Search on for eco-friendly, sustainable schools

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2421481779111/search-on-for-eco-friendly-sustainable-schools-
• Friday, December 16, 2016

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY (PIA) --- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)- 6 is encouraging schools in Western Visayas to participate in the 2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

Josephine Gallo, Environment Management Specialist I, said that sustainable and eco-friendly schools may be described as environment-friendly schools that have initiated and integrated in their instruction, research, extension and/or administration, programs which are environment-related.

“One objective of the contest is to encourage academic institutions all public and private elementary, high school and tertiary school levels to become more actively involved in environment issues at a practical and local level,” she said.

She said the search also aims to develop skills and understanding among the students, faculty and schools administrators in initiating active responses and increasing community awareness and participation on environmental concerns.

The promotion of this program for the establishment and/or strengthening of sustainable and eco-friendly schools in the country is part of the Road Map for the implementation of Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the National Environmental Awareness & Education Act of 2008, under the National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2014-2018).

EMB-6 said that a clear articulation and integration of social, ethical and environmental responsibility in the institution’s vision, mission and governance, environmental dimensions of school operations, environment-related features of the school curriculum, presence of vibrant eco-organizations in campus, presence of partners and linkages in environment programs/projects, socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability are the criteria to be considered to be a eco-friendly school.

In 2015, the regional champions were Ara-al Elementary School in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental for the elementary level; Tubungan National High School in Tubungan, Iloilo for the secondary level; and La Consolacion College Bacolod in Negros Occidental for the tertiary level.

The National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools was first launched in 2009, as a partnership program among the Department of Natural Resources (DENR), thru the EMB, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, with Smart Communications Inc.

Gallo said that EMB-6 has conducted orientations on the 2017 national search to over 30 schools in the region.

For more information and inquiries, all concerned may contact the Environmental Education and Information Unit (EEIU) of EMB-6 at telephone no. 300-1317.