BINALBAGAN, Negros Occidental—In a heartening initiative aimed at promoting sustainability, a group of faculty and staff from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) gathered yesterday, January 30, at Peace Pond here in Binalbagan for an impactful training session focused on upcycling plastic waste.
Under the guidance of Checcs Osmeña-Orpida, Manager of the Blastik Project, the training aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to foster effective solid waste management practices within the university and the broader community.
The ISUFST delegation included sustainability advocates Dr. Joana Paula Biñas, Director of Extension Services and Development (ESD), Prof. Res Jandonero (Program Chair, Electronics), Dr. Annelyn De Asis (ESD Chair, BN Campus), Prof. Leo Bajador (CIT Program Coordinator), Inst. Mel Ian Villagracia (Faculty, Electronics), Inst. Arnel Quiro (Laboratory In-Charge, Automotive), Prof. Jose Gilbert Porras (Program Chair, Electricity), Alexis Deo Lorque (Staff, ESD), and Gemma Fernandez (General Services/AO5). Their participation highlights ISUFST’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility.
The training offered a comprehensive look at plastic waste management, merging theoretical insights with hands-on experience. Participants learned how to recycle plastic bottles, transforming them into innovative products like plastic bricks and reusable bags. This practical approach showcased the potential of upcycling as a means to divert waste from landfills and turn it into valuable resources.
In addition to the workshops, the program featured enlightening lectures and video presentations that underscored the urgent need for action against plastic pollution. These discussions illuminated the detrimental effects of plastic waste on ecosystems and human health, reinforcing the critical importance of sustainable waste management practices.
Following the classroom sessions, the ISUFST team embarked on an eco-tour of Peace Pond’s innovative farms. This tour highlighted practical solutions utilizing renewable energy and showcased sustainable agriculture techniques, providing participants with real-world examples of how environmental stewardship can align with economic viability.
This training marks a significant milestone in ISUFST’s journey toward sustainability. Armed with new knowledge and practical skills, the faculty and staff are now poised to champion upcycling initiatives and promote environmental awareness within their university and beyond. Together, they are paving the way for a greener future, demonstrating that collective action can lead to meaningful change. (Photos by Mel Villagracia and Anne de Asis/Text by Joana Paula Biñas/PAMMCO)
