THE UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy will prohibit the use of single-use plastics starting April 8, as it aims to encourage the use of reusable alternatives.
In a memorandum dated April 3, Accountancy Dean Patricia Empleo announced a ban on single-use plastics within the college premises. The college occupies the Albertus Magnus Building with the College of Education, Education High School, and the Conservatory of Music.
“All academic staff, support staff and students are enjoined to bring their own reusable water bottles, straws, and bags,” the memorandum read.
AMV Asst. Dean Francisco Caliwan Jr. told the Varsitarian that as part of the implementation of the policy, building guards will confiscate single-use plastic bottles, straws, and bags from AMV students upon entering the building.
“The building guards are instructed to confiscate single-use plastic bottles, straws, and bags from AMV students when they enter the building. A box will be placed at the building entrance for this purpose,” Caliwan said.
The assistant dean said the involvement of the college’s top administrators in sustainability organizations played a role in inspiring the college’s decision.
Empleo and the college’s faculty secretary, Fermin Yabut, are both involved with the Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee, while Caliwan spearheaded the “no single-use plastic policy” of the National Association of CPAs in Education.
Caliwan said AMV plans to reach out to other colleges in the Albertus Magnus Building regarding the potential implementation of the policy throughout the entire building.
Empleo said the shift to more sustainable materials aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production.
The college’s ban is also aligned with the University’s objective of fulfilling the UN SDGs.
UST ranked among the top three Philippine universities last year for its contribution to achieving the SDGs, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
In addition to the College of Accountancy, UST Junior High School has also prohibited the use of plastic straws and utensils since 2019.
Styrofoam containers had also been banned at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center.
As a hazardous wastes generator, the University is subject to regulation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau, to which it regularly reports. with reports from John Ezekiel J. Hirro
