The UNP Environmental Management Office joind the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR-EMB) nationwide celebrations of National Environmental Awareness Month in November with a schedule of events that encouraged the establishment of eco-schools and eco-cities.

With the theme “#BeatPlasticPollution,” these activities aimed to inculcate environmental awareness among the youth and promote ways of reducing their negative impact on the environment. It also focused on sharing and upscaling of good practices of environmentally-sustainable communities to pave the way for the build-up of more sustainable and eco-friendly schools in the Philippines.

According to EMB Director Gilbert Gonzales, “the nation has long been feeling the effects of climate change, and part of the global solution is keeping communities safe and strong through adaptation and mitigation measures.” For the long-term benefit of people and the environment, he continued, “it is imperative that we all remain committed to countering the adverse effects of this phenomenon and building sustainable solutions.”

Thus, for the entire month of November and hopefully onwards, the University will ban certain single-use plastics, as UNP-EMO, together with other partner offices and organizations joined forces in promoting events and spearheading a series of activities that kicked-off with an Environmental Quiz Bee, MOA signing with Ilocos Sur Environmental Enthusiasts, Logo Design Competition, Environmental Project Proposal Competition, and Vertical Gardening on November 15, 2023; Lecture on The Perils of Plastics and Waste Audit on November 29, 2023; Community Outreach in LGU San Vicente, Ilocos Sur on December 1, 2023; and Mangrove and Coastal Clean-up in Cabugao and Sinait, Ilocos Sur on December 7, 2023.

Through these activities that center on climate change, plastic pollution, and solid waste management, UNP hopes to raise its constituents’ levels of awareness and engagement in environmental protection and care, making it a safe and conducive abode of learning.