City of San Fernando (La Union) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Region I commends Bonuan Boquig Elementary School in Dagupan City, Pangasinan for being the Grand Slam Awardee for this year’s National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools (Elementary level). Bonuan Boquig ES received three special awards in the three categories: The Nestle Water Leadership Award, the Meralco Energy Leadership Award, and the Land Bank Green Leadership Award.

Six public elementary schools in Region I qualified in the search: the Hermoza Elementary School and Tanolong ES, both in Bayambang, Pangasinan; Canaoay ES in San Fernando, La Union; Pallas Integrated School, Elementary level in Vintar, Ilocos Norte; Bonuan Boquig ES in Dagupan City; and San Sebastian ES in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur. These schools were validated on the whole month of July 2015 headed by Ms. Ma. Venus Junio of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region I, Mr. Marvin Mendoza of Commission of Higher Education (CHED) RI, Ms. Saula T. Jomaya and Ms. Rica A. Perez of the DepEd RI; and Ms. Mila Abuan of DZNL Aksyon Radyo.

Bonuan Boquig ES was declared with three special awards for implementing sustainable and eco-friendly innovations of their school. Bonuan Boquig ES was able to create rain catchers out of plastic containers which help in the conservation of water. This is one of the main reasons why the school was conferred with the Nestle Water Leadership Award. The school was also conferred with the Meralco Energy Leadership Award for building up solar panels to run their computer units and other school facilities. Lastly, the Land Bank Green Leadership Award, for promoting organic farming. Awarding ceremonies will be held on November 2015 in time for the National Environment Awareness Month Celebration.

The national search is a joint activity of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Smart Communications, Inc., Nestle Philippines, Inc., and One Meralco Foundation, Inc. It aims to encourage schools/academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level and to develop understanding among the students, faculty and school administrators in increasing community awareness and participation on environmental concerns.