school’s environmental programs
for the conversation and pursues specific (Garcia, 1997 and 2000).
topics raised by the respond familiarity with
data and attention to what is actually there RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
rather than what is expected can facilitate Summary of Findings. The study aimed
realizations or ideas which emerge during to formulate an environmental advocacy
analysis (Pope, Ziebland & Mays, 2000; and program based on the result of the students’
Bailey, 2008). participation in environmental programs

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and activities, and on how they demonstrate which was revealed in sub-test I (cf Ato, 2002;
their environmental practices at home Codeniera, 2003; Moralda, 2003; Mani, 2006;
and in school. It employed the descriptive Gallardo, 2008; and Miranda, 2008).
method of research (Sevilla et al., 1984). It was supported by the result of the
The modified Environmental Awareness over-all weighted mean of sub-test II, which
Scale was used for gathering data after which gathered 1.80 signifies that the respondents
she conducted a follow-up interview with were moderately aware of the knowledge of
selected students, teachers, and parents to environmental issues/problems (cf Domingo,
supplement the respondents’ responses in the 2007; Cadiao, 2009; and Desa et al., 2013).
instrument. The locale of the study is Sta. The over-all weighted mean of sub-test I and
Elena High School, a public high school in II of level I which were gathered based from
Marikina City, Philippines. The instrument the responses in the modified Environmental
was administered to 262 (two hundred and Awareness Scale were very close with each
sixty two) fourth year high school students, other with only 0.07 difference, which proves
in which parent consents were given to the that the respondents were moderately aware
respondents of the study. of the environmental concepts included in the
After tallying the result of the survey, instrument (cf Ato, 2002; Felipe, 2003; Mani,
the frequencies and weighted mean 2006; Miranda, 2008; and Paringit, 2012).
were computed to get the environmental Secondly, the students’ demonstration of
awareness, and the frequency of doing their environmental practice at home and in
the environmental tasks included in the school as an outcome of their awareness in
instrument. The results of the responses terms of: recycling; tree planting and clean-
in statement of the problem number 1 up drive; water and energy conservation;
and 2 were the bases in the formulation school’s environmental club; non-use of
of an overview of school’s environmental harmful products; creative possible solution;
advocacy program. Its vision is to strengthen and social media exposure. It is revealed in
students’ environmental awareness and the gathered data that the over-all weighted
practices in their school, at home, and the mean is 1.98, which signifies that the
community through strict implementation of respondents sometimes do the task of the
guidelines and follow-up. activities related to recycling (cf Codeniera,
The draft was presented to the advisers 2003; Felipe, 2003; and Norris, 2013). While
of the researchers who looked into the it is an over-all weighted mean of 1.32,
content of the environmental advocacy which signifies that the respondents slightly
program. The researchers also sought the does the task of the activities which pertain
suggestions of experts regarding the content to tree planting and clean-up drive (cf Valles,
of the environmental advocacy program. 2002; Domingo, 2007; Miranda, 2008; and
The experts who are inclined about the Cadiao, 2009).
topic validated the environmental advocacy Under water and energy conservation,
program. The following are the findings an over-all weighted mean of 2.15 was
revealed in this study: gathered which signifies that the respondents
Firstly, the level of environmental sometimes does the task related under
awareness of the selected 4th year high school these activities (cf Felipe, 2003; Sharmin,
students. Based on the data gathered from the 2003; Miranda, 2008; and Norris, 2013).
instrument, the over-all weighted mean was In school’s environmental club, an over-all
1.73, which signifies that the respondents weighted mean of 1.39 was gathered which
were moderately aware of the knowledge signifies that the respondents seldom does
of environmental/state of the environment the task of participating in this activity (cf

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ISSN 2527-3868 (print), 2503-457X (online), and http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/mimbardik
57
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

