The Lasallian schools successfully held a National EcoCamp last January 28-30. Environmental education and awareness-raising were the objectives of the weekend. Three simultaneous ecology camps were held -one for Luzon, one for Visayas and one for Mindanao. The Luzon ecology camp was held in Mt. Makiling and was attended by approximately 150 participants. The Visayas camp took place in Kanlaon Volcano Park while the Mindanao camp was in La Salle Academy and Initao Forest Reserve. The Mindanao Eco Camp was participated by three La Salle schools namely La Salle Academy, ICC-La Salle and St. John Bosco School- Bislig.

The camps had various environmental activities such as hiking, camping, bird-watching, and stargazing. The participants were divided into various teams that proposed various environmental initiatives for their institutions. Environmental education and advocacy was an important aspect of the programs.

The Luzon group, for instance, presented their plans for each of the participant institution. Solid-waste management plans and wastewater treatment facilities were examples of proposed projects. The Visayas chapter proposed a campaign for proper segregation (e.g. orientation, symposium, discipline and publicity).

Coordination with the various schools’ administration will be done to with set rules and penalties for the violators. The Mindanao chapter had prepared signing “BOTO PARA SA INANG BAYAN” - A Signature Campaign against Forest Destruction.”

The Eco-Camp is a project of the Federation of Lasallian Institutions (FLI) and the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE).