Senior High School

NOT

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human
Person
Quarter 1 - Modules 3-4
The Human Person in the Environment

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person- Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 - Module 3-4: The Human Person in the Environment
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cagayan de Oro

Schools Division Superintendent: Dr. Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, CESO V

Development Team of the Module

Author/s: Gaspar S. Cantere, Jr., MSEST
Reviewer: Romeo B. Aclo, EPS-Araling Panlipunan
Content validator/s:Romeo B. Aclo, EPS-Araling Panlipunan and Cherryl C. Pontillas
Language evaluator: Sylvio L. Carciller
Illustrator and Layout Artist: Artist: Gaspar S. Cantere, Jr., Cyndi Pauline O. Apas, and
Paul Y. Badon

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Chairperson: Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, PhD, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

Co-Chairperson: Alicia E. Anghay, PhD, CESE

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Members
Lorebina C. Carrasco, OIC-CID Chief
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Joel D. Potane, LRMS Manager
Lanie O. Signo, Librarian II
Gemma Pajayon, PDO II

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Office Address: Fr. William F. Masterson Ave Upper Balulang Cagayan de Oro
Telefax: (08822)855-0048
E-mail Address: cagayandeoro.city@deped.gov.ph

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What This Module is About
Generally, the Earth suffers from various environmental problems. Land degradation,
loss of biodiversity, air, land and water pollution, global warming, and climate change confront
us at present, which in many ways had affected our way of life. Human’s intelligence and
creativity have modified almost every part of our planet. Environmental scientists had already
warned us that the destruction caused by humans is mostly irreparable. Without changes and
management, the situation will adversely affect every one of us and will compromise the
environments’ ability to meet human needs. Since we caused its destruction, we should also be
part of the solution by shifting the way we relate with our only home, the Earth. We hope that
this module will help you understand how philosophical views influence human action regarding
the environment.

The following are the lessons contained in this module:

1. Relationship with the Earth
2. Environmentalism & Sustainability

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Notice disorder in an environment (PPT11/12-Ii-4.1)
2. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way
(PPT11/12-Ii-4.2)
3. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable
development (PPT11/12-Ij-4.3)
4. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environments (PPT11/12-Ij-
4.4)

What I Know

A. Answer each question correctly in its corresponding item. Write your answers in
your activity notebook.

1. Which discipline in philosophy studies the moral relationship of human beings to,
and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human
contents?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

2. Which of the perspective considers humans to be the most important species with
a superior value than other species?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

3. Which of the following claims that humans are not the only important species on
the earth and that they are not inherently greater to other living things?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

4. Which of the following believes that humankind is merely a portion of the biological
system or community and that we have an significant role as stewards of nature?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

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5. Why did the discipline of environmental ethics arise?
A. People are concerned about the growing population and the misuse of natural
resources.
B. The government is worried about climate change.
C. There are new sources of energy to meet the demands of the present.
D. Community leaders encouraged us to show care about pollution.

6. Which philosophical view asserts that improving the natural beauty of the
environment will contribute to the well-being of the people and other living
organisms?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

7. Which of these is the moral approach to understanding the relationship

between humans and the environment?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental ethics D. Environmental justice

8. Why is environmental ethics important?

A. It serves as the basis for policy making aimed at protecting the environment.
B. It allows as to make use of the earth’s resources to satisfy our needs and
wants.
C. It calls us to use technology to improve the environment.
D. It gives us an idea to shut down industries because they cause pollution.

9. Which of these statements is related to sustainable development?

A. Human activities must maintain the diversity and productivity of the earth.
B. Humans must be frugal and prudent in using our natural resources.
C. Humans must use resources at a rate that it can be replenished in a natural
way.
D. Human may exhaust resources for as long as he is satisfied.

