Foundation University has won three special awards in the national Search for Most Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.
Rechale Ybanez, EEIS coordinator of the Environmental Management Bureau, said FU bagged three awards in three special categories: Special Category No. 1: The Nestle Water Leadership Award; Special Category No. 2: The Meralco Energy Leadership Award; and the Most Sustainable and Eco-Friendly School in the region.
One of the special awards, the Nestlé Water Leadership Award, is established in the 2013 National Search to recognize and promote solutions, practices and initiatives of schools in water management.
The Meralco Energy Leadership Award, on the other hand, recognizes the school for promoting practices and initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency and conservation.
“Foundation University, having its energy management initiative and its own water management system, is able to help society by way of reducing our energy consumption,” said Eng. Marlon Tanilon, FU Student Life dean.
“Although we’re just a minute entity when it comes to energy consumption, the university’s initiative is still a great way to contribute to the society and the environment,” Tanilon added.
The search is aimed at recognizing the environmental initiatives of schools over the country. The national search is a joint activity of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, in cooperation with the Smart Communications, Nestle Philippines, One Meralco Foundation, Petron Foundation and Unilever Philippines.
Programs and projects on environmental concerns and sustainable practices of the university are clearly manifested in its vision and mission proclaiming the unity of human and environmental wellness with the tagline: “A healthy people in a healthy environment.”
According to Tanilon, the national competition may be a stiff one as there are a lot of schools that also have strong environmental projects, but he said the university is very happy to be able to help the larger community. After all, “the environmental programs and initiatives started with the realization that as a university, FU has to do something for the environment. The awards are just an added bonus.” (Paul Edward Bajas)
