THE search is on for sustainable and eco-friendly schools nationwide.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (Ched), recently called on public and private schools to join the "National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools" contest.

Valentine's 2009 blog

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is supporting the nationwide competition under Kabalikat sa Kalikasan, its community service program geared towards the protection and preservation of the environment.

"We are happy to support the DENR and the other agencies for this nationwide search. The initiative is noteworthy because it encourages schools to promote environmental consciousness among the youth," said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

According to DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, schools are dynamic focal points of learning and powerful vehicles for change.

"By organizing competitions such as this, schools are given the opportunity to be recognized for their valuable efforts in implementing environment-related programs. With their efforts documented and highlighted, we can encourage students, faculty, and school administrators to adopt and promote eco-friendly practices in their schools, homes, and communities, thus spreading the wonders of living an environmentally smart lifestyle," said Atienza.

Atienza added the activity is also part of DENR's response to Republic Act 9512 (An Act to Promote Environmental Awareness through Environmental Education), which requires all public and private schools to integrate environmental education in their curricula at all levels.

The nationwide search is open to elementary, high school, and college levels that are conducting sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities.

Those interested to join the contest may access the website (http://www.emb.gov.ph/eeid/ecofriendlyschools.html) for the mechanics and guidelines or contact the Environmental Education and Information Division of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR via telefax (02) 9284674 or (02) 9202251. Deadline for submission of entries is on April 30, 2009.

Schools with the winning entries will receive cash prizes and plaques of recognition during awarding ceremonies scheduled in November, in time for the celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month.

Aside from supporting the nationwide search for the "greenest" schools, Smart is also implementing a tree planting program and the use of renewable energy sources in powering cell sites in remote locations.

In 2008, the combined efforts of Smart employee-volunteers and community partners led to the planting of some 160,000 seedlings and mangrove propagules in selected provinces across the country.

Most recently, the "Alternative Power for Cell Sites" program of Smart won the newly introduced "Green Mobile Award" at the prestigious 2009 GSM Association Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona, Spain. (Press release)