IHE Institute for Water Education

Four high school students from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao  represented the Philippines in the Let’s Take Care of the Planet Children and Youth International Conference for the Environment in Brazil in June 2010.

UNESCO NatCom Secretary General Preciosa S. Soliven cited the students for their decisiveness in confronting environmental issues and sustainable development. Three of the students – Hannah Eunice Amihan of Palawan National High School, James Norona of Jipapad National High School in

Eastern Samar, and Patricia Carla Undang of Matiao National High School in Davao Oriental were designated delegates to the conference when they won the national competition Ating Kalikasan, Ating Pananagutan! Kilusan ng Kabataan Alay sa Mundo, besting 345 high school students. The fourth student, Blessed Bea Piondaya of St. Joseph School in Iloilo was chosen by the National Association of Secondary Schools of the Philippines to join the delegation to Brazil where more than a thousand 12 to 14-year old youths attended.

These young models of environmental advocacy have been selected based on the “quality, effectiveness and sustainability of environmental projects they have implemented in their communities,” Secretary General Soliven said.

“Caring for our country and for the Planet Earth involves an intensive, scientific and practical knowledge. Then, youthful enthusiasm will accompany this,” she  declared.