DFA Acting Secretary Edsel Custodio delivered the welcome remarks while Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza and UNACOM Secretary-General Amb. Preciosa Soliven gave special messages during the opening ceremony on October 27, 2008.  

The exhibit showed the influence of global and Philippine geography, history, climate change, and disaster management. It also presented the basic needs of man provided by the chain of technical skills and the “energy in the voracious city” that demonstrated production, taxation, and banking system. The exhibit involved a five-day  presentation and hands-on demonstration of pre-school, elementary school and professional high school students and teachers of SEA-LLSSD National Laboratory of OB Montessori Sta. Ana.

Philippine flora and fauna was also exhibited by the Philippine National Museum with samples of endangered species of squirrels, bats, crabs, shells and corals. Museum staff discussed and explained the exhibit which attracted the public’s attention.

The partnership of UNACOM and various agencies was shown in another part of the exhibit area.  PAGASA, Phil. Coast Guard, Phil. Navy, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other partners showed their video on their respective activities and how they contribute to the overall objective of UNESCO.

The highlight of the IYPE celebration was the awarding of the grand prize and Certificate of Excellence to Ateneo Environmental Science Society who won the UNESCO Bangkok Education for Sustainable Development 2008 Asia Pacific Mural Contest. Certificates of Excellence were also awarded to Ramon Magsaysay High School and Philippine Normal University.

Also, Princess Dianne Sanmocte of Holy Infant Academy in Calapan, Mindoro received her prize as the Art Contest winner organized by the UNACOM Education Committee under the ASPnet Programme.

The IYPE goal is to help build safer, healthier and wealthier societies around the globe.