EcoWaste Coalition and ACRI Pitch for Chemical Safety and Zero Waste at Brigada Eskwela in QC School

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Groups foster awareness and action towards a healthy and safe learning environment

Civil society groups highlighted the importance of being aware of the potential risks from chemicals and waste in the school environment and the need to mitigate, if not eliminate, these risks effectively as the annual National Schools Maintenance Week, also known as the Brigada Eskwela, goes in full swing.

In solidarity with the Department of Education (DepEd)-led program, the EcoWaste Coalition and the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health - Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) partnered with the Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City for timely advocacy.  The groups volunteered their energy not only to help with the eco-friendly cleanup, but also in promoting awareness and action on chemical and waste concerns in the school setting.

Schools Division Office-Quezon City gave approval to the advocacy as proposed by the EcoWaste Coalition.  “We believe that this advocacy event will play a significant role in educating both students and the community about adopting practices towards a cleaner and healthier environment,” wrote Carleen Sedilla, Schools Division Superintendent.

During the parade in Barangay Pinyahan, volunteers held banners and placards calling for zero waste resource management, plastic pollution avoidance, marine litter prevention, and a lead-safe environment.  At the actual cleanup, volunteers gave wooden arm chairs a fresh coat of lead-safe paints courtesy of the Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc.

Speaking at the kick-off program, Anna Enriquez, Advocacy Lead of ACRI-Environmental Health Program, pointed out that “protecting children from hazardous chemicals is a serious matter as they are more vulnerable to being affected by these substances due to their developing bodies and age-linked behaviors,” adding “malnourished kids and those with pre-existing health conditions are notably at risk.”

For his part, Cris Luague, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition, drew attention to the vital role of schools in promoting zero waste in theory and practice.  “Our schools play an indispensable role in instilling environmental responsibility among students, especially in inculcating values and actions in young minds that conserve resources and avoid waste and pollution,” he said. 

“As required by DepEd through Order. No. 5-2014, many of our schools have integrated ecological solid waste management in their operations, including adopting waste prevention regulations like disallowing plastic water bottles and other single-use plastics, implementing waste segregation, recycling and composting, and becoming an environmental model that inspires the broader community,” he added.

Like other facilities, schools use a variety of chemicals for cleaning and sanitation, painting and renovation, pest control and management, and also for educational opportunities like art classes and science laboratories. Lighting products and electrical and electronic equipment, particularly after the end-of-life, may also pose chemical risks, and hence the need to nurture chemical safety awareness and action among teachers, students and the rest of the community to minimize health and environmental impacts.

As emphasized in the educator’s guide published by ACRI and the EcoWaste Coalition: “Classrooms are vital spaces that significantly influence the health, development, and well-being of children.  Ensuring these environments are free from chemical hazards is essential to safeguard students’ health and foster a conducive learning atmosphere.”

As the Brigada Eskwela is conducted nationwide, the groups also reminded schools to steer clear of hazardous products that have been banned by the authorities to protect human health and the environment such as lead-containing paints (banned by DENR under A.O. 2013-24) and  chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos  as active ingredients in household/urban pesticides (banned by FDA under Circular No. 2018-008), as well as polluting practices such as open dumping and burning prohibited under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and Republic Act 8749, or the Clean Air Act.

For this year’s Brigada Eskwela, the EcoWaste Coalition will participate and/or extend support to Bagong Silangan Elementary School and Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City, Nagpayong High School in Pasig City, Nagbalayong National High School in Morong, Bataan, and the Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa Integrated School in San Pablo City, Laguna.

EcoWaste Coalition Pushes for an Eco-Friendly Conduct of Brigada Eskwela 2025 to Prevent and Reduce Environmental Pollution

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Group urges Brigada Eskwela participants to heed 20 pollution prevention reminders

The EcoWaste Coalition, a non-governmental organization working for a zero waste and toxics-free society, enjoined all participating schools, groups and individuals to aim for an eco-friendly conduct of Brigada Eskwela, which will kick off on June 9.

An ecological Brigada Eskwela will help in preventing and reducing environmental pollution that may arise as schools are cleaned, repaired and renovated in time for the opening of academic year 2025-2026 on June 16, the group said.

“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,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. 

To guide the participants, the EcoWaste Coalition has released a set of reminders, which, if observed, would contribute to 1) reduced generation of preventable trash such as single-use plastics and microplastics, 2) reduced releases of environmental toxins such as particulate matter and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from open waste burning, 3) reduced exposure risks from products laden with hazardous chemicals such as lead paints and mercury fluorescent lamps; and 4) reduced emissions, as well as residual waste, from tobacco and nicotine products.

The group further emphasized that adherence to these reminders would be in sync with various policy issuances by the Department of Education (DepEd) such as Order No. 5-2014 on ecological solid waste management; Order No. 4-2017 on mandatory use of lead-safe paints; Memorandum No. 111-2019 prohibiting e-cigarettes and reiterating the ban on smoking; and Order No. 6-2021 on minimum standards and specifications for DepEd school buildings, among others.

A.  On Plastic Use Reduction:

1.  Refrain from bringing single-use plastics (SUPs) into the school, including water in plastic bottles, food in polystyrene foam containers, plastic cutlery, plastic bags and the like. 

2.  Bring your own water in a reusable container.

 

3.  Choose cleaning aids like brooms and scrub brushes that are made of plant-based materials.

4.  Avoid the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic tarpaulins, which may contain cadmium, lead, phthalates and other hazardous chemical additives. 

