SPUD IS REGION 7’s 2009 MOST SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOL

The Regional Judging Team of the Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools visited St. Paul University Dumaguete last July 3, 2009 for the comprehensive judging process in line with the search and declared SPUD as the First Prize Winner for Region 7 in the Tertiary Level Category.

The team’s findings included the following:

a. Comprehensive implementation of environmental programs
b. Model school of the greening program—Regional Level
c. Manifested internalization of environment programs to all stakeholders
d. Entrepreneurial skill is practiced by the majority of the stakeholders
e. Strong linkages with government and non-government organizations

Among the two recommendations of the team are:

1. For SPUD to serve as the center of the neighboring public schools in terms of training on the implementation of environmental programs.
2. Environmental degree programs must be offered.

Although SPUD has already partnered with some neighboring public schools, there is a need to intensify the implementation of its environmental programs. Moreover, steps towards the offering of an environmental degree programs has already been made. It has integrated environmental education in the curriculum.

SPUD has been conducting environmental trainings to interested groups and is open for groups who wish to avail of its environmental programs. For years, groups from all over the country have visited SPUD for benchmarking, as the tour includes a lecture about its environmental program.

Those who are interested may write to the President, Sr. Ma. Nilda C. Masirag, SPC. The chair of SPUD’s Eco-SWARM Program is Sr. Joseline R. Lasala, SPC, but has a working committee composed of the following:

1. Education and Livelihood
2. Monitoring and Evaluation
3. Research and Innovation
4. Communication and Documentation
5. Collection and Segregation
The entire University is enjoined to actively participate in its effort to save Mother Earth.

SPUD is hoping that other sectors will also do their share of combating climate change, although it recognizes the contributions of the government and some colleges and universities in the city and the whole country.