Authors

Carmelita D. Pagalan

Author

Aida D. Perpetua

Co-author

Michael James O. Baclayon

Co-author

Hannah Marielle V. Sindayen

Co-author

Sonnie A. Vedra

Corresponding author

Hinaplanon National HIgh School, Barangay Hinaplanon, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines
College of Environment and Life Sciences, Mindanao State University at Naawan, 9023 Naawan, Misamis Orienta, Philippines

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Effective waste management is fundamental to environmental sustainability, yet a persistent gap often exists between knowledge and its practical implementation. This study explored how environmental literacy—specifically knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors—relates to sustainable waste management practices among Grade 7 students at Hinaplanon National High School in Iligan City, Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative surveys of 200 students with in-depth qualitative interviews. Despite relatively high environmental knowledge (57.0%) and positive attitudes (54.5%), students’ general environmental behaviors were moderate (68.5%) and specific waste management practices were 61.5%. Correlation analysis indicated that environmental attitudes (r = 0.264, p < 0.01) and overall environmental behaviors (r = 0.415, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with waste management practices, whereas environmental knowledge alone showed no significant direct relationship. Interviews identified key obstacles, including limited waste management facilities and weak enforcement of policies. The study concludes that closing this gap requires moving beyond knowledge-based instruction. Schools should provide hands-on learning experiences, strengthen institutional support, and implement policies that promote pro-environmental behavior, thereby translating awareness into consistent action.