Dagupan public high wins ‘World’s Best School’ prize for restoring mangroves

The Bonuan Boquig National High School in Dagupan City has won the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action for its efforts to restore mangroves lost in the aftermath of Typhoon Pepeng in 2009.

The public high school was among the five winning schools that won the inaugural World's Best School Prize organized by T4 Education. The award was announced on Wednesday, 19 October.

Renato Santillian, principal of the Bonuan Boquig National High School, said he could not believe that their school would be adjudged the "world's best" for environmental action.

"We have gone this far, only driven and powered mostly by passion and commitment. We promise to continue this environmental action until our last breath," he said in accepting the award.

"An extensive and connected ecosystem can save us from the impacts of climate change. We hope that this humble endeavor would reach more people to act now and be one of us, saving mother nature through sustainable solutions," Santillan added.

T4, a global organization that aims to provide opportunities for educators and schools to learn, share, and network with each other, said that each winning school would receive $50,000, equivalent to P2.9 million, to help them improve their work and strengthen the school and community.