SLSU Conducts Orientation on Ecological Solid Waste Management and Crafts the University Solid Waste Action Gameplan (USWAG)

The Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Office of the Supervising Administrative Officer for Administration, successfully held a two-day activity entitled “Orientation on Ecological Solid Waste Management and Crafting of the University Solid Waste Action Gameplan (USWAG)” on August 27–28, 2025, at the Hotel De SLSU, SLSU Main Campus. Anchored on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the event aimed to strengthen institutional capacity and establish a systematized, forward-looking, and participatory solid waste management framework across all six campuses of the University. The activity was made possible through the expertise of Ms. Rosemarie R. Solano, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist, and Mr. Rheyno C. Bacariza, Environmental Monitoring Officer, both from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR–EMB) Regional Office No. VIII.

In his welcome message, Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon, Vice-President for Administration and Finance, emphasized that, “The word USWAG—meaning ‘progress’ in Cebuano—captures our aspiration to move from fragmented and reactive efforts to a unified, science-based, and forward-looking waste management strategy. Through this initiative, we aim not only to comply with existing regulations but also to cultivate a culture of responsibility, accountability, and sustainability across all campuses.” This was followed by the Statement of Purpose delivered by Mr. Leo A. Omamalin, Supervising Administrative Officer for Administration, who situated the event within the broader institutional mission. He remarked, “This activity also comes as a proactive response to SLSU’s performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings… While commendable, the Waste category was identified as our weakest area, where we scored only 45.83%. This calls our urgent attention to strengthen our systems, embed more sustainable practices, and turn our weaknesses into opportunities for growth.”

The activity was attended by participants representing administrative employees, utility workers, members of the Solid Waste Management Committee, faculty members, a student leader, the Hotel De SLSU Manager, the Director of Business Affairs and Resource Generation, and Environmental Management–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (EM–DRRM) personnel. Their collective engagement underscored the University’s whole-of-institution approach to environmental stewardship. Day 1 of the program centered on awareness-building, with the DENR–EMB resource persons delivering lectures and facilitating discussions on RA 9003, compliance requirements for higher education institutions, and an overview of solid waste management plans. These sessions provided participants with insights on waste minimization, segregation, recycling, and proper disposal, while also offering case examples that allowed for meaningful dialogue on the unique challenges faced by each campus.

Day 2 focused on the workshop for the development of the University Solid Waste Action Gameplan (USWAG). Campus delegations were tasked to craft their respective five-year Solid Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) covering Fiscal Years 2026–2030, with required sections such as introduction, university profile, current waste conditions, waste characterization, legal and institutional frameworks, strategies, systems, implementation approaches, cost estimates, and social and environmental aspects. Using collaborative tools, participants produced localized SWMPs that reflected the realities of their respective campuses. These outputs were presented in plenary sessions, critiqued, and refined with guidance from the DENR–EMB resource persons.

The next steps involve the consolidation of the campus SWMPs into a single University Solid Waste Action Gameplan (USWAG). This harmonized document will be presented to the Local Administrative/Academic Councils of each campus, endorsed by the University Administrative/Academic Council, and submitted to the Board of Regents for approval. In his closing message, University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte commended the initiative, calling the participants “advocates for our environment” and stressing the importance of proactive and sustained implementation. “We will practice Solid Waste Management because we are not only an academic entity; we must serve as a model for the community, including Local Government Units. We aim to become a showcase for environmental programs,” he remarked. Dr. Duarte also highlighted SLSU’s continuing initiatives such as the no-tarpaulin policy, the phasing out of styrofoam and single-use plastics, addressing electronic waste, and exploring innovative ways to derive economic value from waste.

This activity, aligned with the LUPAD Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029, reinforced SLSU’s institutional commitment to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. More than an orientation or workshop, it was a manifestation of the University’s resolve to transform waste management from fragmented practices into a cohesive, progressive, and future-ready system. True to its name, USWAG embodies “progress” in action, positioning SLSU not only as a learning institution but also as a model of ecological governance in the Province of Southern Leyte and beyond.