10. Which of the following is concerned with the physical or the natural environment and
on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive.
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

11. Which dimension of sustainable development aims for long-term economic growth
without damagingly impacting other aspects of society?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

12. Which dimension of sustainable development considers how individuals in the

society live with each other on the basis of health, equality, peace and food security?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

13. Which virtue reminds us to discovers a means to reduce the financial cost of our
action?
A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

14. Which virtue reminds us to be wise in terms of decision-making?

A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

15. Which of the following sets a critical understanding on how we create an impact
on the environment we live?
A. Sustainable development C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental aesthetics D. Anthropocentrism

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 Lesson

1 Relationship with the Earth

What I Need to Know

Every day we encounter how nature is destroyed. We all have altered the environment
positively and negatively, and in turn, the environment affects how we live in many different
ways. As we continue to grow in number, we also create a greater impact on the Earth. Thus, it
is necessary that we put on our shoulders our role and relationship with the earth. As stewards
of the earth, we must to maintain order in the environment, as we are so reliant on the resources
and services it provides. We have to ask ourselves then: “What is my role in nature?” Do I have
the right to pollute the environment?
At the end of the lesson, you will appreciate your significant role in our only home, the
earth.
Learning Competencies:
1. Notice disorder in an environment (PPT11/12-IIi-4.1)
2. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic
way (PPT11/12-IIi-4.2)

What’s New

Activity 1: The Environment: Then and Now

You shall be interviewing your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather in this

activity. For sure, they can help you accomplish this task. Use the following questions during
the interview. You may simplify or use your local dialect during the interview. Write a summary
of the significant insights you have noted.

1. What are the things that you remember in your environment back then when you were
my age?
2. Are there changes in the environment, then and now?
3. What positive and negative changes did you observe in the environment?
4. Who do you think is responsible for these changes?

What Is It
Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran
As popularized by Asin
Composers: Lolita Carbon & Cesar Baňares
Year: 1978
Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran?
Kay dumi na ng hangin, pati na ang mga ilog natin.
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad
At malayu-layo na rin ang ating narating
Ngunit masdan mo ang tubig sa dagat
Dati'y kulay asul ngayo'y naging itim
Ang mga duming ating ikinalat sa hangin
Sa langit huwag na nating paabutin

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 The first line of the song is a striking question on the magnitude of our awareness of the
environment. This song makes us contemplate what is happening in our environment. And yes,
we are all responsible for its destruction and disorder, directly and indirectly. Population
explosion, increase in energy utilization and the accumulation of carbon dioxides in the
atmosphere, pollution in various forms, industrial activities, economic activities, and
anthropogenic activities put tremendous pressure on the earth’s natural resources resulting in
ecological imbalance. As a manifestation of such, natural calamities are happening claiming the
lives of many people and damaging properties and infrastructures. The song is a timely
reminder that we have to act very soon before we totally destroy the only nature that we have.
Now, take a few moments to reflect on why these natural calamities and environmental
problems are happening. What has been causing all of these?
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What environmental disorders have you observed in our community?

_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Are you pleased with what is happening? What do you think must be done to improve
the current state of our environment?
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Humankind is An essential part of the web of life. Whatever we do to the environment,

we do to ourselves. It is therefore significant that we examine not only the way we relate to
others, but also the way we relate to the environment. Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most
respected spiritual and political leaders of the 1900s, said “The Earth provides enough to
satisfies every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”.

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We, humans, exploit nature and considered ourselves to be the most superior beings.
What we actually forget is that we are just a part of natural surroundings just like other non-
human entities like plants and animals. This is why an understanding of environmental ethics
becomes essential. Let us try to understand environmental ethics, the issues confronting them,
and our moral responsibility towards the environment.
Do you agree with Mahatma Gandhi? Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

As defined by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, environmental ethics is the

discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the
value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Simply, environmental
ethics studies the relationships between human beings and the environment.
Environmental ethics will help us manage our natural resources wisely to meet our growing
needs and wants.

Why should we learn environmental ethics?