B.  On Solid Waste Management:

5.  Observe the proper segregation of discards at source to facilitate their recycling or composting, and to minimize the volume of garbage for disposal.

6.  Never set trash on fire to prevent the formation of environmental pollutants such as fine particles, heavy metals and dioxins.

7.  Compost biodegradable discards such as dry leaves and yard trimmings to produce natural fertilizer or soil enhancer for the school garden.

8.  Spruce up the school’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), also known as Ecology Center, including the containers or segregators for properly-labeled recyclable and compostable discards, and special waste.

C.  On Toxics Use and Exposure Avoidance:

9.  Handle busted fluorescent lamps with care to prevent mercury spill; do not mix such lamps with ordinary trash, and properly store and dispose of them as hazardous waste. Go for mercury-free LED lights with a valid Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker or Philippine Standard (PS) mark.

10.  Select safer cleaning agents and refrain from using hazardous substances that are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract such as oxalic and muriatic acid.

11.  Do not mix bleach with acids, ammonia, or other cleaners to avoid the formation and release of toxic gases, which can cause serious injuries.

12.  Seek the assistance of the municipal or city environment and natural resources office for the management of school-generated special waste such as waste electronics; discarded paints, thinners, batteries and spray canisters; bulky waste, etc.

D. On Lead Safe Painting:

13.  Choose certified lead-safe paints for use in school interiors, exteriors, furniture and fixtures, gymnasium, play equipment and other school amenities.  Please refer to this link for a list of independently certified lead-safe paints: https://www.ecowastecoalition.org/certified-lead-safe-paints-ph-list/

14.  Shun lead-containing paints and similar surface coatings.  For a list of laboratory-tested spray paints containing violative levels of lead, which consumers should not buy and use, please check this link: https://www.ecowastecoalition.org/leadspraypaints/

15.  Keep children and pregnant women out of the work area (lead is very hazardous to developing fetuses).

16.  Refrain from dry sanding or dry scraping painted surfaces that might contain lead so as not to disperse lead dust into the surroundings. Clean up paint chips immediately.

17.  Use a moist mop or rag to rid floors, windows, window frames and sills, chairs and tables and other surfaces of dust, and wash it thoroughly after use.

18. Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after the work is done. Change clothes before going home if needed.  Clean or remove shoes and slippers before entering your home to avoid bringing in dust or soil that may contain lead into the house.

E.  On Smoking and Vaping:

19.  Abide by DepEd's policy banning smoking and vaping within school premises.  Keep the school smoke-free at all times. 

20.  Seek the help of local government units and other sectors in promoting compliance to Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which bans  the sale and distribution of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and other places 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 EcoWaste Coalition concluded.

Toni Duerme offers heartbreak of love bombing with new single “Seryoso”

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On June 6, 2025 (Friday), the rising artist Toni Duerme released her new single “Seryoso”, deeply resonating with viewers and listeners due to its heartfelt portrayal of the pain after one suddenly changed after all the excessive affection given, leaving confusion.

At 12:00 noon, the track was followed by an official music video which further boosted the impact of the song with the visuals that brought Duerme’s heartache to life.

The lyrics of the song draws from Duerme’s personal heartbreak as she explains that “These are words I could have said then, finally letting them out sa song na ‘to,” she says. The track was about the confusion that follows after being swept away by sweet words.

With the chorus “Seryoso ka ba / Dinaan mo lang ako sa mga salita / Kaya pala ang daling binitawan / Ako pala’y panandalian lang / At hindi pang habang buhay,” expresses the emotional confusion coupled with disappointment due to the heartache of expecting the relationship would last long but actually fell short of unexplained reason. 

According to Duerme the part where the lyrics feel most personal is the chorus due to the feeling of disbelief and confusion after being swept away by words.

“Given the song's theme of a short period of love that ended with someone becoming cold and leaving you hanging after making you believe their words, the lines that relate that feeling of disbelief and questioning, like the line "Seryoso ka ba?, Dinaan mo lang ako sa mga salita", hold a very personal weight. It's that moment of realization and confusion that the whole song revolves around,” Duerme expressed.

The lyrical arrangement is a buildup of the emotional journey, starting soft and reflective, then comes the excitement and anticipation. Afterwards, the chorus sets the main point and the central question where pressing feelings of realization, conflict, and heartache burst forth.

The line “Seryoso ka ba?” came from Duerme’s friend who generously shared it with her, inspiring Duerme to finish the song and make the line the core, due to its emotional weight and powerful potential. 

“Writing the bridge was tough because I felt like I had already poured all my thoughts into the verses,” Toni shared. She added that capturing the emotional nuance in her voice during the recording process also took time and focus. “My first vocal take didn’t have the dynamic range the instrumental needed, so I had to do several takes to find the right variation. Thankfully, we landed on something that really worked.”

The music video was filmed on location at the Isabela State University Echague (ISU-E) campus and is a collaboration between SJE STUDIOS, Polarize Films and Images, and Life Cafe. The music video is directed by Stephen Joshua “SJ” Estabillo and is co-presented by TANDUAY, whose support helped bring visuals to life. Duerme described that working with the production team was a memorable experience with the collaboration and shared passion for the project.

“Seryoso” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the official music video on Toni Duerme’s VEVO Channel, and stream the track here: https://orcd.co/seryoso.