The “PLASTIKarunungan” seminar on plastic waste management by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) was held on 23 April 2024 at Devesse Bldg.-AVR, SLU Maryheights Campus, from 1 pm to 4:30 pm.
The “PLASTIKarunungan” is a sub-event of the week-long event by the DENR in line with this year’s Earth Day celebration themed “Planet versus Plastics.” PLASTIKarunungan is a seminar about plastic waste management practices in the government and industry and discussion about research and studies about plastics. Resource speakers from various esteemed companies and organizations were invited to share and discuss their plastic waste management in their respective fields.
Engr. Jonalyn Kimpay, an SLU faculty, was invited to share her sophisticated research about microplastics. Engr. Marivic Empizo, from the City Environment and Parks Management Office, shared the strategic measures and practices applied in Baguio City to address the issue of plastic waste. Lastly, Engr. Rowena Sapera-Blanco, from Philex Mining Company, shared and discussed their plastic waste management and practices to minimize plastic use in their company. Mines and Geosciences Bureau – CAR Regional Director Fay Apil also gave her opening remarks to the participants emphasizing the importance of taking care of our one and only planet. The speakers adeptly discussed and talked about their topics in front of more than 100 students from various schools, organizations, and institutions from all over Luzon. Plastic has been a convenient material used in every aspect of everyone’s daily life.
In exchange for this development is the compromise in the state of our environment. As dwellers of the Earth and future professionals , it is our responsibility to be competent in the stewardship of our planet. Students are perfect canvases for the realization of an ideal world that is rooted in the SDGs. Hence, in the endless pursuit of environmental sustainability and strong commitment to the SDGs and CICM goals, the SLU Mining Engineering Society took partnership with YAMAN Philippines, the nation-wide student organization of Mining Engineering, Geology, and Metallurgical Engineering for responsible mining and protection of the environment and the partner of DENR for their Planet versus Plastics, to educate young minds through an educational seminar about the best practices of the government and industries and research studies on plastic waste management.
This event is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, mainly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s (CICM) advocacy on integrity of creation.
photos from The Buttress