_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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 For us to better grasp we, humans are related to the environment, let us try to
understand the three major perspectives in environmental ethics: anthropocentrism,
biocentrism, and ecocentrism.
Anthropocentrism is a view that considers humans to be the most important species
with a superior worth than other species. This view mainly focuses on humans and puts the
other entities of the natural world at the background. As value is focused on humans alone, all
other things of the natural world are considered of lesser significance. As a result, human beings
continually destroy and consume natural resources for their own interest to the point of
degradation, and worst to extinction.
In opposition, biocentrism claims that humans are not the only important species on
the earth and that they are not inherently greater to other living things. It suggests that humans
are equal members of the environment and that humans and other living things are
interdependent.

Ecocentrism, on the other hand, is a broader worldview as it incorporates biocentrism

by including environmental systems and its abiotic aspects. This view believes that humankind
is merely a portion of the biological system or community and that we have an vital role as
stewards of nature. Ecocentrism tells us that both living and non-living organisms are reliant on
the processes in the ecosystem.

In your own idea, which of these perspectives can become very damaging if not
carefully thought of? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

We all play a significant part in the environment and in our hands lies the future of the
Earth. We are all stewards and we can be the catalysts of change in our particular setting. Try
to look around in your community. Is it clean and orderly? How will you address the situation in
your little ways?

_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

In order to create a clean and orderly environment, we can make use of the principles
of environmental aesthetics. Environmental aesthetics is one of the new areas
of aesthetics that focuses on issues concerning appreciation of the environment.
Environmental aesthetics can be defined as the interaction between a person and his
environment, with respect to beauty. This philosophical view asserts that improving the natural
beauty of the environment will contribute to the well-being of the people and other living
organisms.

What’s More

Activity 2: Personal Views on Environmental Issues

Review on the key perspectives in environmental ethics and share your personal views
in the following environmental issues.
Environmental Issues Personal Views

Ecocentrists would argue that mining is

immoral because it is so harmful to the
environment.

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 Do we need to convert agricultural lands
to residential to accommodate the
growing population?

Should we use less energy because it is

harming the planet?

What I Have Learned

There are three major perspectives in environmental ethics. The first one is
(1)____________. It is philosophical view that considers humans to be the most important
species. As value is focused on humans alone, all other entities of the natural world are
considered of (2)__________ value. Biocentrism, on the other hand, claims that (3) ________
are not the only important species on the earth and that they are not inherently greater to other
(4)_________. Humans are (5)________ members of the environment and that humans and
other living things are (6)_____________. Lastly, ecocentrism, incorporates
(7)____________by including (8)_____________ and its (9) _________aspects.

Situation What to do?

Stinky comfort room
Plastic wastes clogging the canals
Vandalism
Garbage dumped on sidewalks
Stagnant water in tin cans, bottles, and
containers

What I Can Do

Activity 3: Putting Things Right

Consider how you can organize the following situation aesthetically.

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 Lesson
Environmentalism &
2 Sustainability

What I Need to Know

It is apparent that we just take many things around for granted- the air we breathe, the
water that quenches our thirst, the ground where we stand are just some of the things our
planet gives us for free. To some of us, the earth is just a thing used to satisfy our needs and
wants. The earth from which we derive most of the natural resources is under threat due to
land degradation, deforestation, and pollution. All of these happen as a result of man’s needs.
It is therefore imperative that we have to play an active role in protecting and conserving the
environment before we suffer the horrible consequences that may be impossible to bear.
Learning Competencies:
1. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and
sustainable development. (PPT11/12-Ij-4.3)
2. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environments
(PPT11/12-Ij-4.4)

and if
What’s In

In Lesson 1, we already learned that our anthropocentric view of the environment has
resulted in its degradation and destruction. Humans, being considered as a superior being
exploited nature and have forgotten that they are just part of the natural surroundings just like
other non-human entities like plants and animals. In Lesson 2, you shall learn about the
concepts of environmentalism and sustainability. It is hoped that after completing this module,
you will be able to realize that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and
sustainable development and be able to demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality
towards the environment.

