Environmental Studies Institute

The Environmental Studies Institute (ESI) is a pioneer in academic offerings as well as in school-based advocacy. Its program is a synthesis of academic expertise, field projects, and service learning. As it implements the third thrust in the school's motto, Peace, Justice, and Integrity of Creation, the ESI catalyzes the Mriam Community in spreading to the larger society what it promotes in its campus--care for the Earth.

As an active player in the Philippine environmental movement, the ESI is a locus of activity and networking among those who champion sustainable development.

As a center of excellence for environmental studies and education, the ESI envisions the development of citizens and leaders, respectful of the sacredness of creation, which will work for an ecologically sound environment, equitable economic growth, and people empowerment as pillars of sustainable development.

Academic Programs

B.S. Environmental Planning and Management
M.S. Environmental Science
M.A. Environmental Management
M.A. Environmental Education
Ph.D. Environmental Studies
Ph.D. Environmental Education

Miriam-P.E.A.C.E.

Miriam Public Education and Awareness Campaign for the Environment

ISTEAC

Integration of Solid waste management Tools into specific settings of European and Asian Communities

Main objectives of the ISTEAC:

To study specific tools for reducing the amount of waste disposed of, such as composting and recycling.
To examine the local cultural and socioeconomic characteristics that influences the application of thesetools.
To strengthen the co-operation between the European and Asian Universities on environmental protection.

ISTEAC Main activities:

Research
Dissemination
Education

Workshops and Teaching missions:

Hanoi -Vietnam (September 2004)
Quezon City - Philippines (May 2005)
Dresden - Germany (December 2005)

ISTEAC provides:

Information and Education.
Dissemination of the gained knowledge.
Exchange of cultural and scientific background.
Reduction of the waste disposed of

S.W.A.R.M. Plan

Solid Waste Reduction Master Plan supported by the President’s (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) Social Fund

Radyo Kalikasan

Radyo Kalikasan is a one-hour radio program on the environment. Its main thrust is to instill the value of environmental protection among its listeners.

It has been an ongoing project of Miriam–P.E.A.C.E. (Public Education and Awareness Campaign for the Environment) since July 28, 1991, when it was first aired over DZXQ. It has since moved to another station but its commitment to environmental broadcasting has never faltered.

Segments of Radyo Kalikasan:

Kalikasan Trivia - bits and pieces of information about the rich and diverse life forms of our ecosystems, environmental concepts, and environmental practices.

Kalikasan Patrol - a group of volunteer youth reporters and radio talents from different schools deliver live reports on current environmental activities.

Patimpalak Pangkalikasan - contests where listeners are encouraged to call in and answer questions on topics taken up during the program.

Panayam Pangkalikasan - a 30-minute dialogue with experts from various areas ranging from non-governmental organizations to government agencies, from business conglomerates to academic institutions, from social groups to private citizens, from entertainment personalities to students.

Tinig Pangkalikasan - beautiful melodies narrate stories of Mother Nature.

Biak-Na-Bato Conservation Program

Biak na Bato National Park is a prime ecotourism site in Bulacan because of its rich historical and ecological heritage. The rugged terrain with thick vegetation, abundant water supply, magnificent caves made Biak na Bato an ideal respite for the weary souls needing renewed strength much as Gen. Aguinaldo experienced 100 years ago.

Water is abundant in Biak na Bato. The fresh clear water of Balaong River, which flows from the south are ideal for swimming and fishing. Numerous springs along the river banks provide clean drinking water. Its clear water has been inviting tourists as early as 1800's from as far as Nueva Ecija and Pampanga.

Southern Sierra Madre Wildlife Consevation Center

The overall goal of the project is to create a sustainable and replicable wildlife conservation model that will aim to serve as a Window to the Sierra Madre. The Southern Sierra Madre Wildlife Center aims to:

Protect and rehabilitate forest, caves, freshwater ecosystems and wildlife within the project site and Kaliwa Watershed;
Provide a venue for constituency-building for sustainable development through the conduct of outdoor environmental education, ecohistorical tourism, community education and media coverage;
Increase the capacities of the host communities specifically upland farmers and indigenous peoples through training, community-based projects, livelihood and other socio-economic endeavours;
Promote conservation and natural resources management approaches through field-based research and site development activities;
Propagate plants and animals to showcase agroecological practices;
Develop a field study site for the academic and environmental outreach programs of ESI and Miriam College; and
Enhance linkages for research, educational and public services within Rizal Province and Region 4.

Dona Remedios Trinidad Reforestation Project

Reforestation Program in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan -- A 75 hectare community-based reforestation project funded by Universal Motors and Manila Hotel.

Field projects have focused on reforestation and community-based resource management. In 1990 Miriam-PEACE joined a contract reforestation programme of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to rehabilitate 50 hectares in a denuded portion of the Sierra Madre uplands in Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT) Bulacan, a province adjacent to Metro Manila. The site is a two-hour ride and twohour climb away, located in a thinly spread-out village. Rough as the ascent (and descent) is, all who have gone through the experience feel it is worth being close to nature, being exposed to life in the mountain communities and doing their bit through tree-planting and/or monitoring.

The bulk of reforestation tasks are done by community workers. However, Miriam College students, staff and other environmental groups are involved, to the extent that they can be in one-day field trips on, for example, seedling preparation, planting, re-planting, weeding, or monitoring. Miriam College also uses the area as one of its sites for ecological and social investigation. Reforestation is also undertaken for other groups, for example, the Manila Hotel, the International School, and Universal Motors Corporation.

Contact Information

Environmental Studies Institute
Miriam College
Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights
Quezon City 1108 Philippines

Telefax:
(+632) 9205093

Email:
mcesi1986@yahoo.com
esi@mc.edu.ph