Telco backs search for ‘greenest’ schools

SMART Communications Inc. is once again supporting a government initiative that aims to get the involvement of the academe and the youth on environmental issues.

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, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

“We are happy to once more support the DENR and the other agencies for this nationwide search, which encourages schools to promote environmental consciousness among the youth and translate this into eco-friendly programs and activities,” said Smart Public Affairs Group head Ramon Isberto.

Smart has been supporting this initiative since 2009 when the search was first launched.

The nationwide tilt, done every other year since 2009, recognizes the efforts of various schools to undertake eco-friendly initiatives. It is open to all elementary, high school and college levels.

The winners will automatically qualify to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the ASEAN Eco-Schools Program.

Iliranan Elementary School of Negros Occidental and the Camarines Sur National High School, winners during the 2011 search, were recipients of the ASEAN Eco-Friendly Schools Award last year.

Both schools were recognized for their initiatives in integrating environmental protection and preservation in their curriculum, greening activities and overall school management.