NEWS | NEUST scores ‘big’ on environmental sustainability

To guide the development efforts of the University on preserving the environment, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) conducted a seminar that zeroed in on environmental sustainability practices, policies, and innovations.

Organized by the University Student Government (USG), the seminar titled ECON 2025 themed SWORD: Securing Wilderness, Observing Restoration, and Development, was held at the Nieto Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus on April 10, 2025.

ECON 2025 highlighted the urgent need to protect natural ecosystems, rehabilitate degraded environments, and promote development that upholds environmental integrity, as emphasized by guest speakers Dr. Jan Ramel Tumbaga, NEUST Center for Environmental Research faculty; Dr. John Rey Quiñones, NEUST Pollution Control and Climate Change Mitigation Unit Head; and Anthony Philip Robles, First Services, Inc. & UNAP Coordinator for SDG Caravan President.

In his lecture, Tumbaga, who presented the landscapes and ecosystems of NEUST Sumacab Campus and NEUST Gabaldon Campus to highlight the pressing environmental challenges we face today, emphasized the importance of conservation efforts and the protection of our ecosystem, saying, “Managing the environment is like managing yourself; if you don’t act properly, expect the consequences of your actions.”

Quiñones, who discussed biodiversity and the impact of climate change and pollution, stressed the importance of sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 12: Responsible Consumption, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 14: Life Below Water.

“We have to ensure that future generations have access to what we have now. Kung ano man po ang meron tayo ngayon, responsibilidad natin itong pangalagaan para sa susunod na henerasyon,” said Quiñones.

Robles, who talked about practical strategies for conserving wildlife and ecosystems, said: “We should all be united in conserving our ecosystems. Kailangan natin magtulungan bilang isang komunidad upang may mapreserba tayo para sa susunod na henerasyon.”

Meanwhile, USG President Dan Richard Dela Cruz mentioned that listening and learning are key steps toward protecting the environment, saying: “This event is not just for us, pero para sa susunod na generation. Sana makinig tayo at matuto para mapangalagaan natin nang maayos ang kalikasan at kapaligiran.”

The event was attended by the Local Student Government (LSG) and various environmental development officers from different NEUST campuses and concluded with a tree-planting activity at NEUST Atate Campus the following day, April 11, 2025.

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