CHMSU Strengthens Eco-Waste Program With New Guidelines

BACOLOD CITY – Carlos Hilado Memorial State University has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with the launch of its revised Ecological Waste Management System (EWMS) this Earth Month.

On April 14, 2025, designees, officers, faculty members, and unit representatives from all four campuses gathered at the Talisay Campus Audio-Visual Room for a reorientation on the EWMS.

Class mayors and student leaders at the Talisay Campus also participated in an orientation on April 22 during the Earth Day celebration at the Love the Earth Workshop, held at the Global Learning Café.

CIER Director and Greening CHMSU Task Force Chair Rhoderick Samonte led both sessions, presenting the updated 19-point policy statements and operational guidelines in the EWMS, signed by University President Norberto Mangulabnan on March 14, 2025.

The EWMS reinforces existing protocols and introduces new measures aimed at fostering a more sustainable and environmentally responsible CHMSU community.

Key highlights include stricter enforcement of waste segregation at source, with sanctions for violations, the implementation of bring-your-own (BYO) and clean-as-you-go (CLAYGO) practices, and the return of the Seal of Green Office Awards—an initiative that recognizes exemplary green practices across university offices.

A comprehensive information campaign will roll out across all campuses to ensure full implementation.

“All CHMSUans—students, faculty, staff, alumni—along with university stakeholders and partners, are strongly encouraged to embody the green and sustainable culture espoused by the university and strictly adhere to the EWMS policies and guidelines,” Samonte said.

Samonte also challenged the community to rise to the occasion and bring the university’s mission to life through consistent, concrete environmental action.

Earth Month Activities

The Love the Earth Workshop continued with a session titled Sagup Negros and How Students Can Collaborate led by CHMSU alumnus and NYLI Project Officer Genrick Catalonia.

Catalonia emphasized the link between food waste and the climate crisis, encouraging student leaders to support ongoing efforts and craft innovative solutions to reduce food wastage.

Meanwhile, student artists from the Alijis Campus—under the GEC Art Appreciation classes and Artisan Society—expressed their commitment to the environment through the eARTh Exhibit.

A total of 21 artworks were displayed at the Administration Building on April 22, 2025.

The university will also host a FreeCycle event on April 25 at the Talisay Campus Multipurpose Gym to promote a circular economy and sustainability.

To cap off its Earth Month initiatives, CHMSU will plant 1,000 native tree seedlings at Gawahon Eco-Park in Victorias City on April 26 as part of its Bionihan Tree-Growing project.