A PUBLIC school in Negros Oriental claimed the first silver prize in the environmentally sustainable project category of the International Awards for Livable Cities and Communities.

The Guba National High School of the Schools Division of Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental successfully implemented the eco-friendly school initiative that bested 160 other entries from 30 different countries in the said category.

GNHS, led by Principal Rolando Roa and teacher Anntoneth R. Jimenez, enhanced the landscapes and public spaces using different eco-friendly materials to make them more appealing. They recycled plastic wastes and other reusable items.

The project also focused on strengthening the implementation of Gulayan sa Paaralan, one of the Department of Education’s initiatives.

“Through the efforts of the teachers, learners, parents, and all stakeholders, Guba NHS became one of the recognized schools not just in the local but also in the region and the national,” GHNS’ project entry stated.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, who is a Guihulngan native, lauded the efforts of the teachers and learners from her hometown.

“I would like to commend the personnel and the learners from Guba National High School in creating an eco-friendly school environment that is vital in saving our nature,” Briones said.

“I am very proud of my kababayans and I hope that this kind of initiatives and projects would also encourage all schools nationwide in establishing a clean and green environment,” she added.

The LivCom Awards was established in 1997 to recognize the international best practices in local environment and development while improving citizens’ quality through the creation of livable communities.