WALANG PLASTIKAN CAMPAIGN: BukSU supports zero-plastic waste advocacy

MALAYBALAY CITY – Bukidnon State University supported the zero-plastic waste advocacy through a university-wide “WALANG PLASTIKAN” environmental protest campaign held at the University Covered Court on February 1, 2023.

The Office of the Student Services headed by Dr. Lorenzo B. Dinlayan III, the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer for Administrative Services, and the Supreme Student Council spearheaded the said campaign advocating the Zero-Waste Movement in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 760 which declared every January as Zero Waste Month.

Students from 39 different university clubs and organizations held their banners and slogans during the parade around the campus which aimed to create awareness on the impact of plastic pollution and its effect to the environment, wildlife, and human health.

Some of the messages written on the slogans were: “Stop using plastic, there’s no Planet B,” “Ban this plastic poison” and “Be the Change, Say No to Plastic.”  Ms. Erlita L. Bahian, Environmental Compliance and Liaison Officer, said that the activity was organized to guide everyone in sensitizing the university community to waste management concerns and in promoting sustainable day-to-day practices that can support the entire city in improving waste management in the long term.

“The university believes that waste management intervention should go hand in hand with awareness and sensitization activities. It is essential that the community understands how the university manages its waste, what methods will be used, who are involved, how we can gain from it and how our role is crucial for its success and to maximize its benefits,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance being responsible for our own wastes so it doesn’t end up on land and rivers, which can pollute the environment and cause serious threats to the ecosystems that provide food and water for the people. Ms Bahian also emphasized in her speech the campaign message that she strongly believed: “Together we are stronger. Every citizen can make a difference by taking actions, at local level, that will benefit the whole community. If we put together our efforts and we commit to do our share to improve waste management, we will keep our environment clean and the ecosystems healthier.” (OP-IPS with a report from Ms Erlita L. Bahian/5s Focal Person and Environmental Compliance and Liaison Officer)