In alignment with advocacy for sustainable policies and practices to establish a model sustainability campus, the Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO) of UP Open University (UPOU) engaged in collaborative efforts with the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) on 12 February 2024. The seminar, titled ‘Collaborative Project on Waste Management and Food Servicing,’ addressed various challenges concerning waste collection and solid waste management systems. Solid Waste Management or SWM constitutes a pivotal element of the SiALLC (Sustainability in Action – A Living Laboratory Campus) initiative at UPOU, wherein FMDS spearheads its operational implementation both within and beyond the campus premises.
Assistant Professor Milbenn Bragais presented the current practices being implemented at UPOU. He emphasized that while these practices are in place, there is room for improvement. His recommendations for enhancing UPOU’s solid waste management encompass the following strategies:
- Add weighing area/bagging area;
- Proper signage for the sorted wastes;
- Add composting area;
- Additional trash bins around the campus; and
- Mapping of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and trash bins.
On the other hand, Associate Professor Myra Oruga, PhD, D/MIH Program Chair, together with Ms. Janele Belegal, RND, FMDS Support Staff, linked their presentations about “Pinggang OU” – a proposed food plate model for promoting healthy eating behaviors among UPOU faculty and staff, towards a collective moment of reflection to foster a culture of health and well-being at UPOU. As the university continues to champion initiatives promoting sustainable health practices, the Pinggang OU model emerged as a promising tool in curbing the increase of lifestyle diseases in order to promote better nutrition for the university’s stakeholders.
In attendance at the seminar were Prof. Jean Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. Larry Cruz, Program Development Associate of CEP-FMDS, Ms. Victoria Canape-Belegal, Head of CDMO, and Prof. Joane Serrano, Dean of FMDS. The event attracted over 40 participants, comprising CDMO’s maintenance team and grounds personnel, Faculty Administrative Officers and Aides, as well as employees/staff of UPOU.
Written by Janelle G. Ebron ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Crossposted from FMDS Website
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