DAVAO CITY – The Sarangani Schools Division of the Department of Education is pilot testing the integration of the Philippine Eagle conservation lessons in select schools in Sarangani province, the Philippine Eagle Foundation said.

Known as the Eskwelahan Para sa Kinaiyahan (EPK) program, it aims to teach pupils about caring for nature by adding Philippine Eagle conservation lessons into regular school subjects under the Matatag curriculum.

Dr. Jayson Ibañez, director of operations of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, said the program is now in its second phase where it is being pilot tested in upland elementary schools in the town of Alabel.

“The testing involved a few teachers from pilot elementary schools in the uplands of Sarangani using the lesson plans with kids and testing its effectiveness,” Ibañez added.

The EPK is integrated in the lesson plans of Grades 1, 4, and 7 in Araling Panlipunan, Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), Makabansa, Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH), and Science subjects.

To further improve its implementation, Ibañez said at least 32 teachers from the Sarangani province have gathered on Dec. 1 to 3 at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos here to look into the results of the testing and revise or improve the lesson plans if needed.

The gathering, he added, is under the Phase 2 of the EPK program, which focuses on refining the lessons as well as in preparing them for expansion to other schools in Sarangani.

Dr. Leticia Afuang, lead facilitator and resource person of the workshop, underscored the value of instilling conservation values among the young generation.

Afuang, a seasoned wildlife conservationist, said that she is also sharing some of their experiences in integrating the Tamaraw conservation program in lessons in Mindoro.

She added that she is now helping teachers in the writeshop to finalize the lesson content as well as

improve teaching materials.

Ibañez emphasized that the second phase of the program will also strengthen the teachers’ capacity and ensure that conservation education, especially the protection of the Philippine Eagle, is clearly and effectively taught to young learners.

“The EPK program represents the Foundation’s developing strategy to influence mindsets and foster lifestyles that are more respectful of nature and supportive of Philippine Eagle conservation,” he said.

Should the EPK be successful in Sarangani, the PEF will expand the EPK in different regions where the eagles are found, Ibañez said.

The PEF, he added, is hoping to roll the program out across all regions of the country where eagles are found, and build a network of young citizens who value the eagle as a fellow Filipino who deserves to live decently and safe from harm.

However, he admitted that this program requires a lot of resources, especially in gathering the teachers and producing the learning materials.

Ibañez said is appealing for support from the private sector to help integrate Philippine eagle and biodiversity conservation lessons into the regular Matatag curriculum.

Through the integration, it could help empower students to understand and protect the natural heritage that sustains their communities.

“Your support strengthens local pride, builds science-based environmental values, and nurtures a generation capable of safeguarding our forests and wildlife. By investing in conservation education today, you help secure a healthier, more resilient future for both people and the Philippine Eagle,” Ibañez said.