DENR cites 2013 “eco-friendliest” schools

Press Release
December 16, 2013

QUEZON CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) bared today the grand winners of the 2013 National Search for Eco-friendly Schools.

A total of nine schools from the elementary, high school and college categories has recognized during the national awarding ceremony held at SM City North EDSA as part of the celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month this November. Expected to personally handover the plaques and cash prizes are DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Congressman Mariano Piamonte, Jr. of A-Teacher Party List and private sector partners.

DENR Secretary Paje recognizes the efforts all the schools that joined this year’s national search.

“We are overwhelmed with the positive response of the schools whenever we conduct this search. There is so much pride and passion in implementing their eco-friendly programs. It is really inspiring to see how the school officials and their students work together to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment,” Paje said.

For the elementary school category, the winners are Dubinan Elementary School in Santiago City for first place; Koronadal Central Elementary School II in South Cotabato for second place; and Kibawe Central School in Bukidon for third place.

For the high school category, Ateneo de Davao University – High School in Davao City won first place; Doña Remedios Trinidad High School in Bulacan won second place; and Diadi National High School in Nueva Vizcaya won third place.

For the college category, winners are Visayas State University in Baybay City, Leyte in first place; Miriam College in second place; and Ateneo de Manila University in third place.

For the national level, prizes include, College, High School and Elementary: P50,000 – first prize; P40,000 – second prize; P30,000 – third prize and plaques of recognition. For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and cash prize of P15,000 will be given to regional winners for each category.

Aside from the national prizes, there is also a special category entitled “Nestle Water Leadership Award” aimed at recognizing and promoting the water management solutions and practices of schools. A prize of P20,000 will be given to each of the winners at the national level for college, high school and elementary school categories. A prize of P10,000 and certificate of recognition will be awarded to each of the regional winners of all categories.

The national winners for the Nestle Water Leadership Award are the following: Kasibu Central School in Nueva Vizcaya for elementary school category; Sumuroy Agro-Industrial School in Northern Samar for high school category and Ateneo de Manila University for college category.

Another special category entitled “Meralco Energy Leadership Award” aimed at recognizing and promoting the water management solutions and practices of schools. A prize of P20,000 will be given to each of the winners at the national level for college, high school and elementary school categories. A prize of P10,000 and certificate of recognition will be awarded to each of the regional winners of all categories.

The national winners for the Meralco Energy Leadership Award are the following: Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City for elementary school category; Matin-ao National High School in Surigao Del Norte for high school category and Visayas State University for college category.

Launched last 2009, the nationwide contest dubbed, “National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools,” was organized to highlight achievement of schools that are committed in implementing various environmental programs. Open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, 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.