According to Environment Chief 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 Iifestyle," Atienza said.

Atienza added that the activity also forms part of DENR's response to the newly signed law, 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 contest dubbed, "National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools," was organized to recognize efforts of various schools to undertake eco-friendly programs and activities.

Open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, the activity aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level. It also aims to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns.

Smart Communications joins the activity as part of its own environment advocacy for schools: "We are happy to partner with' the DENR and other agencies for this nationwide search. This activity will encourage schools to promote environmental consciousness among the youth," said Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Head.

School entries should revolve around the theme' "Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives." Participating schools should include a brief description of the Project.

Entries will be rated according to the following: Environment-related Aspects of the School's Policy (20 pts); Environment-friendly School Operations and Presence of Environmental Programs (30 pts); Environment-related Features of the School Curriculum (30 pts); Presence of Vibrant Eco Organizations in Campus (10 pts); and Presence of Partners and Linkages in Environment Programs/Projects (10 pts). Only one entry per school will be accepted.

Participating schools must submit entries in three (3) hard copies to respective DepEd Division Offices for elementary and high school categories, and to EMB Regional Offices for the higher education category by 30 April 2009. The minimum requirement for judging will be the hard copies. Entries can likewise be submitted online in JPEG format with a resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi), a minimum size of 1536 x 2048 pixels, and a maximum file size of 1MB. Entries may be emailed to ecofriendlyschool@gmail.com. The top entry per category for every region will be forwarded to the EMB Central Office for national judging.

For the national level, for College, High School and Elementary levels, prizes include plaques of recognition, as well as:

• P50,000 - 1st Prize;
• P40,000 - 2nd Prize;
• P30,000 - 3rd Prize and:
  

For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of P5,000 will be given to regional finalists for each category.

All winning entries for each of the three categories, together with selected entries will be displayed during the national awarding ceremonies in November 2009, coinciding with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration.

For further details, please contact the Environmental Education and Information Division of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR at telefax: (02) 9284674 or 9202251, or visit  www.emb.gov.ph