Forestry For The Youth: Forestry as a Topic in Junior High School Curriculum in the Philippines

Abstract

Despite the awareness among Filipinos about the alarming rate of deforestation and forest degradation in the country, forestry continues to be undervalued and given inadequate attention, highlighting the need for further research and policy interventions to promote sustainable forest management and conservation. This study aimed to establish a basis for high school education to include the topic of forests in the junior high school curriculum. The K to 12 Science Curriculum of the Department of Education, as well as the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCS) for Environmental Science of Angeles City Science High School, was reviewed and compared with other schools in Angeles City, Pampanga, namely, Angeles City National High School and Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School. The review shows that forest education is significantly lacking in the junior high school curriculum, with the K to 12 Science program failing to include any substantive content related to forestry. A survey was conducted to determine the knowledge gap on forestry among 164 Grade 7 students, four Science teachers, and 56 Angeles City Science High School (ACSHS) alumni. The survey determined the respondents’ knowledge on forestry and whether their behaviors take into account the current state of the Philippine forests. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages. The respondents all acknowledged the importance of incorporating forestry as a topic in high school, as supported by the results obtained. It is suggested that the forestry topic be included particularly on the types/classification of Philippine forests, their uses, values, and importance in sustaining ecosystem goods and services, life, and the environment.