CMU represents Region 10 to the 2013 Search for Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Schools Nationwide

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 10 declared Central Mindanao University as representative, after defeating five other contenders in Region 10, to the 2013 Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools nationwide.

The search aimed at recognizing the environmental programs, projects and activities initiated by various schools all over the country in compliance with the provision of Republic Act No. 9512 otherwise known as Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

CMU has been implementing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Initiatives formally since 2011 through the CMU Ecological Solid Waste Management, Electricity, Paper and Water Conservations, Pollution Prevention, Biodiversity and Greening Programs.

“These initiatives do not just support the goal for a Green University and to win over this 2013 search but to inform people that sustainable environment is necessary and we really have to make it happen,” Dr. Jose Hermis P. Patricio, Environmental Science Department Chairperson said. “It is about reminding people that CMU is really concerned about the environment which is equally important as the social and economic needs and concerns of an academic community. These initiatives are an attempt to inform and educate people the value of a clean and green environment” he added.

These efforts made CMU a recipient of several awards including Asian Biodiversity Research Excellence, Nestle Water Leadership and Meralco Energy Leadership Awards.

Moreover, the university keeps on strengthening its Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Initiatives by linking to 28 local, national and international agencies and institutions. “These linkages provided CMU the opportunity to extend technical services to the local community as partners in environmental management. The university has also been a recipient of some financial support particularly through these national linkages,” Dr. Patricio said. “Infact, the DENR and PCAARRD in collaboration with CMU are going to establish soon a clonal nursery in the University for the production of endemic tree seedlings in support of the National Greening Program of the Aquino administration. Our international linkages also support the University through research collaborations in the field of biodiversity science and management.”

Dr. Patricio added that the present CMU administration plans to further institutionalize the implementation of these environmental programs to make them sustainable (RGP/UPIO).