1,2,3,4Cebu Technological University - Barili Campus
* Corresponding author: janeth.lacostales@ctu.edu.ph
Background: This study investigated the role of high school teachers in fostering students' awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward responsible waste management in Barili 2, Cebu, Philippines, aiming to develop an effective intervention plan. Recognizing waste mismanagement as a critical global and local issue, the research emphasized the potential of schools in cultivating environmental responsibility, with teachers serving as important figures supported by educational theories.
Methods: The study profiled teachers, examined their integration of waste management concepts into lessons, assessed school support, and identified challenges faced by stakeholders.
Results: Results revealed a significant positive relationship between teachers' integration of waste management concepts and students' awareness levels. Students demonstrated high understanding of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and the environmental impact of waste, reflecting teachers' active engagement in environmental education. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between teachers' participation in environmental education training and their ability to incorporate waste management concepts (r = 0.68 for teachers attending five or more sessions), suggesting that consistent professional development is crucial for effective curriculum integration. Despite these findings, teachers faced significant resource constraints, including limited teaching materials, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate school infrastructure such as insufficient waste bins and composting areas. Weak policy implementation, with inconsistent enforcement and monitoring, further created a gap between official school policies and daily practices.
Conclusion: Furthermore, using a mixed-methods approach with surveys for teachers and students, the study informed the development of a Waste Management Awareness and Behavior Change Intervention Training Plan, designed to enhance teacher capacity and promote responsible waste management practices within the community.
Keywords: environmental education, intervention plan, student awareness, teacher role, waste management
How to cite this article: Trinidad MB, Libradilla D, Lacostales JL, Cabrera APP. Teachers' Awareness and Practices in Waste Management Integration in Barili 2, Cebu, Philippines. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 404-411. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.44
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None