In a knot-tied collaboration between the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Cavite and Cavite Science Integrated School-Regional Science High School through a Memorandum of Agreement, nine Grade 12 students embarked on an 80-hour work immersion program from February 12-23, 2024.

 

This initiative, guided by the principles of Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) and DepEd Order No. 30 s. 2017, offered students an immersive experience in environmental stewardship while fulfilling academic requirements.

 

DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2017 sets the guidelines in the conduct of Work Immersion primarily aimed to enhance the quality of education in the Philippines by prioritizing the holistic development of learners. It emphasizes the integration of values education, career guidance, and work immersion programs into the school curriculum to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies for personal and professional success.

 

Designed to bridge classroom learning with practical application, the work immersion program offered students with firsthand exposure to the vital functions and responsibilities within DENR—under the mentorship of PENRO personnel from Land Records Unit, Compliance Monitoring Unit, Accounting, Manila Bay Site Coordinating and Management Office (MBSCMO), Surveillance, Investigation and Intelligence Unit (SIIU), Planning and Management Section, and Administrative Section.

 

Students gained practical insights into environmental conservation efforts, natural resource management, and sustainable development practices. Furthermore, the work immersion program provided them with a platform to actively apply Prime HRM principles in their daily activities.

 

By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, DENR-PENRO Cavite empowered students to develop essential competencies such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving – qualities essential for success in both academic and professional spheres.

 

The culminating activity involved the awarding of certificates to students for their successful completion of the program. This recognition ceremony served as a testament to the students' dedication, effort, and achievement throughout the immersion period. It also provided an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and acknowledge the valuable contributions they partook to the DENR-PENRO.

 

During the recognition ceremony, selected students were invited to share their reflections on their experiences as DENR trainees. Part of the activity had students respond to prompts such as "𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑹 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒆, 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 ______", where they expressed their personal commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Mr. James Bryan Orosco responded, "𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑹 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒆, 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏!". The said activity highlighted the students' aspirations to become advocates for environmental protection, agents of positive change, and stewards of nature.

 

In a nutshell, the successful completion of the work immersion program not only reflects DENR-PENRO Cavite's dedication to excellence in education but also reinforces its role as a beacon of environmental stewardship in the region. By embracing PRIME-HRM principles, DENR-PENRO Cavite continued to empower students to become active agents of change and champions for a sustainable future.###