Environmental watchdog BAN Toxics called on the government to advocate for toxics and wastes-free schools across the Philippines in an Earth Day observance on Friday.
“This Earth Day, we call on the government to take a stronger stance to protect children from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and wastes,” said Reynaldo San Juan Jr., executive director of the organization.
San Juan stressed the need “to capacitate our schools and communities to take action against toxic and waste pollution,” adding that protection of children from toxic chemicals and wastes should be prioritized because they are “uniquely vulnerable to its adverse effects.”
This year’s Earth Day observance carries the theme “Invest in Our Planet.”
BAN Toxics has been advocating for sound chemicals and wastes management, with a special focus on children’s protection through their Toxics-Free Schools Program that was launched in 2014 with the support of the Department of Education.
The program aims to make schools safe for children and faculty members and to increase awareness on the issue of toxic and waste pollution in schools and homes. It also seeks to engage schools and communities on proper sound chemicals and wastes management.
