After natural disasters claimed hundreds of lives in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon, KABATAAN Representative Mong Palatino today said the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education should develop and improve science courses focusing on climate change studies.

“Aside from the issue of the government’s flawed disaster-preparedness program, the recent tragedy that struck the nation is also a climate change issue. It is only appropriate that the country’s educational system produce graduates with expert knowledge on the real causes of climate change. Through this, genuine solutions can be crafted in the future to avoid or at least minimize the wrath of natural calamities,” Palatino said.

Palatino also criticized Gloria Arroyo’s environmental advisers for their “flawed” and “myopic” prescriptions on the government’s environmental policies that contribute to the worsening of the country’s environmental situation.

“We should look into the government’s economic policies that allow large corporations to utilize our resources while at the same time damaging it. Our environmental education must be improved so that no one will become as miseducated as our leaders on the issue of climate change,” he said.

The neophyte solon said there is need for institutions which will teach vital subjects such as science and technology. “Why is the government reducing its subsidy for state universities which have the most comprehensive course offering on science and technology? The government should harness the capabilities of the young workforce to serve the actual needs of society, not to export them,” he said

Blog action day on climate change

Meanwhile, the youth solon is calling on all bloggers and Facebook users to take a stand on climate change and participate in a global “Blog Action Day” on October 15.

“Take time out on Oct. 15  to post your thoughts and aspirations, frustrations and hopes, photos, videos and stories, on climate change and how it affects our family, community,  country and the globe, and how we wish to make things better,” he said.

The blogger-solon said he will also circulate a letter among his colleagues urging them to participate in the Blog Action Day.