Search for eco-friendly schools until May 15

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced that it is extending its national search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools and that interested parties may submit their entries until May 15, this year.

Environmental Management Bureau director Julian Amador said that this is to give more opportunity to schools to join in the competition.

The contest dubbed “National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools” was organized to recognize efforts of various schools to undertake eco-friendly programs and activities.

This competition is open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels to encourage academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level.

DENR, in a statement, said that the nationwide search also aims to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns.

For the national level, prizes for college, high school and elementary categories are P50,000 for first place; P40,000 for second place; and P30,000 for third place with plaques of recognition.

For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of P5,000 will be given to the finalists for each category.

All winning entries for each of the three categories, together with selected entries, will be displayed during the national awarding ceremonies in November of this year coinciding with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)