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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider EcoWaste calls for eco-friendly Brigada Eskwela ahead of June 9 kickoff

EcoWaste calls for eco-friendly Brigada Eskwela ahead of June 9 kickoff

Published Jun 6, 2025 04:19 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)

As Brigada Eskwela begins on June 9, the EcoWaste Coalition has urged schools, communities, and individuals to carry out the initiative in the most environmentally responsible way possible. 

The group, which advocates for a zero waste and toxics-free society, said that holding an “ecological Brigada Eskwela” can help prevent and reduce pollution associated with the nationwide school cleanup and repair drive ahead of the June 16 school opening for Academic Year (AY) 2025–2026.

“We enjoin our schools across the country to conduct this unique expression of the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit in the most eco-friendly manner possible to avoid garbage and pollution, which may pose health and environmental risks during and even after the Brigada Eskwela,” Aileen Lucero, the national coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, said in a statement.

To support this goal, EcoWaste released a detailed set of reminders promoting eco-conscious practices. 

Such include reducing single-use plastic waste and microplastics, avoiding open burning that releases hazardous pollutants, minimizing exposure to products containing toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury, and discouraging the use of tobacco and nicotine products to limit emissions and residual waste.

The environmental group said that these practices align with Department of Education (DepEd) policies, such as Order No. 5-2014 on ecological solid waste management, Order No. 4-2017 mandating the use of lead-safe paints, Memorandum No. 111-2019 prohibiting e-cigarettes and reiterating the smoking ban, and Order No. 6-2021 on the minimum standards for school buildings.

The group outlined specific eco-actions for participants, including bringing reusable containers instead of plastic bottles, choosing cleaning tools made from plant-based materials, and avoiding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarpaulins that may contain harmful additives. 

Proper waste segregation and composting of biodegradable materials were encouraged, alongside the maintenance of the school’s Materials Recovery Facility.

For chemical safety, EcoWaste warned against the use of hazardous cleaning agents like oxalic and muriatic acid and advised against mixing bleach with other substances due to the risk of toxic gas formation. 

As such, it urged careful handling of busted fluorescent lamps to avoid mercury exposure and recommended shifting to mercury-free LED lights with proper safety markings.

The group also stressed the importance of using only certified lead-safe paints for any refurbishing work and avoiding dry sanding of surfaces that may contain lead-based coatings. 

Meanwhile, EcoWaste reiterated DepEd’s standing policy banning smoking and vaping on campus and called on local governments to help enforce Republic Act No. 9211, which prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools and other areas frequented by minors.

“An ecological Brigada Eskwela will also contribute to the advancement of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment,” the group stated.

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