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Save the Climate Program at Elizabeth Seton School
By Pilarcita M. Geluz

Elizabeth Seton School (ESS) has long been an advocate of nature preservation. True to Seton’s attaining its vision-mission as a Catholic school, as a Filipino School and as a Center for learning, the school community of administrators, faculty, staff, parents and alumni join hands in creating a school environment that develops its students become persons who are socially responsible, protective of the environment and appreciative of nature. We affirm the Haribon Foundation’s vision of taking the lead in caring for nature with the people- for the people.

Integration of environmental awareness and conservation actions in the curriculum is part of the school’s thrust to increase the students’ awareness on global warming. Lessons on climate change and biodiversity are discussed in Science. The recent flashfloods and landslides brought more awareness on the value of preserving the environment. Current laws and jurisprudence on various environmental laws are touched in the Hekasi, Sibika and Araling Panlipunan subjects. Greener lifestyles with focus on things that we do which emit carbon dioxide are favorite springboards in English and other related disciplines. Co-curricular activities like clubs and other organizations offer tips on Reducing, Re-using and Recycling.

Simple lang, Save the Climate Program involves the idea of using compact fluorescent lights because they use less energy and are much brighter than bulbs. Simple lang, use efficient lighting. Simple lang, Unplugged. Simple lang, Switched off. Simple lang, this is our call.

What makes us different? Our classrooms are open! This was conceptualized by Dr. Josefina V. Suarez, President of ESS when it started in 1975. At first it was just to save cost on construction, then allowing the students a chance to rest their eyes on the school’s greenery, conserve energy, and enjoy a well ventilated, well lit environment while learning their lessons and later on rested on the concept that Seton’s open classrooms is also synonymous to its being innovative and open to new trends and ideas.

Inspired by the idea of bringing the students closer to nature, modular landscapes are placed along the corridors. Daily, students find time to nurture the potted plants b y watering, pulling the weeds and cultivating the ornamental plants. Cooperation, responsibility as well as love for God’s creations are positive values developed while doing the daily routine.

Rows of different varieties of mango trees like, carabao, pico, Indian, apple and supsupin or bansot as Imuseños call it line the parking area and the Catherine Ann Square. Guava, duhat, and chico are also planted to give shade and ambiance to the campus.

Parents and guests are awed by the kind of discipline showed by the students. Fruits are hanging on the trees and can be easily reached but the students remain until harvest time. This value of respect was instilled to them and also being emulated by the members of the school community. You should see our Christmas tree in summer!

Management on the other hand introduced ESS Unplugged. This program promotes responsible energy management among users within the Elizabeth Seton School. It follows a simple requirement of unplugging all electrical equipment from the utility sockets after use.

The Imus Municipality headed by Honorable Mayor Manny Maliksi, cognizant of Seton’s program of nature preservation had the Ms. Earth beauty contestants planted narra trees in 2007. Recently, a number of solar lamp posts were installed along the Mother Seton Drive by the municipal government.
To bring the students closer to nature, Seton has affiliated with outbound educators. Students are exposed to the outbound educator’s learning program where students enjoy hiking, trekking, rapelling, wading, swimming, caving, and bird watching.

Elizabeth Seton School ‘s history is a legend of excellence and success from a humble journey in 1975, the year the school started as a preschool in Barrio Talaba, Bacoor, Cavite up to this year. From the simple beginnings of ESS way back in 1975, the school has grown into a very successful institution. Each Setonian possessing the virtues of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton shall be the living legacy of ESS bound to transcend time.