What’s New

Activity 1. Quick Reflection

In 1854 Chief Seattle gave a moving speech about the sacredness of the land and the
need for cautious stewardship of it. Below is a famous line from his speech. Try to reflect and
analyze the message that he wanted to convey and answer the questions that follow.

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“Man did not weave the web of life. He is merely a strand in it. Whatever he
does to the web, he does to himself.”

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 1. What is the message that Chief Seattle wanted to convey?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Do you agree that we are just merely a strand in the web?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. Why do we need to care for the environment?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What is It

We have harmed the environment in various ways: the population has increased
tremendously, pollution in the air, water, and land continue to affect the quality of life, and
deforestation has altered the natural habitats of many living organisms. All these contribute
to significant changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns. In environmental terms,
we call it climate change. This is where environmentalism comes into play.
Environmentalism, as an ideology, seeks to protect and conserve the earth’s
ecosystem and the living organisms, together with its habitats. Environmentalism seeks to
correct the damage of the environment and prevent its future destruction. One key perspective
of environmentalism is environmental ethics that views how we relate with Earth and all that
is in it. It sets a critical understanding of how we create an impact on the environment we live
in.

Do you agree that your actions have an impact on the environment? Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever realized that your actions today may have lasting impacts on the environment?
In what way will these affect the Earth?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Aside from what has been mentioned earlier, environmental ethics makes us aware of
the dangers of human activities, inculcate among us the moral responsibility towards the
environment and respect the various forms of life and the natural resources within it. To put it
simply, it urges us to reflect on our actions and protect the welfare and well-being of the
environs. It is also a call for the government, institutions, and organizations to channel their
efforts for the good of the environment. Moreover, it appeals for environmental justice that
calls for just and fair treatment and meaningful participation of all people.

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 A vital idea that fall in with environmentalism is sustainability which desires to have a
society where naturals resources are utilized to meet human needs without damaging the
wellbeing of the natural system. Sustainable development is geared towards development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs. Sustainable development is what the present time needs not just for the
survival of humankind but also for its future security. We should not only focus on today but
also let’s think about the generations to come.

Try to contemplate on how you utilize the available resources around you like food,
water, and energy. Are you using it efficiently or have you been overusing it? Does it harm
the environment? How can we use Earth's resources sustainably?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Sustainable development has three dimensions namely, the environment, the

economy, and society. Environmental sustainability is concerned with the physical or the
natural environment and on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive. This is the
dimension that requires the society to come with activities that will meet human needs while
at the same time preserving the earth’s natural systems. If resources are used faster than they
are replenished, then an unsustainable situation occurs. This requires us to use resources at
a rate at which it can be replenished in a natural way.
Another essential dimension is economic sustainability. This pertains to economic
activities that aim for long-term economic growth without damagingly impacting other aspects
of society. The economy cannot be separated from the environment because it provides the
factors of economic production. Social sustainability considers how individuals in society live
with each other on the basis of health, equality, peace, and food security. All these aims to
use our resources efficiently to benefit our community.
There are virtues that can help us contribute to improving the state of our environment
namely, prudence and frugality. The word frugality is usually used in money; being thrifty and
economical. If put in the context of the environment, this would mean conserving as well as
protecting the environment, not just for the present but also in the years to come. A frugal
person continually discovers a means to reduce the financial cost of his action. What about
being prudent? To be prudent is to be wise in terms of decision-making. He acts and shows
care for the future by checking your resources first before spending.

Are you prudent, frugal, or both? Why?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Now that you have learned about sustainable development, are you willing to apply
these principles and virtues in your home, school, and community? How will you apply these
principles?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Human activities have indeed altered the balance of nature. In our hands lie the
responsibility to save and restore the only living planet in the universe. We are already
equipped with the knowledge about environmental ethics, environmentalism and sustainable
development, why not make yourself a catalyst of change and an ambassador of the earth?
The work begins, NOW!

