BukSU’s Earth Day Push: Energy Efficiency and a Plastic-Free Vision

Driven by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Bukidnon State University (BukSU)’s Earth Day celebrations on April 22nd and 23rd, 2025, saw the university actively engage in initiatives poised to significantly enhance sustainability and pave the way for a greener future across its campuses.

BukSU and DOE Join Forces for Energy Efficiency

Marking Earth Day on April 22nd, BukSU, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), commenced a comprehensive energy efficiency audit. Held at the Finance Building, the audit was spearheaded by DOE Supervising Science Research Specialist Jorge Vincent R. Bitoon and Senior Science Research Specialist Sir Roland C. Basco. Their objective is to equip BukSU with expert guidance to achieve tangible energy efficiency improvements through a thorough evaluation of current energy usage.

The audit involved key BukSU unit heads from various departments, including administrative services, general services, environmental health and safety, motorpool, ICT, supply and property management, and project management.

Mr. Bitoon highlighted the significance of the audit’s findings, stating that they will be “fundamental in developing a set of targeted and actionable recommendations tailor-made to BukSU’s specific needs and circumstances.” These recommendations will encompass technological upgrades, behavioral changes, and policy adjustments to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the university’s carbon footprint.

BukSU Impasugong underwent the same energy conservation audit as the main campus. This on-site inspection aimed to evaluate the Impasugong campus’s dedication to creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient environment. The audit involved a thorough examination of lighting and overall energy consumption, underscoring the campus’s active initiatives in energy saving and electricity reduction.

BukSU Advances Towards a Plastic-Free Campus

Building on its Earth Day momentum, BukSU convened stakeholders on April 23rd, 2025, for a validation forum on its proposed single-use plastic policy. The forum, held at the BukSU-Audio Visual Center, gathered student leaders, academic unit heads, and non-teaching personnel to provide feedback on the draft policy. This initiative aims to formalize BukSU’s existing green practices and further its vision of becoming a leading environment-friendly campus.

Mr. Mark Gene L. Salga, BukSU’s Legal Assistant III, presented the draft policy, outlining its key components, including definitions, purpose, strategies, sanctions, and incentives. Dr. Jessie G. Suson, the Malaybalay City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), offered valuable insights on the practical implementation of the policy.

An open forum and feedback session allowed participants to voice their opinions and suggestions, contributing to the refinement of the draft policy. The event also featured a symbolic signing of a Pledge Wall, signifying the unified commitment of stakeholders to the initiative.

Ms. Generato expressed her vision for BukSU: “We envision that BukSU will become a plastic-free campus, making our university green… We want to be green champions, everyone in BukSU becomes a model green champion.” (BukSU-Information Unit)