2 Cebu schools top DENR-7 "green" tilt

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 announced the regional winners of the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools, which aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level.

DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said that the search also aims to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate responses and increase community awareness and involvement in environmental concerns.

The said search was also organized to highlight the achievement of schools that are committed to implementing various environmental programs.

 The search is open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels. 

 A total of six schools were declared as regional champions. For the elementary category, Simeon Ayuda Elementary School in Liloan, Cebu, bagged the first place and is also the only winner for that category since all the others did not make it to the second and third places.

 The first-place winner for the high school category was the University of San Jose Recoletos-High School Department, Cebu City; followed by Malingin National High School, Malingin, Daanbantayan, Cebu; and Caleriohan National High School, Caleriohan, Dalaguete, Cebu.

 For the college category, St. Paul University of Dumaguete City in Negors Oriental won first place while the Mater Dei College of Tubigon, Bohol, got second place.

 Dichoso said that St. Paul University was chosen due to programs on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, waste management, electricity, paper and water conservation and pollution prevention which have been seriously implemented in the school.

 The top regional finalists will contend with other qualified schools nationwide.

 The awarding of regional winners is scheduled for September 28, 2011 in celebration of the International Ozone Month and for the continuing implementation of Republic Act 9512 otherwise known as the Environmental Education and Awareness Act. (FREEMAN)