The National Service Training Program (NSTP) of USLS won the Green Philippines Awards 2009 Search for the Best Environmental Program - NSTP category B ( covers coastal areas and marine environment program )  last Dec. 10.

       Among the three categories, USLS joined in the NSTP category B, which covers coastal areas and marine environmental program while the other two categories cited in the competition were NSTP category A which is about land based programs and usually are urban environmental programs and the NSTP category C which covers forest areas, mountainous regions and upland areas.

       The NSTP program on Mangrove Reforestation, official program entry of USLS was conceptualized by Engr. Rico Pelor of the College of Engineering last 2004  and was later on institutionalized within the University through the declaration of Executive Order 579 in November 2006 known as “ENCOURAGING THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN PHILIPPINES PROGRAMS THROUGH THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING (NSTP)” .

       USLS was recognized as official finalist for the said category last Dec. 5 after passing the semi finals released last Nov. 21.

       The final presentation and panel interview was held at the National Youth Commission (NYC) Center in Quezon City last Dec. 10

       USLS was declared the winner for NSTP category B with the award given by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to USLS NSTP Coordinator Teresa Villanueva at the Malacañang Palace.

         The Green Philippines Awards 2009 focused on the implementation of EO 579 and the winning presentation impacted through the students’ reflection journal on how they appreciated and became stewards of the environment.