Smart hosts awarding of 'greenest' schools

MANILA, Philippines - Forty-two schools are vying for the prestige of being proclaimed the ‘greenest’ school during the culminating event of the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools today, Nov. 19 at the SM City North Edsa.

The top three winners proclaimed for each level (elementary, high school and college) will receive cash prizes of P50,000, P40,000 and P30,000 for first, second and third place respectively and plaques of recognition. Competing are 15 elementary schools, 15 high schools and 12 colleges that made it to the regional finals.

“We are happy to support this initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and education institutions which we hope will make environmental advocates of our youth,” said Ramon Isberto, public affairs group head of Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART).

SMART is hosting the awarding ceremonies of the nationwide search organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to recognize academic institutions with exemplary environmental programs. The event is timed with the celebration of National Environmental Awareness Month.

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said that the nationwide competition not only recognizes, but motivates schools that practice eco-friendly programs and initiatives.

“We need to start teaching our kids as early as we can to take responsibility in safeguarding our environment. Schools are dynamic focal points of learning and powerful vehicles of change. Parents and teachers can work together to spread the wonders of living an environmentally-smart lifestyle,” he said.

Aside from supporting the nationwide search for the “greenest” schools, SMART is also implementing a number of environment-friendly initiatives, including a nationwide reforestation program and the use of renewable energy sources in powering cell sites in remote locations under Kabalikat, its corporate social responsibility and community service program.