La Consolacion College Bacolod, in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ, recently held the 3RproMar Circular Connect Conference at Citadines Hotel, Bacolod City, on November 5, 2024. The conference focused on “Mapping the Circular Economy Landscape within Higher Education Institutions in Western Visayas.”
This event brought together representatives from both public and private higher education institutions across the region. One key highlight was the presentation by Roleen Sevillena, Programme Manager of Circular Cities Asia, who shared insights from the Circular Economy Landscape Study. The study identified efforts in promoting circular economy principles through environmental initiatives within higher education, such as the integration of solid waste management concepts in specialized courses. However, it revealed a gap in formally embedding circular economy theories into general education curricula.
CHED Regional Director Raul Alvarez voiced strong support for piloting a circular economy elective course in the region’s higher education institutions (HEIs). CHEDRO VI Senior Education Specialist Dr. Danebeth Narzoles outlined steps for HEIs to develop such a curriculum, emphasizing collaboration with industry, academic experts, and stakeholders to meet CHED’s recommendation standards.
The conference also served as a platform for HEIs to showcase their environmental initiatives related to circular economy promotion. Johannes Paul, Ph.D., Project Manager of 3RproMar, welcomed the participants, stating, “We are here to support HEIs in establishing circular economy education frameworks that will ultimately contribute to sustainable practices.”
Among the participants from La Consolacion College Bacolod were Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, President; Dr. Penny Vargas, Associate College Dean; Dr. Rosanne Jalbuena, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education; and Ms. Bernadette Tupas, Coordinator of NSTP. Sr. Catungal noted, “Our commitment to circular economy education is driven by the responsibility to equip our students with knowledge and skills that foster environmental stewardship.”
The event was facilitated by Dr. Rodjhun Navarro, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Linkages, with Mr. Felix Adrian Dalida as co-facilitator. Dr. Ralf Wagner from the University of Kassel, an LCC Bacolod research partner on waste management initiatives, also attended.
This conference marks a pivotal step in advancing circular economy education in the Western Visayas region, fostering collaboration among HEIs to support sustainable development.