Empowering Filipino Educators: Mainstreaming One Health Education in Schools

SEAMEO TROPMED Network has taken a significant step towards promoting public health and environmental awareness in the Philippines by organizing a pilot program to integrate One Health education into the basic education curriculum. Conducted from September 6 to 8, 2024, in Pampanga, Philippines, the training brought together educators, health experts, and stakeholders to train teachers in applying One Health and One Health related concepts in classrooms.

One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. In the Philippines, where zoonotic diseases, food safety, and climate change pose ongoing challenges, this approach is especially relevant. Supported by Chevron in partnership with SEAOHUN, the initiative aims to equip educators with the tools to teach students about these complex issues, ensuring a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Laying the Foundation

Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, Director of the International Cooperation Office at the Department of Education (DepEd), spoke about the SEAMEO Council role in supporting One Health education and emphasized the Philippines commitment to advancing this initiative in line with national priorities. Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, Regional Director, Region 3, DepEd, shared the importance of the initiative and challenged the teachers to undertake their role with passion and commitment given the fact that their experience will set the tone for full implementation of the initiative.

Dr. Ma. Sandra B. Tempongko, Deputy Coordinator of SEAMEO TROPMED Network, speaking on behalf of Dr. Pratap Singhasivanon, Secretary General/Coordinator of the Network, underscored the importance of introducing One Health education early. She stressed the need for collaboration across disciplines and called for incorporating One Health topics from kindergarten through higher education. Her emphasis on cross-sector engagement encouraged educators to recognize the value of teaching students about the critical links between human, animal, and environmental health.

Adding depth to the discussion, Dr. Janice Garcia from the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture Philippines and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) highlighted the dangers of zoonotic diseases, antibiotic resistance, and food safety. She explained how environmental factors, such as climate change, contribute to health risks of both animals and human underscoring the urgent need to educate students on these interconnected challenges.

Dr. Ma. Margarita Lota, Associate Professor at UP Manila, offered further insights into managing infectious diseases common in the Philippine setting using the One Health approach, stressing the relevance of considering the environmental and animal conditions that drive these infectious diseases. She underscored the importance of integrating these concerns in the curriculum with the end in view of behavior change among the students and the communities.

Dr. Michelle Balbin from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) added a global perspective by discussing food security and sustainability. She explained FAO’s initiatives, such as zero hunger and gender equality, and how food-related risks impact public health. Her session showed how understanding food production and safety can be woven into the One Health curriculum, equipping students with essential knowledge for a healthier future.

Hands-On Training to Equip Teachers

The program then shifted to hands-on sessions that empowered educators with practical skills. Forty- five (45) teachers from Andres M. Luciano High School and San Vicente Elementary School received in-depth training from the Education specialists of the Bureau of Learning Delivery (DepEd) on using the newly developed One Health modules for classroom use. These modules cover key topics like infection prevention, rabies control, zoonotic diseases, and environmental health. Teachers, grouped by grade level they teach, worked on tailoring lesson plans to meet their students needs, ensuring the teaching /learning activities are adaptable across different grade levels. This hands-on-training helped teachers bring the One Health principles into focus, giving them a clear understanding of how to apply them effectively. With the trial phase set to begin, teachers are now prepared to introduce One Health modules in classrooms across the Philippines, with facilitators continuing to support their efforts in the months ahead.

The Road Ahead

Integrating One Health education into schools represents an important step toward building more informed, healthy communities in the Philippines. By empowering teachers and students to understand the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, SEAMEO TROPMED Network, SEAOHUN, and Chevron are leading efforts to foster healthier, more resilient communities.

This initiative will serve as a model for other Southeast Asian countries in terms of mainstreaming One Health education in the curriculum. It also contributes to global efforts to achieve the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in health and education.