DENR, Smart bare country’s most sustainable schools

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s most sustainable schools will share the spotlight in this year’s nationwide search for the “greenest” schools, part of a government initiative that aims to get the academe and the youth more actively involved in protecting the environment.

The National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools is a joint activity of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the support of the corporate sector, including wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

“We are proud to be part of this nationwide initiative that encourages schools to promote environmental consciousness among the youth and translate this into eco-friendly programs and activities,” said Ramon Isberto, head of Smart public affairs.

A staunch advocate for the environment, the telco has been supportive of initiatives that promote conservation and protection of the planet. Smart has been a partner of this effort since 2009 when the search was first launched.  Another affiliate under the First Pacific Group — One Meralco Foundation — is joining in this year to support this worthy endeavour.

This year’s regional finalists are Commonwealth Elementary School and Parang High School (National Capital Region); Dubinan ES; Diadi National High School and University of La Salette (Cagayan Valley); Maduya ES, Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School and Batangas State University (CALABARZON); Adriatico Memorial School, Jose J. Leido Jr. Memorial National High School and Western Philippines University (MIMAROPA); Magallanes National Vocational High School and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Bicol Region); Ara-al ES, Tubungan National High School and Aklan State University (Western Visayas); Simeon Ayuda ES and Foundation University (Central Visayas); Lomonon ES, Don Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries and Visayas State University (Eastern Visayas); Ayala Central School and Manukan National High School (Western Mindanao); Kibawe Central School, Bukidnon National High School, and Central Mindanao University (Northern Mindanao); Koronadal Central Elementary School II, Marbel 7 National High School, and Notre Dame of Marbel University (SOCKSARGEN); and Father Saturnino Urios University-Elementary School, Agusan del Sur National High School, and Caraga State University (CARAGA).

A Facebook application was created to increase awareness for this initiative.  Through the Facebook app (http://apps.facebook.com/sustainable-schools), students and their friends from their social networks will be able to vote for their favorite schools.  A badge will then be generated after the vote is cast.

The nationwide contest is designed to help develop the skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators in initiating active responses and increasing community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns.

To know more, visit www.sustainableschools.ph.