ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF SELECTED SCHOOLS IN FIRST DISTRICT OF QUEZON: BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MANUAL OF OPERATION

The study dealt with the environmental management system of selected Schools in the First Congressional District of the Division of Quezon, during the School Year 2017-2018, and developed a school environmental management system manual of operation. It specifically determined the demographic profile of the teachers and school heads involved in the environmental operation of these schools, including the implementation of the environmental management system, problems encountered, environmental conservation and protective measures and other related programs. The study utilized the quantitative method design participated by 12 school heads and 108 teachers. The study employed purposive sampling technique. Findings revealed that School Environmental System have the policy that is documented and communicated to internal stakeholders through the staff meeting, memorandum, bulletin board, group chat, and Facebook. More so, most schools have different Environmental Management System (EMS) programs implemented like the mobilization of the learners through the environmental campaign by joining in Youth for Environmental School Organization (YES-O). However, there are problems encountered in the implementation of the EMS programs like in composting, tree planting, tree growing and tree caring that includes the allocation of budget and availability of land inside the campus. In addition, external stakeholders understanding of school EMS through seminars and training is necessary to encourage them to support the EMS implementation. Most schools have available programs like making trashcans for segregation as part of their environmental protection and conservation. Children’s involvement developed awareness on the environmental issues and concerns which will promote student’s participation in environmental advocacies. Finally, an EMS manual of operation was designed to help improve the school environmental management system. Several interventions and future studies are recommended to enhance the EMS in the selected schools in the First Congressional District of Quezon province.