UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 15 - LIFE ON LAND
UNP is diving deep into SDG 14 – Life Below Water, making waves in marine conservation right in their own backyard. UNP is nestled in the Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur which is a treasure trove of coastal life – from mangroves to seagrasses, seaweeds to coral reefs. It’s not just about green and blue sceneries; these ecosystems are the lifeblood of Ilocano culture, and cuisine.
UNP is not just looking at the sea; they’re taking a “ridge-to-reef” approach. They understand that what happens in the uplands, and within the Ilocos Sur communities affects, and impacts bodies of waters. It’s all connected, and UNP is connecting the dots.
Take the Abra River, for example. It’s not just a waterway; it’s a nursery for “Ipon” – those little goby fish that are important for local fishers. UNP is working to protect these vital spawning grounds, ensuring that the fish – and the fishing traditions – keeps swimming strong.
But UNP’s vision goes beyond conservation. They’re balancing ecological needs with community livelihoods, recognizing that the sea isn’t just a resource to protect – it’s a source of food, income, and cultural identity for Ilocanos.
From the classroom to the coastline, UNP is making SDG 14 come alive. They’re not just teaching about marine life; they’re nurturing it, ensuring that the rich aquatic heritage of Ilocos Sur continues to thrive for generations to come. That’s the UNP way – where education meets action, and conservation meets community.
Epitome of Benevolence: An Extension Program on Environmental Social Responsibility and Personal Finances
In partnership with the Ilocos Sur Environmental Enthusiasts (ISEE), Bantay West Integrated Central School and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy—BSA, the JPIA-UNP Chapter, led by the newly crowned Mr. and Ms. Ambassador of Goodwill (AOG), led an extension program on Environmental Social Responsibility and Personal Finance as they expressed their outmost support and ray of hope to the pupils of Bantay Integrated West Central School. This activity aimed to empower the aspirations of every child, to ensure that they are all valid, and to hope that all their dreams are realizable with determination and hard work. In the process, the activity hopes to teach children environmental social responsibility in ways as simple as segregating wastes, disposing them properly and using water bottles in order to reduce wastes from Single-use Plastics (SUPs).
Training on Herbal Gardening for Sustainable Livelihood
The Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences extended assistance to the GK Candon community by imparting indigenous techniques on herbal gardening utilizing materials available in the locality.
Greening Tomorrow: UNP COE Mandated and Accredited Officers Unite for a Clean-Up Drive
On November 25, 2023, the Philippine Institute of Sanitary Engineers (PSSE) UNP Chapter, in partnership with the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (JPICE), Agrimensores Club (AgC), Engineering Department Students’ Association (EDSA), The Edifice Publication, and various class mayors, spearheaded a large-scale clean-up drive in Nansuagao, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. With the theme “The Journey Towards a Cleaner World Begins with a Single Step,” the event aimed to tackle environmental pollution caused by Typhoon Egay while promoting eco-conscious practices in the community. A total of 110 garbage bags, filled with plastic waste, glass bottles, styrofoam, clothes, and other debris, were collected. The initiative directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By addressing the accumulation of waste and its impact on the local land and biodiversity, the clean-up drive served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding ecosystems and natural habitats. One key takeaway from this event is that the health of our land ecosystems is intricately connected to the overall well-being of our planet, and proactive actions, such as community clean-ups, play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability. As PSSE-UNPC President Precious Elaine Aaron emphasized, “Promoting the importance of clean and safe communities will contribute to halting our endless problems regarding waste pollution,” underscoring the need to protect both land and water ecosystems for future generations.
Salwad Aglawlaw Program (Protect the Environment)
The Salwad Aglawlaw program is a year-long event composed of various eco-related activities that aim to help spread and foster awareness on environmental protection, ecological solid waste management, and to take action towards the realization of the sustainable development goals. This initiative also supports the Banning of Single-Use Plastic program of the university.
