Elysium in Discovery: BasurArt Contest

The BasurArt was conducted in order to educate the youth especially the high school students and to emphasize the importance and benefits of proper waste segregation and disposal. This activity promotes the 3R’s, most specifically recycling to be used in making art materials for the students.

Ö Two members of the group went to the Panagaan National High School to facilitate the activity on BASURART with the theme, “Making a TRASHformation.” This activity is divided into 2 parts and the first part was held today. With the assistance and support from the institution, we were able to obtain the participation of the HS students. The 12 participants were composed of the school government officers as well as random students in the campus. By upholding one of the DepEd Core Values which is Makalikasan, the contest serves as the advocacy to practice recycling in the school.

Ö The first part of the activity is focused on orientation regarding BasurArt and Trash hunting by the participants.

In addition with this, two (2) from our group – Honey Nina Cabreros and May Kris Coros, had their 24-hour duty at the Mahayag Municipal Hospital.

The activities we’ve done and accomplished for this day was challenging yet fulfilling at the same time. Although the group had problems in terms of manpower, but in the end, we were able to overcome it with the cooperation and teamwork of the group. It only shows that at times of adversities, we will always find comfort and support from each other.

Today, the group had our activity related to the top problem in the community which is improper solid waste management. The Team Pangga as well as some representatives from the Parish Youth Apostolates went to the Panagaaan National High School at around 8 am to facilitate the BASURART activity with the theme “Making a TRASHformation.” Our goal is to increase awareness, educate and allow the participants to apply the knowledge and skills on recycling and reusing waste. Previously, the participants had their Trash Hunting wherein they were provided with plastic bags to collect recyclable, recycled or reused materials to be utilized in making an art piece the following day. The students, carrying their trash bags filled with recyclables such as cans, old newspapers, plastic cups, bottles, straws, ribbons, CDs, etc., were really excited for this contest.

The program started with a prayer and singing of Pambansang Awit led by Edward Ariel Tadea and Fatimatu Mahmour Qassim respectively. While the other group members were facilitating the BASURART activity, others were taking the blood pressure and provided health education to the teachers in the school. The participants were comprised of Student Government officers and non-officers coming from different levels. They were provided with art materials such as pair of scissors, glue, scotch tape, glue gun, glue sticks, paint and paint brushes. They were to finish their art work in 2.5 hours. Their creation should be anything that can be useful at home, school, and environment or that conveys the 3Rs message (Reuse, Recycle, Reduce). The project director also presented beforehand the meaning of recycling, and its benefits to the environment, public health and economy. It was observed that the students absorbed the message that what we were trying to inculcate in their minds, that as young as they are, they can make a big change in their community and one way is by practicing the solid waste management properly. In this way, we are making them our active partners is maintaining the environmental health of Barangay Panagaan.

The judging was done by 3 school teachers selected by the project director. The group’s representative gave a brief description of their artwork, stating the specific recyclables used, and why they chose the concept of their work. The art piece is judged on the basis of the use of recyclable materials, creativity, originality and integration. Some students also had the opportunity to showcase their talents through dancing and singing. There were 3 winners in the contest and a consolation prize was also given to those who did not make it. The activity ended with a group pictorial with the participants.

Orientation and Selection of Contestants