News
SMART supports search for “greenest” schools
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.
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 that the activity is also part of the 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
tertiary 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 9202251. Deadline of submission of entries
is 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.
(Published 30 March 2009, Smart Communications, Inc.)
