Peñablanca East Central voted RP's most sustainable, eco-friendly school, Bad-as Elem School in 3rd place

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and in partnership with Smart Communications has recognized the Penablanca East Central School, Agugaddan-Malibabag Penablanca, Cagayan as national champion in the recently concluded 2009 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools elementary category.

The national search which aimed to highlight the achievements of schools that are committed in implementing various environmental programs, was participated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The administration, faculty and student leaders of Penablanca East Central School personally received their cash prize of P50,000 and trophy during the awarding ceremony held last November 19 at SM North Edsa, Quezon City which was graced by DENR Sec. Lito Atienza and officials from Smart Communications.

Atienza commended the school administrators and teachers for taking their environmental initiatives seriously and for encouraging their students to participate in environment-friendly activities.

"More than the cash prize and the trophy, this activity allowed teachers and students to take part and share their creative energies in generating environmental awareness," Atienza said.

The DENR chief added that the activity is a concrete example of the growing active participation of the Filipino youth in protecting the ecological wealth of the country.

On the other hand, Ramon Isberto, Smart Communications Public Affairs Head has expressed happiness to partner with the DENR and the academe in promoting environmental consciousness among the youth.

The other winners in the search are: Bonoan- Gueset North Central School, Dagupan City, Pangasinan-second place; and Badas Elementary School, Badas Placer, Surigao del Norte- third place.

For the high school category, the winners are: First place- La Castellana National High School, Negros Occidental; Second place- Camarines Sur National High School; and Third place- Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City.

For the college category, Palawan State University garnered the first place while Visayas State University and Catanduanes State Colleges emerged second and third place respectively.

The national winners received trophies and cash prizes of P50,000 for the first place, P40,000 for the second place and P30,000 for the third place.

The activity was conducted in observance of the National Clean Air month and the national Environment Awareness month last November. (PIA/DENR-EMB)

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