September 1, 2003

DO 72, s. 2003

Establishment of the Youth for Environment in Schools (YES) Organization

To: Undersecretaries

   Assistant Secretaries

   Bureau Directors

   Regional Directors

   Schools Division/City Superintendents

   Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

1. Relative to the holding of the 2003 Youth for Environment Summer (YES) Camp last April 30-May 4, 2003, one of the concrete resolutions and actions adopted by the entire delegration from all over the country is the establishment of a school-based co-curricular organization which will serve as a significant venue for students’ actions and movements toward safeguarding, protecting and conserving the environment for future generations.

2. In view thereof, the Department of Education (DepED), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), establishes the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (Yes-O) as the only recognized co-curricular environmental club or organization in the schools and consolidates all other environmental and/or ecology clubs or organizations in school with main and primary programs or projects for the environment or ecology in the said Organization.

3. The Youth for Environment in Schools (YES) Organization shall have the following objectives:

   1. Be aware and create awareness in others of the state of the Philippine environment and ecology, including prevailing issues and concerns relative thereto;

   2. Establish specific and doable programs, projects and activities to address issues and concerns on the environment and ecology;

   3. Network with other government and non-government organizations, including Youth for Environment in Schools (YES) Organizations in other schools within the division and region, with regard to support and assistance to programs, projects and activities of the organization;

   4. Encourage community participation and initiative in environmental and ecological movements and actions; and

   5. Develop among members and the community proper environmental values, skills and attitudes.

4. The following programs, projects and activities may form part of the regular undertaking of the Youth for Environment in Schools (YES) Organization:

   1. Clean-Up Drive inside and surrounding the school premises, including public and common areas in the community

   2. Waste Management, Segregation and Recycling Program

   3. Awareness Campaigns to Address Specific Issues such as Pollution, Sanitation and Health

   4. Symposia/Trainings

   5. Nursery Establishment and Tree-Planting Activities

   6. Fun Run for the Environment

   7. Youth for Environment Summer Camp

5. All Regional Directors, Schools Division Superintendents and School Principals/Heads are encouraged to organize, support and cooperate in the establishment and strengthening of the Youth for Environment in Schools (YES) Organization in their respective areas of jurisdiction and schools. Their support to the Youth for Environment Summer (YES) Camp in all levels as a major activity of the YES-O is hereby encouraged.

6. The Regional and Division Education Supervisors in Science, as Regional and Division Coordinators respectively, shall lead, coordinate and monitor the conduct of activities pertinent to the YES Organization in their respective areas of jurisdiction. The Science Department Head/Coordinator and Teacher, herein designated as School-Based Moderator and Assistant School-Based Moderator respectively, shall lead and operationalize the YES activities in the school level with the guidance of the School Head/Principal.

7. In the operationalization of the YES-O, coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), particularly the DENR Regional Youth Desk Officers and other offices, is encouraged.

8. The DepED Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA), headed by Mr. Joey G. Pelaez, is tasked to oversee, coordinate and supervise the establishment and all activities of the YES Organization. For queries, please write the CSCA, G/F Mabini Bldg., DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City or call telefax numbers 631-8495 or 636-3603.

9. Enclosed is the Constitution and By-Laws of the YES Organization.

10. Immediate and wide dissemination of this Order is directed.