National Search for Sustainable and

Eco-Friendly Schools
OUTLINE
§ Background of the National Search for Sustainable and
Eco-friendly Schools

§ Mechanics and Results of previous conduct of NSSEFS

§ Revised Guidelines and Mechanics

• Eco-Schools is the largest educational
programme on Planet Earth, implemented in
70 countries, involving 56,000 schools,
engaging 1.4 million teachers and 19.4 million
students.

• Study after study shows that students from

green schools are healthier, more engaged,
and produce higher test scores.
Program in a Green/Eco School
• Greening
• Energy, water, resource conservation
• Cleanliness and health
• Rehabilitation
• Environmental
learning/outreach/awareness
• Innovation, entrepreneurship,
incentives
• Green jobs
 NATIONAL SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE AND
ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS
o It is a recognition program for environment-friendly
schools that have initiated and integrated in their
instruction, research, extension and/or administration,
programs which are environment-related in nature.

o Launched in 2009 as a biennial program by the DENR

through EMB, in collaboration with the Department of
Education (DepED) and Commission on Higher Education
(CHED)

o Conducted six recognition ceremonies

ü 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019
OBJECTIVES
o To encourage schools/academic institutions to become more
actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local
level

o To develop skills and understanding among the students, faculty

and school administrators in initiating active responses and
increasing community awareness and participation on
environmental concerns
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

o Its launch is a direct response to the ASEAN

Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012)
that calls for the establishment of sustainable
schools in every ASEAN member-state.

o It also supports the Republic Act 9512:

Environmental Awareness and Education Act and is
included in the National Environmental Education
Action Plan .
PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
o The conduct of the NSSEFS is a partnership
between the DENR through the EMB and several
government agencies and private institutions.

o NGA partners are DepEd, CHED, DOST, CCC, and

NYC

o Private institutions like Nestle Philippines ,One

Meralco Foundation, Landbank of the Philippines
and Smart Communications also provide
assistance through the granting of special awards
PREVIOUS MECHANICS AND CRITERIA
o Awards schools from three categories: Elementary, High
School, College

o Top entries per category for every region are forwarded

to the EMB Central Office in Quezon City, for national
judging. The candidates are judged by noted individuals
in the areas of environmental education, from the
government and private sector.

Special awards such as the Energy Leadership, Water

Leadership and Green Leadership were also given by our
partners: Nestle PH, One Meralco Foundation, Landbank of
the Philippines
 RESULTS: WHERE ARE WE?
o Has started with 148 participating school in 2009
and at present (2019) has recognized 284 schools
as regional and national champions

o The concept of the NSSEFS is being replicated in the

country for Local Government Units and
government offices.

o Recognition from the ASEAN Community through

the ASEAN Eco-school Programme

o NSSEFS winners were given grants through the

Global Search for Sustainable Schools program
(2020)

o Study tour/international exchange spearheaded by

the Philippines
 Revised NSSEFS Guidelines
CRITERIA

A. Environment and Climate Change B. Environment and Climate

Dimensions in school operations (50%)
1. Integration of environment and climate
change dimensions in the school operation
2. Economic Sustainability- Generation of
resources for the program sustainability
Change-related Features of the
School Curriculum (30%)
C. Presence of Vibrant Eco-
Organizations in Campus
(20%)

3. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Schedule Activity Timeline Description
Dissemination of information,
• The awarding of the National Launching and
November guidelines, mechanics to
Search for Sustainable and Eco- call/accepting of
2023-October DepEd, CHED, etc.
friendly Schools (NSSEFS) will be entries
2024 Accepting of entries via
conducted every 3 years starting NSSEFS online system
2025.
November Secretariat Screening, Judges
Start of screening and
• Launching of the NSSEFS with the 2024-July Meeting and Site Validation
judges’ meetings
new guidelines will be in 2025 (Judges are from DepEd/CHED,
November 2023. The following private partners and EMB)
are the calendar of the activities:
Preparations for the August- Preparation of prizes, venue,
Awarding Ceremony October 2025 guests, plaques, etc
*1 year will be allotted for
information dissemination and November Actual conduct of the
accepting of entries and 1 year for National Awarding 2025 awarding ceremony
screening, judging and validation
process.
 Schedule of NSSEFS Activities
Call for Entries Screening Period Awarding Ceremony

November 2023-October 2024 January 2025- July 2025 November 2025

November 2026-October 2027 January 2028 – July 2028 November 2028

November 2029-October 2030 January 2031- July 2031 November 2031

 Mechanics
1. All NSSEFS entries must be submitted online and will be directed to EMB Central Office
for compilation and initial screening of the EMB CO secretariat.
2. This recognition will have 3 categories-Elementary School, High School and
Colleges/Universities
3. Screening of Entries. EMB Central Office secretariat will check the submitted entries for
the completeness of required documents and information.
ØNSSEFS board of judges consist of representatives from EMB Central Office and
DepEd/CHED will rate the qualified entries based on the scoresheet provided by the
secretariat.
ØThe judges will also conduct site validation for the Top 8 finalists per category
 NSSEFS Selection Process
Process Details
EMB Central Office will provide online system
1. Online Submission of Entries
for the submission of entries
2. Initial Screening of NSSEFS Secretariat will check for the completeness of
Secretariat the submitted entries
Secretariat will forward qualified entries to
3. Judges Rating (Table Review) NSSEFS judges. Judges will be given 3 months
(January-March) to rate the entries
The judges will conduct site validation for the
4. Validation of Top 5 Finalists identified top 8 finalists per category.
Validation will be scheduled from April to June.
Judges will reconvene for final rating of Top 5
5. Final Judges Meeting to
finalists. Judges must provide final ratings to
identify the Awardees
identify the awardees by end of July
NSSEFS Categories and Prizes
No. of
Category Prize/awardee
awardee
Php 100,000.00 each
5 (net of tax) + plaque of
Elementary School
recognition
Php 100,000.00 each
High School 5 (net of tax)+ plaque of
recognition

Php 100,000.00 each

Colleges/Universities 5
(net of tax) + plaque of
recognition
 THANK YOU!
Website Email address
embeeid@gmail.com
www.emb.gov.ph
records@emb.gov.ph

Social Media Phone number

https://www.facebook.com/DENREnviBureau 8539-4378 loc 114-115