In a bold step toward shaping a more sustainable future, Holcim Philippines, through its Circular Explorer initiative with One Earth One Ocean, has brought together the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to launch an education-focused partnership. The three organizations recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formally integrate circular economy concepts into public school curriculums.
Educating for a circular future
At the heart of this collaboration is the aim to foster environmental awareness among young learners. The Circular Explorer initiative will first be rolled out in pilot schools across Metro Manila, equipping educators and students with tools that emphasize the transition from a linear to a circular economy.
These learning materials include a teacher’s manual, a comic book, and a high school workbook—all developed to help educators engage students in understanding sustainability and resource efficiency.
“This partnership with ASSIST and the Circular Explorer Project aligns with DepEd’s commitment to integrating sustainability education into our schools,” said Christine Bellen, Project Manager of Circular Explorer. “By fostering environmental consciousness among our learners, we are equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion a circular economy.”
Supporting DepEd’s MATATAG agenda
The project strongly aligns with DepEd’s Basic Education MATATAG Agenda, which prioritizes resilience and child-centered learning. In a previously issued message of support, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching, Gina Gonong, commended the initiative.
“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,” Gonong said. “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.”
Training teachers, empowering schools
To bring the initiative to life in classrooms, the partnership began with a full-day Training of Teachers (TOT) session for select educators. The session was led by Kendrick Faronilo, MSc, President and Founder of the Philippine Association of Environmental Science Students, who guided teachers on how to integrate the new modules effectively.
As the implementation phase begins, the program is set to reach around 3,000 students, teachers, and school personnel across the cities of Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, and Las Piñas.
This partnership exemplifies how the private and public sectors can come together to empower the next generation of sustainability champions—ensuring that education today builds a better, greener tomorrow.
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