The Environmental Management Bureau – CALABARZON (EMB CALABARZON) granted UPLB an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) on Nov. 28, 2023. This new certification was granted following the University’s request for an amendment to cover new infrastructure developments in UPLB.
The projects covered by the new ECC include multiple high-profile projects such as the Philippine National Collection of Microorganism, the National Zoonoses Center, the new UPLB Sewage Treatment Plant, the new Sports Complex Facility, and other key development projects.
UPLB, working through the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), submitted an updated Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) as part of the application process. This report assessed the potential environmental impacts of the proposed expansion projects on the UPLB community’s health, welfare, and environment. It also evaluated the effectiveness of current environmental measures and outlined plans for improving these strategies.
Dr. Rico C. Ancog, dean of SESAM, led the EPRMP Technical Working Committee. Members of the committee include Rachel Mojado, assistant to the vice chancellor for planning and development; Christian Paulo C. Altoveros, pollution control officer from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; and environmental experts from SESAM, namely, Dr. Mark Dondi M. Arboleda, Dr. Marissa J. Sobremisana, and Dr. Evaristo Niño T. Cando III. The committee also received help from a team of SESAM graduate students and research assistants.
The acquisition of the ECC highlights UPLB’s commitment to complying with local environmental laws and regulations and is aligned with the future-proofing aspiration of Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr… This achievement underscores the University’s dedication to responsible ecological governance and sustainable development practices.
In April 2016, the DENR-EMB also granted UPLB an ECC to ensure that UPLB is strictly implementing environmental policies on campus. It also served as an environmental protocol to guide future development projects and programs in the University.
The ECC not only signifies regulatory approval for UPLB but also its commitment to environmentally responsible growth. The certification paves the way for the university’s expansion while emphasizing its pledge to balance development with environmental stewardship. (Jewel Cabrera, Laurenz Cruz, & Mc Jay Senin)