DENR, Nestle to promote water conservation through schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with Nestle Philippines Inc. to promote water conservation through the project “2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools.”

The partnership was sealed through the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to recognize more schools in the search for eco-friendly schools.

DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs Jonas Leones said the search is now more challenging and has inspired more students, teachers and school administrators to step up efforts not just on water conservation but in the overall implementation of their environmental programs.

“Eco-friendly schools focus on empowering children to make better choices and take responsibility with the waste they produce. We want to build positive core values that will stay with them for life and this recognition program allows them to create, strengthen and achieve their sustainable development goals,” Leones added.

Signing the MOA together with Leones were Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in-charge, Office of the Director and concurrent assistant Jacqueline Caancan and Nestle chairman and CEO Jacques Reber.

Nestle Philippines will be actively involved in giving out its special category entitled “Nestle Water Leadership Awards.”

According to Reber, this award is aimed at recognizing and promoting water management solutions and practices of schools. A prize of P20,000 will be given to each of the winners at the national level for college, high school and elementary school categories. A prize of P10,000 and certificate of recognition will be awarded to each of the regional winners in all categories. Nestle also assists in some of the prizes for the overall eco-schools champions in the various categories at the national and regional levels.