News Release: DENR opens the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools
Esperanza Garcia
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News Release
DENR opens the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools
Interested schools that would like to participate in the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools may start submitting their school’s documentation of its eco-friendly program, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
According to DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, the eco-friendly schools program launched last 2009 generated positive responses from the schools and this paved the way for the next wave of the competition in 2011.
“We intended to have the awarding of the search next year instead of this year to allow schools more time to prepare and to enhance their existing eco-friendly programs. We are hoping to encourage more schools to participate and take part in heightening environmental awareness among our youth,” Paje said.
The nationwide contest dubbed, “2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools,” is a direct response to Republic Act No. 9512 also known as the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008. It is also the Philippine initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012).
The contest was also organized to highlight achievement of schools that are committed in implementing various environmental programs. Open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, both public and private, 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 community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns.
Last year, a total of nine schools were declared as national champs for the 2009 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. These are the following: (Elementary Category) First prize - Peñablanca East Central School, Aggugaddan-Malibabag, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Second prize - North Central Elementary School, Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City, Pangasinan; and Third prize - Badas Elementary School, Badas, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
For the high school category, the winners are: First place - La Castellana National High School, La Castellana, Negros Occidental; Second place - Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City, Camarines Sur; and Third place- Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City.
For the college category, the winners are: First place – Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Second place – Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte; and Third place – Catanduanes State Colleges , Virac, Catanduanes.
The national search is a joint activity of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications.
Smart Communications joins the activity as part of its own environment advocacy for schools. “We are happy to partner again 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.
For elementary and high school categories, entries should be submitted directly to their respective DepEd Division Offices. On the other hand, for the college category, entries should be submitted to the nearest EMB Regional Office. The deadline for the submission of entries is on April 29, 2011.
School entries should revolve around the theme "Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.” Participating schools should include a brief description of the Project.
Entries will be rated according to the following: Environment-related Aspects of the School’s Policy (20 pts); Environment-friendly School Operations and Presence of Environmental Programs (30 pts); Environment-related Features of the School Curriculum (30 pts); Presence of Vibrant Eco Organizations in Campus (10 pts); and Presence of Partners and Linkages in Environment Programs/Projects (10 pts). Only one entry per school will be accepted.
For the national level, prizes include, College, High School and Elementary: P50,000 - 1st Prize; P40,000 - 2nd Prize; P30,000 - 3rd Prize and plaques of recognition. For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and a prize of in cheque of P10,000 will be given to regional winners 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 2011, coinciding with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration.
For further details, please contact the Environmental Education and Information Division of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR. Telefax: (02) 9284674. or Tel. No. (02) 9202251 Website: www.emb.gov.ph and www.sustainableschools.ph |
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