Environmental programs in academe sustained for years, touted in eco-consciousness and sustainability lecture series
The University of the Cordilleras (UC) has sustained their ecology and environmental programs within the academe and moved on to endeavors in the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) environs, the region and even beyond.
Research and innovations, eco-consciousness, technology with sustainability and school programs are among those focused on according to the Executive Director of the Research Services Office, Environmental Planner and Engr. Nathaniel Vincent Lubrica.
The researches were reported during the LGU-sponsored lecture series on eco-consciousness and technology, where resource speakers are from the City Planning, Development And Sustainability (CPDSO); and City Environment and Parks Management Offices (CEPMO); Eco and Zero -Waste advocacy groups; Health and Sanitation, Ecology and Environmental Concerns with chairperson Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda and representatives from concerned offices.
Lubrica presented milestones in the environmental and sustainable development programs of UC: the clean and green school status since 2004, with quality education, research and innovation, meaningful partnerships and community presence.
Project Helen, a UC social responsibility program on health, education, livelihood, environment and nurturance, has served as extension service to the communities since 2008 for sustainable development in improving the quality of life for the less fortunate, Lubrica said.
The UC won the Nestle National Water Leadership award in 2015; which is for schools that promote solutions, practices, initiatives and implementing guidelines to address issues on water conservation. The schoolโs engagement with the community is also considered for water and wastewater management issues.
Lubrica also announced that UC is national winner of Gawad Kalasag in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2023; the program which is a commitment in the advancement of DRRM programs, use of effective climate- change adaptation technology and embedding safety and security as part of its core policies
The UC agri-ecotourism project in partnership with Tublay, Benguet has also transformed the community into a rural tourism destination, with its natural beauty, organic farming areas and rich cultural heritage; a showcase of agri-tourism, environmental conservation and sustainability.
For the school environmental program, Lubrica said blended learning modality, re-use of papers, centralized printing, provision of classified trash bins, clean as you go policy, trash monitors in the elementary school, full-time pollution control officer, spot reporting on cleanliness and orderliness, creation of the university green committee, innovation centers (TBI and Taraki -CAR) and research centers, GIS and mountain engineering center were done.
Lubrica also invited students to consider their offering of environmental-related courses; Bachelor of Science in Environmental planning, and BS in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering.
All programs are designed to transform stakeholders into responsible, socially and academically developed citizens, with linkage and collaboration to advance UCโs contribution to the nationโs social, cultural, health, environmental, education and economic development, Lubrica ended. – JGF
