Mainstreaming One Health Education Expands to Aurora, Philippines
- SEAOHUN
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Building on the success of the pilot project in Pampanga, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED Network), with funding support from Chevron in partnership with SEAOHUN, has taken a major step forward by expanding One Health education to the province of Aurora, Region 3, Philippines.
On July 18-19, 2025, teachers from Aurora gathered for a two-day training designed to prepare them for the pilot testing of the revised One Health modules — a crucial move toward the national adoption of One Health education.
At its core, One Health is a simple yet powerful idea: human health, animal health, and the environment are deeply connected. Understanding this interconnection helps communities prevent disease and protect the planet. The program, originally developed in Thailand and introduced to Pampanga in 2024, teaches students about these vital links through lessons tailored specifically for basic education. Following positive outcomes in Pampanga, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 3 requested to extend the project to Aurora to adapt and refine the modules for a broader audience.
A Community-Driven Expansion
This expansion reflects strong collaboration among DepEd’s Central and Regional Offices, the Schools Division Office Aurora, the Department of Health, SEAMEO TROPMED Philippines, the Philippine One Health University Network (PhilOHUN), SEAOHUN, and Chevron — whose support has been vital throughout the process.
The program opened with inspiring messages from DepEd leaders, Chevron, and SEAOHUN, followed by an introduction to the project goals by Dr. Ma. Sandra B. Tempongko of SEAMEO TROPMED.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Dante G. Parungao, Schools Division Superintendent of Aurora, highlighted the importance of this milestone:
“Today marks a significant step in our shared commitment to fostering a more holistic, responsive, and sustainable approach to education — one that acknowledges the vital interconnection between human health, animal health, and environmental well-being. Mainstreaming One Health is not merely about adding content to our lessons; it is about shaping mindsets, promoting critical thinking, and instilling in our learners a deep sense of responsibility toward their health and their communities.”
Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, shared the long-term vision:
“Foundational education shapes the future of societies. Our goal is to equip the next generation with knowledge, tools, and mindset to keep communities safe and resilient. By bringing One Health into the basic education curriculum, we are not only fostering a culture of prevention from an early age but also shaping responsible global citizens who are ready to address the complex health challenges of the future.”
Training Overview: Equipping Teachers as One Health Champions
The two-day Training of Teachers at Punta Baler Hotel offered educators hands-on learning and practical skills to bring One Health concepts into their classrooms.
Teachers participated in an engaging One Health orientation led by Dr. Maria Margarita Lota from the University of the Philippines Manila.
Throughout the training, teachers explored the new modules in workshops guided by education specialists from DepEd’s Bureau of Learning Delivery. They learned how to tailor lessons to their subjects and make the content relevant and meaningful for their students. The training concluded with a clear plan for pilot testing and next steps in Aurora.
Looking Ahead
Aurora’s involvement is more than just another pilot site — it represents a vital step toward a future where Filipino students can grow up recognizing how closely their health is linked to animals and the environment. By starting in schools, this initiative hopes to plant the seeds for a healthier, more resilient nation.
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