Saint Louis University (SLU), in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), City Government of Baguio, and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau- Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-EMB-CAR), once again demonstrated its progressive environmental movement during the launch of the Electronic Waste Management Campaign marked by the rollout of the electronic waste (e-waste) bin on 27 February 2025 at Diego Silang Bldg, SLU Main Campus.
The e-waste bin, now stationed at the Silang Lobby, collects e-waste for proper disposal and recycling of electronics to promote a circular economy and to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals No. 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).
Ms. April May P. Kagaoan, Sustainability Executive of Smart, pointed out the importance of incorporating proper e-waste management practices because of how they can be hazardous to the environment and dangerous to consumers. “Properly disposing of electronic waste is not just about the environment; it’s not an altruistic thing that we do to benefit the larger community, but to advocate for proper decluttering,” she said.
The importance of regularly checking devices was also emphasized, noting that “if it’s old, broken, unwanted, and ignored, it’s time to let go.” In this case, it is critical to put into practice the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
The campaign explored strategies, initiatives, and programs for properly segregating e-waste and sharing activities that can help lessen its negative impact on the environment. According to Ms. Jean C. Borromeo, OIC Regional Director, DENR-EMB-CAR, “this initiative is more than just a collection drive; it is a call to action for each of us to embrace sustainability and circularity in our daily lives.”
Continuing the discussion, Engr. Marivic S. Empizo of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) spoke about “Sustainability: E-Waste Management and Environmental,” emphasizing the City’s current initiatives in electronic waste management among various sectors.
Mr. Romano M. Bulatao, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), in his closing remarks then stated that the event is a “very concrete manifestation that we are not alone, particularly in this endeavor.”
Reaffirming SLU’s status as a green campus, Louisians are encouraged to declutter and dispose of their e-wastes through the newly launched e-waste bin. (Article by Jaymark Borja, UIO Intern | Photos by Michael Dadd, UIO Intern)
