Greening CHMSU
Why Greening CHMSU?
In 2012, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University launched an intervention program and movement to transform the entire school system into a green institution in pursuit of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). It was then called Green CHMSU-a transformative process involving the core elements and dimensions of the institution's operations: Green Campus, Green Community, Green Culture, Green Research, and Green Technology.
On July 11-12, 2017, five years after Green CHMSU was conceived, the program was revised in a Re-Greening Workshop themed "Revisit, Re-Vision, Revise and Revitalize." Attended by administrators, faculty and student representatives from the four campuses the body realized that CHMSU has still a long way to go. The school renewed a stronger commitment to revitalize and accelerate the program with a clever vision statement: To be a leading GREEN institution of higher learning in the global community by 2030 where GREEN stands for Good Governance, Research-Oriented, Extension-Driven, Education for Sustainable Development and Nation-building. Green Campus was replaced with Green Curriculum and Green CHMSC was changed to Greening CHMSU to acknowledge that the program is an on-going process and a continuing transformative journey to sustainability.
On October 3, the new Greening CHMSU Framework (A Green Future by Greening CHMSU Today) was recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines as a finalist-best practice together with 13 government institutions which included four SUCs in the Government Excellence Class - Government Best Practice Recognition 2017. Our participation in the Government Best Practice Recognition has opened a lot of realizations, challenges, and opportunities. We are reminded of our commitment to Education for Sustainable Development - a pledge we signed in a Declaration in 2012.
Today, more than ever, people are realizing the need to urgently protect the health & well-being of planet earth and all its inhabitants. Education for Sustainable Development now means the pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To fulfill this, Greening CHMSU must empower and transform students and teachers who will become active citizens with the heart, mind and skills to solve the global and local environmental problems we face today. How can we have a sustainable future and promote green economy and lifestyle without green education today?
5 Pillars of Greening CHMSU
Ecological Waste Management System
The Ecological Waste Management System (EWMS) Policy of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University is the culmination of a comprehensive series of workshops conducted across its four campuses. Spearheaded by the Greening CHMSU Task Force during the Academic Year 2019-2020, this initiative aimed to align the university's operations with sustainable practices.
Formal Approval and Initial Plans
The policy was formally approved by then President Renato M. Sorolla in January 2020. This approval coincided with the university's observance of National Zero Waste Month and the 19th anniversary of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003). Initially, the EWMS was slated for launch during the institution’s Earth Day celebrations in April 2020. However, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, these plans were put on hold.
Implementation and Progress
Following the easing of pandemic restrictions and under the new leadership of President Norberto P. Mangulabnan, Memorandum Order No. 7 was issued on March 8, 2021, mandating the full implementation of the Ecological Waste Management System (EWMS). Over the past four years, the policy has undergone regular assessments and evaluations to ensure its effectiveness.
On March 7, 2025, a multi-stakeholder collaboration meeting was held to review the policy and introduce improvements and enhancements. This collaborative effort further solidifies the university's commitment to sustainable waste management practices, aligning with the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental stewardship.
Legal Basis
The legal basis for CHMSU’s Ecological Waste Management System is primarily grounded in the Republic Act No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. This act provides a comprehensive framework for solid waste management, emphasizing the control of waste generation, storage, collection, transfer, transport, processing, and disposal. It aims to ensure that these activities align with principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics, and environmental considerations.
Relevance and Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Effective waste management reduces the risk of diseases caused by poor waste disposal, such as waterborne diseases and those spread by vectors like mosquitoes that breed in improperly managed waste.
- By minimizing pollution and ensuring a clean environment, CHMSU contributes to better health outcomes for students, faculty, and staff, aligning with SDG 3's target to reduce illnesses from environmental pollution.
- Proper waste management helps prevent water pollution by ensuring that waste does not contaminate water sources. This is crucial for maintaining clean water and sanitation facilities within the school premises.
- By protecting water sources, CHMSU supports the availability of clean water for drinking, hygiene, and sanitation, which is essential for health and well-being.
- Implementing ecological waste management sets a model for sustainable practices within communities. It promotes education and awareness about sustainable living, contributing to more sustainable urban environments.
- CHMSU becomes a hub for community education on sustainable practices, fostering a culture of sustainability that can extend beyond the school environment
- By reducing waste and promoting recycling, CHMSU encourages responsible consumption patterns. This includes minimizing single-use plastics and reducing food waste, which are key components of sustainable consumption.
- CHMSU models sustainable consumption practices that can influence broader societal behaviors, supporting the transition to more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
- Effective waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions from waste decomposition and burning. It also supports climate resilience by minimizing waste related environmental degradation.
- By reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices, CHMSU contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.
- Proper waste management prevents marine pollution by ensuring that waste does not enter waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems.
- CHMSU helps protect marine biodiversity and supports the health of marine ecosystems, which are crucial for global food security and climate regulation.
- Ecological waste management helps preserve terrestrial ecosystems by preventing pollution and promoting sustainable land use practices.
- By protecting land ecosystems, CHMSU supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management, which are essential for ecosystem services like clean air and water
- Implementing effective waste management systems often requires partnerships between schools, local governments, NGOs, and private sector entities. These collaborations are essential for securing resources, expertise, and support.
- Such partnerships foster a collaborative environment that can extend beyond waste management to support broader sustainable development initiatives within communities.