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 What’s More

Activity 2: My Life in the Year 2040

Imagine that you are in the year 2040 and you are writing a letter to your
younger self in the year 2020, what message will you write to make sure that world is
still a better place to live in in the year 2040.

Sustainable Practices/ Activities Non-sustainable

Practices/Activities

What I Have Learned

• Environmentalism, as an ideology, seeks to (1)_________and (2)

________the earth’s ecosystem and the living organisms, together with its
habitats. Environmentalism seeks to correct the damage of the environment
and prevent its future destruction.

• Environmental ethics makes us aware of the dangers of (3) _____________,

inculcate among us the (4) _____________ towards the environment and
respect the various forms of life and the natural resources within it.

• Sustainable development is geared towards development that meets the

(5)___________of the present without compromising the ability of
(6)___________ to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is what
the present time needs not just for the survival of humankind but also for its
future security.

• Sustainable development has three dimensions namely, the (7) ___________,

the (8) ________ and (9)_________.

• Environmental sustainability is concerned with the (10) _________________

environment and on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive.

What I Can Do

Complete the table below by listing sustainable practices that are beneficial to
the environment in the first column and non-sustainable practices in the second
column.

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 Assessment: (Post-Test)

Answer each questions correctly in its corresponding item. Write your

answers in your activity notebook.
Which discipline in philosophy studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also
the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

1. Which of the perspective considers humans to be the most important species with a
superior value than other species?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

2. Which of the following claims that humans are not the only important species on the
earth and that they are not inherently greater to other living things?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

3. Which of the following believes that humankind is merely a portion of the biological
system or community and that we have an important role as stewards of nature?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

4. Why did the discipline of environmental ethics arise?

A. People are concerned about the growing population and misuse of natural
resources.
B. The government is worried about climate change.
C. There are new sources of energy to meet the demands of present.
D. Community leaders encouraged us to show care about pollution.

5. Which philosophical view asserts that improving the natural beauty of the
environment will contribute to the well-being of the people and other living
organisms?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

6. Which of these is a moral approach in understanding the relationship between

humans and the environment?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental ethics D. Environmental justice

7. Why is environmental ethics important?

A. It serves as basis for policy making aimed at protecting the environment.
B. It allows as to make use of the earth’s resources to satisfy our needs and wants.
C. It call for us to use technology to improve the environment.
D. It gives us an idea to shut down industries because they cause pollution.

8. Which of these statements is related to sustainable development?

A. Human activities must maintain the diversity and productivity of the earth.
B. Humans must be frugal and prudent in using our natural resources.
C. Humans must use resources at a rate that it can be replenished in a natural way.
D. Human may exhaust resources for as long as he is satisfied.

11
 9. Which of the following is concerned with the physical or the natural environment and
on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive.
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

10. Which dimension of sustainable development aims for long-term economic growth
without damagingly impacting other aspects of society?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

11. Which dimension of sustainable development considers how individuals in the

society live with each other on the basis of health, equality, peace and food security?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

12. Which virtue reminds us to discovers a means to reduce the financial cost of our
action?
A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

13. Which virtue reminds us to be wise in terms of decision-making?

A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

14. Which of the following sets a critical understanding on how we create an impact on
the environment we live?
A. Sustainable development C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental aesthetics D. Anthropocentrism

References

Carbon, Lolita, and Cesar Banares. 1978. "Masdan Mo Ang Kaligiran ."
Delos Santos, Alito V. 2020. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module 4: The Human Person in the
Environment . Cagayan de Oro City: Department of Education – Region X – Northern
Mindanao .

For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education

Division of Cagayan de Oro City

Fr. William F. Masterson Ave Upper Balulang Cagayan de Oro
Telefax: (08822)855-0048
E-mail Address:cagayandeoro.city@deped.gov.ph

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