Cebu Normal University (CNU) won 2nd prize in the 2019 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools – Higher Education Category.
Winners of the search were awarded last Friday, November 22, 2019 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City in time for the National Environmental Awareness Month.
The event was attended and represented by Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, CNU President; Dr. Jennifer Paño, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Focal Person; and Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon, Presidential Assistant for Disaster Risk Reduction.
It is CNU’s first attempt to join the competition and has bested two other universities in Central Visayas during the regional search.
During the awarding ceremony on November 22, CNU received its regional award, a plaque, and a cash prize of P15,000.00. CNU also accepted its national award, a plaque, and a cash prize of P40,000.00.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” Galleon said while narrating the experience of receiving the award. He said that the achievement was unexpected since it was the first time CNU joined. He then thanked all those who helped in the preparation to get the award.
Paño said that it is a privilege for CNU to represent the whole Central Visayas. She said that the contest also serves as an eye-opener for the areas CNU can improve on.
“We need to strengthen our sustainability and all the sustainable practices that we already have in the University,” she said.
Paño also said that CNU’s environmental facilities like rainwater catchment, vermicomposting facility, Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and others are assets of the University that Normalites can be proud of but bring out the challenge that “there are still a lot to do for the environment,” she said.
Isabela State University won 1st prize receiving a plaque and a cash prize of P50,000.00, while John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, Inc. (JBLCF)-Bacolod and Batangas State University both shared the 3rd spot winning a plaque and a cash prize of P30,000.00.
The search was organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Nestlé Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, and One Meralco Foundation, Inc.
The competition is on its sixth year now which examines school’s way of addressing environmental challenges. It also aims to strengthen academic institutions’ ways of conservation. (JDF)
