SOWING THE SEEDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CARE: RE-GREENING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAMBAN, TARLAC

Climate change, driven by human activities such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, poses significant environmental challenges globally, with intensified effects in the Philippines. In the Municipality of Bamban, Tarlac, rapid urbanization has exacerbated deforestation, contributing to environmental degradation. Project MANASIK (Manage, Act, Save, Intensify Knowledge) was initiated to address these issues by fostering environmental awareness among Grade 12 STEM students and the wider school community through re-greening efforts. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, using pre- and post-project surveys, interviews, and participatory activities like tree planting and nursery establishment to measure the project's impact on environmental awareness. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired T-tests, while qualitative insights were drawn from interviews with stakeholders. Results indicated a significant increase in environmental awareness among both students and community members, with average post-project scores rising from "Low" to "Moderate" and "High" levels of awareness. Challenges encountered during the project included resource limitations and community engagement issues. Nevertheless, Project MANASIK proved effective in increasing awareness of the ecological importance of local trees and fostering a deeper understanding of re-greening practices. The project also demonstrated the vital role that schools and local governments can play in promoting sustainable environmental stewardship, suggesting that further expansion of such initiatives could significantly benefit local communities and ecosystems.