(Photo source: Resilient Cities Network)

Imagine students having a vibrant, green open space buzzing with life just outside their classroom window. Then, imagine that same open space becoming an interactive learning tool for them during schooldays, or becoming an open community park during weekends.

This oasis will not only foster children's learning and play, but also serve as a shield against the harsh realities of climate change – high heat index days and floods – that threaten Filipino communities. This vision is no longer a dream, but a burgeoning reality thanks to the groundbreaking OASIS Schoolyards program taking root in Quezon City. 

The Quezon City government has partnered with the Resilient Cities Network and Temasek Foundation to transform schoolyards into green, open community spaces resilient to high heat index and flooding.

The Resilient Cities Network, together with Temasek Foundation will convert schoolyards in the city into a vibrant urban landscape for the students and other stakeholders to benefit from.

The local government expressed its pride in the city being selected as the first in Asia for the 'OASIS Schoolyards' program, supported by the Temasek Foundation. It also emphasized the city's commitment to addressing climate change and improving the livability and quality of life for all residents by enhancing community resilience and natural ecosystems' adaptive capacity.

As the first city in Asia to embrace this innovative initiative, the Quezon City government marks a pivotal step in empowering communities to combat climate change. Through the OASIS approach, three public elementary schools – Diosdado P. Macapagal, Manuel L. Quezon, and Placido Del Mundo – will be transformed into havens of resilience and sustainability.

These havens won't be built in isolation, however, as the heart of OASIS lies in co-creation. Students, parents, teachers, and design professionals will join hands, weaving their hopes and needs into the fabric of the transformed spaces. This collaborative spirit ensures the project resonates deeply with the community, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

But what makes these spaces oases of resilience? Imagine lush greenery providing shade from scorching heat, while simultaneously absorbing rainwater to mitigate floods. Picture permeable pavements channeling excess water back into the earth, replenishing precious groundwater reserves. These are just a few examples of the innovative solutions OASIS will integrate, creating a microcosm of climate resilience within the urban landscape.

“Quezon City is truly honored to be selected as the first city in Asia for the ‘OASIS Schoolyards’ program, supported by Temasek Foundation. We are committed to tackling climate change and provide a livable and quality community for all by strengthening the adaptive capacity of our communities and resilience of our natural ecosystems,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement.

“I am thrilled to see our vision of creating resilient, sustainable communities taking root in Quezon City. We are committed to transforming schoolyards into vibrant urban oases, fostering community engagement and empowering children as catalysts for positive change,” said Director Sorkin. 

The benefits extend far beyond mere infrastructure. OASIS envisions these schoolyards as interactive learning tools. Students will witness firsthand the power of sustainable practices, fostering environmental awareness and empowering them to become agents of change. Local government officials, too, will gain valuable insights from these living laboratories, informing broader climate adaptation strategies.

Furthermore, OASIS isn't just about climate resilience; it's about community vibrancy. These transformed schoolyards will become hubs of activity, offering safe spaces for recreation, community gatherings, and even food production. Imagine children playing under the shade of trees, families enjoying picnics amidst greenery, and community gardens providing fresh produce – all within the familiar embrace of their schoolyard.

The OASIS Schoolyards program is more than just a project; it's a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even amidst the challenges of climate change, communities can come together to build a more resilient and sustainable future. By nurturing green spaces, fostering collaboration, and empowering young minds, OASIS paves the way for a future where Filipino communities thrive, not just survive, in the face of climate change. Let Quezon City's pioneering spirit inspire others to follow suit, transforming schoolyards across the Philippines into oases of resilience and community vibrancy, one green haven at a time. (JVD/PIA-NCR)