With the theme Eco-Consciousness and Technology: Exploring Sustainable Living in the Digital Era, Saint Louis University’s (SLU), through its University Research and Innovation Center (UnRiC), Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), and CICM Community Extensions and Outreach Programs, hosted the City Government of Baguio-sponsored climate change summit at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, SLU, on 24 October 2023.
Dr. Joselito P. Gutierrez, the Executive Assistant to the President, gave the welcome remarks on behalf of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, SLU President. This was followed by the keynote message of Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, Baguio City Mayor, which was delivered by Mr. Victor C. Jimenez, Executive Assistant, Office of the City Mayor.
Mr. Kurt Justin Santiago, Mr. Earth Philippines 2023, also delivered his remarks on the Challenge to the Youth. He uplifted the audiences’ hearts by advocating for climate action and stressing the role of youth as agents of change.
Highlighting the need for collective action, the summit intended to promote climate change awareness, encourage active participation among different stakeholders, and implement programs to respond to its repercussions.
Among the attendees of the said event were student leaders from the various campus organizations of SLU. Each collegiate school had their representatives, including the student council of the SANAMA Student Government of SLU Junior High and Senior High School.
The first resource speaker, Engr. Marivic S. Empizo, City Government and Parks Management discussed the Eco-Consciousness and Sustainability Initiatives and Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Change Adaptation Program to reach out to students to take action and join their cause in mitigating climate change.
It was followed by Ms. Maria Agnes Garcia of Zero Waste Baguio, Inc., who presented the Solid Waste Management Programs, eliciting a favorable response from the audience as she expressed provocative statements on the status of the Philippines worldwide in terms of waste generation rates.
Ms. Aileen Lucero, from the Eco-Waste Coalition, tackled the Safe WEEE Management and Disposal to substantiate the previous presentation of Ms. Agnes.
Louisian alumni, Mr. Kurt Allen Paningbatan, of the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, had a discourse on Digital Disruptions for Sustainable Living: Research, Innovation, and Action/Safe and Sound Cities Program. He immersed the students with architectural design visualization of Baguio City’s plans to attain a livable community.
The final discussion was presented by Engr. Daphne C. Leal of SLU, who tackled University Programs, Research and Innovations on Eco-Consciousness and Technology, aligning research studies with some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; and 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
City Councilor Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda, Chairperson of the Committee on Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection, gave the closing remarks by emphasizing the roles of individuals and groups to make this world a better place.
Afterwards, the students engaged in a workshop called Workshop and Commitment-Setting/Moving Forward.
Rex Quilang, a 2nd Year Vice Mayor of Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) Assembly, shared his experience saying, “Very insightful ‘yong talk. The importance of Baguio City’s Environment and Parks Management Office in environmental management was underlined. Na-emphasize din yung data-driven initiative ng Baguio para ma-reduce ang greenhouse gas emissions, yung mga plano nila to improve urban green areas, at yung Zero Waste Baguio campaign for efficient trash management. Overall, in line with Laudato Si’s ideals, pinakita talaga ng Baguio City ‘yong dedication para ma-achieve ang sustainable development.” (By Kristine Ingrid Rivera, UIO Intern)
