The Occupational Health and Safety Standards Committee (OHSCC) of OVCCA and the Institute of Chemistry (IC) held a university-wide seminar, entitled “Managing UPLB’s Chemical Wastes”, on 20 May 2019 at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall.
Attended by more than 70 faculty, researchers, and laboratory staff, the seminar aimed to provide a venue to discuss issues and concerns in handling and managing chemical wastes in UPLB.
Two registered chemists, who served as resource speakers in the seminar, discussed their best practices in handling chemical wastes in their respective institutions.
Ms. Lilia R. Molina, Laboratory and Quality Manager at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) talked about the chemical waste of UPLB and other research institutions and the impact on Laguna de Bay.
On the other hand, Mr. Vergel G. Valenzuela, Pollution Control Officer of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) at UP Diliman, talked about chemical safety and chemical waste management in laboratories.
Meanwhile, in her opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Serlie Barroga-Jamias said that UPLB is taking proactive steps in mitigating the effects of chemicals and other environmental hazards. One of these efforts is the proposed Environmental Unit, which will soon be institutionalized in UPLB under OVCCA. It will oversee the University’s compliance with environmental laws.
In preparation for this, OVCCA is currently forming UPLB’s environmental compliance committees composed of various environmental experts of colleges and units. (Written by: Miguel Victor T. Durian, with reports from Engr. Christian Paulo C. Altoveros)
