MANILA, Philippines - Schools interested to participate in the national search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools now have until April 16, to submit their entries to respective Department of Education (DepEd) division offices for the elementary and high school categories, or to the regional offices of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for college category. Dubbed as the “2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools,†it was organized to recognize efforts of various schools to undertake eco-friendly programs and activities, as well as to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level. The contest is also seen to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns. The DENR announced that schools interested to participate shall register online at www.sustainableschools.ph and submit their entry in three hard copies to their respective DepEd division offices for elementary and high school categories, and to EMB Regional Offices for the higher education or college category.