Search for sustainable, eco-friendly schools on

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environ-ment and Natural Resources (DENR) is encouraging schools to participate in the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. The deadline for submission of entries is on April 29.

“We hope more schools will participate and take part in heightening environmental awareness among our youth,” Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said.

Launched in 2009, the competition was organized to highlight the achievements of schools that are committed to implement various environmental programs.

Open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, the activity aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level.

It also aims to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase commu-nity awareness and involve-ment on environmental con-cerns.

In the competition’s inaugural staging, nine schools were declared winners:

For the elementary category — Peñablanca East Central School in Cagayan, first place; North Central Elementary School in Dagupan City, second place; and Badas Elementary School of Surigao del Norte, third place.

For the high school category – La Castellana National High School in Negros Occidental, first place; Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City, second place; and Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Davao City, third place.

For the college category – Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa, first place; Visayas State University in Leyte, second place; and Catanduanes State Colleges in Virac, third place.

The national search is a collaborative effort of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications.

“We are happy to partner with the DENR and other agencies for this nationwide search. This activity will encourage schools to promote environmental consciousness among the youth,” said Ramon Isberto, Smart public affairs head.

Participating schools are required to fill up their on-line entry forms at the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools website at http://www.sustainableschools.ph and submit entries in three hard copies. School entries should revolve around the theme “Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Initiatives.”

For further details, contact the environmental education and information division of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR. Telefax: (02) 9284674. or Tel. No. 9202251 Website: www.emb.gov.ph or www.sustainableschools.ph.