THE online quiz competition organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with United State Agency for International Development (USAid) Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (Sibol) Project over the weekend emphasized the active participation of the youth sector in biodiversity protection and conservation.
DENR-Central Luzon information officer Donaver Guevara noted that the youth sector has played a significant role in addressing environmental concerns, especially in establishing an active force toward ecological stewardship.
"The voice of the youth impacts change, and we believe that environmental education is one way to equip young people with the necessary skills and information to engage them in programs aimed at sustaining our rich biodiversity," he said, adding that the DENR recognizes the critical role of the youth as active partners in sustainable environmental management.
He said over 40 junior and senior high school students from 16 private and public schools in Central Luzon participated in the online competition dubbed as "Online Biodiversity Quiz Contest."
Kyla Mendoza of Aguinaldo J. Santos National High School in Bustos, Bulacan was hailed as the quiz champion and received P5,000 and a certificate of recognition.
Hugh Ralph Calpito of Ventinilla High School of Tarlac and Lara Elaine Jao of Olongapo City National High School in Zambales bagged the second and third spots, respectively, and brought home P2,500 each.
The event was in line with the month-long observance of the Month of the Ocean, with the theme, "The science we need for the ocean we want," and the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22.