DENR launches competition for greenest schools

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje

MANILA, Philippines–The search is on for the greenest schools.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is accepting applications to a nationwide competition for the best environment-friendly practices on campus, officials said.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, in a statement, said the “2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools” is now open to all public and private grade schools, high schools, colleges and universities.

The contest recognizes schools with the best “eco-friendly programs and activities,” such as tree planting and proper waste disposal.

Winning schools will receive cash prizes of 50,000 for first place, P40,000 for second and P30,000 for third.

Entries should reflect the theme “Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.”

Judging will be based on 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.

A public school in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, the Iliranan Elementary School, won the grand prize in the grade school division in 2011 for its effective implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

The school earned the judges’ votes for its efforts in training not only the pupils, but also their parents and the local community to reduce, reuse, recycle and segregate wastes.

In the high school division, the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City was recognized for its “Youth for Environment in Schools Organization.”

The student organization undertakes environmental projects such as planting trees in a forest park, holding symposiums on environment and health, and mobilizing the community for street and coastal clean-ups, among others.

The deadline for the submission of applications is March 15, 2013.

Since its launch in 2009, the Eco-Friendly Schools program has generated positive response from the schools, Paje said.

“We are hoping to encourage more schools to participate and take part in heightening environmental awareness among our youth,” he said.

The DENR’s partners in the search include the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Smart Communications, Inc., Nestle Philippines, Inc., Unilever Philippines, Inc., One Meralco Foundation, Inc. and Petron Foundation, Inc.

“Education is a powerful tool to inspire positive behavior and attitude towards the environment and water stewardship,” Edith de Leon, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs of Nestlé Philippines, said in the DENR statement.

“When students learn about the environment and water stewardship–they will not only see this in their textbooks but feel it in their surrounding as well, thanks to the many school policies and initiatives in place,” she added.