Abstract

Among the qualities developed in science students is to become good caretakers of Mother Nature. Yet, ecological and health problems continue to occur related to poor solid waste management. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the students’ ecological awareness, knowledge, practices, and impacts of solid waste management program in selected K+12 DepEd and private schools in Metro Manila. Descriptive-cross sectional design was used for the study with 535 senior high students using random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire survey by using a 4-point Likert Scale. Using IBM SPSS version 20 package, collected data were subjected to percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA statistical analyses at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that majority of the students’ responses in the questionnaire surveys were moderately aware of the ecological issues in their schools. Student participants were highly knowledgeable on ecological issues, problems, and environmental conditions and facts. This implies good information dissemination drive at school levels. It also showed that there is significant difference in the level of awareness and practice between DepEd and private senior high schools, particularly in the level of ecological knowledge and impact of the local SWM. In general, holistic approach on waste management education in the school is vital to building a dynamic solid waste management systems and programs.