UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 14 - LIFE BELOW WATER
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.
A Coastal Clean-up Drive cum Training on Environmental Awareness in Coastal Areas
To protect the aquamarine, DMNS organised a coastal clean-up drive, gathering and sorting trash from the beach’s shoreline and educating the public about the severity of the marine debris issue.
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 collaboration with the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (JPICE), Agrimensores Club (AgC), Engineering Department Students’ Association (EDSA), The Edifice Publication, and various class mayors, organized a large-scale clean-up drive in Nansuagao, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. Themed “”The Journey Towards a Cleaner World Begins with a Single Step,”” the initiative aimed to address environmental pollution caused by Typhoon Egay and promote sustainable practices in the community. Over the course of the event, volunteers collected 110 garbage bags filled with plastic, glass bottles, styrofoam, clothes, and other waste, underscoring the growing issue of waste accumulation. The clean-up aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, focusing on preventing waste from entering local water systems, which could harm aquatic life and ecosystems. This effort demonstrated the direct link between land pollution and the health of our oceans and waterways. One key lesson from the event is that even small, localized actions can have a big impact on preserving marine and aquatic environments. As PSSE-UNPC President Precious Elaine Aaron said, “”Promoting the importance of clean and safe communities will contribute to halting our endless problems regarding waste pollution,”” emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect both land and marine ecosystems.”
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.