Fontanilla, 2003; Balmaceda, 2004; Gallardo, is important to note that all of them are
2008; and Paringit, 2012). aware of the high energy fee consumption
Data gathered reveal that respondents (cf Garcia, 2000; Ato, 2002; Moralda, 2003;
sometimes do the task of non-use of harmful Miranda, 2008; and Desa et al., 2013). This
products with an over-all weighted mean of is because the principal discussed this matter
1.94 (cf Miranda, 2008; Moralda, 2003; and to them and teachers were always reminding
Norris, 2013). In creative possible solution them (interview with Principal A, 23/2/2014;
data reveal an over-all weighted mean of interview with Principal B, 23/2/2014;
1.82, which signifies that the respondents interview with Teacher A, 2/3/2014;
sometimes does the task regarding this interview with Teacher B, 2/3/2014; and
activity (cf Fontanilla, 2003; Miranda, 2008; interview with Teacher C, 2/3/2014).
Cadiao, 2009; and Paringit, 2012). Finally, an Awareness also came from the news
over-all weighted mean of 1.57, which signifies about energy price hike (cf Valles, 2002;
that the respondents sometimes does the task Balmaceda, 2004; Domingo, 2007; and
which pertains to social media exposure (cf Gallardo, 2008). They support the school
Garcia, 2000; Codeniera, 2003; Sharmin, 2003; by conserving energy through turning-off
Mani, 2006; and Obar et al., 2012). unnecessary lights and electric fan most
The students’ interview reveal that in especially during break time (interview
spite of the almost the same programs about with Principal C, 30/3/2014; interview with
environmental care cited by the officers of Principal D, 30/3/2014; interview with
the different club officers, the interviewees Teacher D, 9/3/2014; and interview with
believe that not all of their classmates/ Student D, 9/2/2014).
schoolmates have initiative in keeping the The teachers’ interview supported the same
school campus clean. They believed that responses of the students’ interview, which
their classmates/schoolmates fail to show reveal that not all of their students show
environmental care, such as not throwing positive environmental practices. They need to
their trash in proper places most especially be followed up from time to time, because not
when no one sees them and not cleaning all of them show the initiative of keeping the
their table in the canteen after they ate their surroundings clean (interview with Teacher D,
foods (interview with Student A, 9/2/2014; 9/3/2014; interview with Teacher E, 9/3/2014;
interview with Student B, 9/2/2014; and interview with Teacher F, 9/3/2014). It
interview with Student C, 9/2/2014; was also evident that students were aware of
interview with Student D, 9/2/2014; and the high energy consumption that made them
interview with Student E, 9/2/2014). show the initiative of conserving water and
In the use of comfort rooms, they have electricity when they are not in use (interview
observed that their schoolmates were not with Student F, 16/2/2014; interview with
conserving water and some of the girls do Student G, 16/2/2014; interview with Student
not throw their sanitary napkins in its proper H, 16/2/2014; interview with Student I,
place. Vandalism, not taking care of chairs, 16/2/2014; and interview with Student J,
as well as spitting which cause the spread 16/2/2014).
of bacteria, was also seen as problems The interview with selected parents
(interview with Student F, 16/2/2014; reveal that they guide their children in
interview with Student G, 16/2/2014; keeping the surroundings clean and avoiding
interview with Student H, 16/2/2014; the use of plastic, because they said they
interview with Student I, 16/2/2014; and are highly aware of the penalty for using
interview with Student J, 16/2/2014). plastic most especially in the market. Some
With regard to energy conservation, it of them also practice recycling and one of

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them practices composting (interview with Different environmental practices were


Parent A, 16/3/2014; interview with Parent not demonstrated evidently by the students
B, 16/3/2014; and interview with Parent C, in their school, because most of them do not
16/3/2014). have the initiative to show environmental
Other than recycling and water and energy care without being seen and told by others.
conservation, most of them shared that they Teachers’ follow-up sessions were needed
planting vegetables and ornamental plants for them to participate in keeping the
to increase clean air in the surroundings. surroundings clean. However, in energy and
Through the guidance of their parents, water consumption, students were totally
the students participate in environmental aware of the negative effects it could bring
practices at home (interview with Parent which made them realize that they need to
D, 23/3/2014; and interview with Parent E, participate in the conservation. Thus, an
23/3/2014). environmental practice which regard to this
Thirdly, the EAP (Environmental activity was evident.
Advocacy Program) developed to strengthen Environmental practices at home were
and deepen the environmental awareness and demonstrated by the students together with
practices of the students. An environmental their family members based on the result of
advocacy program was developed based on the interview. This was because the parents
the findings in problems number 1 and 2. were always reminding their children to
This advocacy program aims to strengthen take care of the environment through energy
and deepen the students’ environmental conservation and keeping the surroundings
awareness and practices in their school, at clean.
home, and the community through strict The items in the Environmental
implementation of guidelines and follow- Awareness Scale with a low mean result with
up (cf Garcia, 2000; Fontanilla, 2003; an interpretation of slightly aware under
Balmaceda, 2004; and Desa et al., 2013). Level I and sometimes does the task as well
This will be done through a collaborative as seldom does the task in Level II were
effort of the different students’ organization the bases in developing an Environmental
officers together with their adviser, school Advocacy Program.
head, teachers, students, and parents (cf The following are the recommendations
Valles, 2002; Sharmin, 2003; Miranda, 2008; based on the findings and conclusions
and Cadiao, 2009). drawn that the teachers should strengthen
the integration of environmental concepts,
CONCLUSION principles, and practices in various subjects
Based on the findings of the study, the in the high school level. The school should
following conclusions are hereby drawn institutionalize different environmental
that the selected fourth year high school programs and projects for students as well
students manifested moderate awareness on as the teachers to actively participate in.
the different concepts, issues, and problems Environmental programs and projects in
of the environment. As an outcome of their the school and likewise in the community
awareness, students sometimes do the tasks, should be sustained through adequate
which pertain to recycling, water, and energy funding, support of the teachers, and actively
conservation; non-use of harmful products; participation of various student organizations.
creative possible solution; and social media The extent of students’ and teachers’
exposure. However, they seldom do the knowledge about the environmental concepts
tasks of tree-planting; clean-up drive; and can also be measured and compared
participating to school’s environmental club. with their environmental practices. The

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59
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

students’ observation in the community’s pp.89-95. Available online also at: https://www.
environmental activities might be included scribd.com/document/180415230/Bennett-2000-
Agriculture-Ecosystems-Environment [accessed in
to further elaborate the environmental Manila, Philippines: April 16, 2016].
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63
JENNY P. CRUZ & NERISSA S. TANTENGCO,
Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices

Students’ Environmental Awareness and Practices in the Philippines


(Source: https://blogs.adb.org, 25/1/2017)

The Philippines is one of the countries that are facing environmental challenges and issues. Scenarios like floods
due to heavy rain and poor solid waste disposal are just some of the reasons of environmental degradation. This
can be easily gleaned from the list of environmental concerns which the DENR (Department of Environment and
Natural Resources) does not tire in enumerating in its Annual Report other than what are being reported in the
news at present.

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