The Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC-Phils) has been chosen as one of the three finalists for Korea's most prestigious environmental award, the Kyobo Life Award for the Environment.

The Kyobo Life Award for the Environment is given by the Kyobo Foundation for Education and Culture (KFEC), an organization "established to run educational and cultural work contributing to raise leaders, increase national power and to promote public interests," according to its official website.

"CEC-Phils is greatly honored to be a finalist for the Kyobo award. This affirms the organization's commitment to help communities face environmental problems, and challenges us to further our efforts, reach more people and expand our work in the region," said CEC-Phils Executive Director Frances Quimpo.

Besides CEC-Phils, another environmental organization from the Philippines and one in Thailand were selected as finalists. The three were chosen from an initial shortlist of 17 international organizations.

Established in 1997, the Kyobo award has been granted to individuals and organizations with exemplary work in the following categories: Environmental Education, Culture of Life and Ecological Alternative. KFEC introduced the International Division category in 2000 for organizations and individuals based outside Korea.

The Kyobo award for the international division is given to "an individual or organization which makes an achievement, that is internationally worthy of emulation, to resolve environmental problems in the field of environmental education, environmental movement, ecological community involvement, alternative skill, journalism, publication and arts."

CEC-Phils, founded in 1989, has been actively engaged in environmental education, community development and advocacy work. The non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization publishes information, education and communication materials, and develops grassroots education curriculums which it uses in teaching communities about the environment.

The winner will be awarded by mid-April, and will receive a cash prize of US$50,000.

This is the second nomination CEC-Phils has received for the Korean environmental award.