The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) reaffirmed its ecological commitment by participating in the signing of the Memorandum of Commitment (MOC) between and among the members of the Davao Regional Ecology Center (DREC) during the 7th Environment Summit organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resoucres – Environment and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB XI) on August 19, 2025, at SM City Davao Annex Activity Center. The renewed MOC aims to sustain and strengthen the collaborative implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and RA 11898, the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.
In 2013, the DREC members first formalized their partnership through an MOC to institutionalize and strengthen collaborative efforts in maintaining DREC operations. With the passage of RA 11898, which amended several provisions of RA 9003, the roles and functions of Ecology Centers were redefined under DAO 2023-02, the IRR of RA 11898, to align with broader waste reduction, recovery, and circular economy initiatives. The renewed MOC thus reinforces the responsibility of DREC members, including government agencies, academe, industry, and civil society, to provide technical expertise, information, training, and networking services in support of sustainable waste management in the region.
As part of this collective effort, USeP highlighted its ongoing initiatives in environmental stewardship, including the implementation of the Anti-Single Use Plastics (AtSUP) Policy, which took effect on October 1, 2019. This policy bans the use and sale of single-use plastic items such as water bottles, plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, styrofoam cups, plastic packaging materials, and similar items across all USeP campuses. It applies to all employees, faculty, staff, students, visitors, guests, and tenants, including cooperatives, gymnasium users, hostel guests, dormitories, stalls-for-rent, caterers, service providers, and contractors.Β
Moreover, the policy extends its reach to University-sanctioned activities beyond campus, such as extension programs, planning sessions, capacity-building activities, partnership meetings, and sponsored fora. With this policy, USeP contributes to the global battle against plastic pollution, particularly its harmful effects on marine ecosystems, while inspiring other organizations to adopt similar measures.
USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., who signed the renewed MOC on behalf of the University, emphasized the significance of this collective effort.
βOur commitment is to build a culture of responsibility and sustainability that will benefit future generations. Through actions like enforcing our AtSUP and strengthening our role in the Davao Regional Ecology Center, USeP shows that research, education, and community engagement can work together to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future,β Pres. Gabales said.
Also present during the event was Assoc. Prof. Sheena S. Arcega, a faculty member of the College of Engineering. Through these initiatives, USeP reaffirms its role not only as an academic institution but also as a committed partner in advancing environmental protection and sustainable development in the Davao Region.
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