At Day 2: FOREFRONT Continues to Educate Partner Communities on Solid Waste Management

news by Darwin Eugenio 
photos by Jeth Abisamis (UST-ChES ComDev)

On its second day, the UST ChES Community Development Committee continues in its noble mission to inform, educate and promote Solid Waste Management through its off-campus event titled  "FOREFRONT: Footsteps Towards A Greener Future” held last February 7, 2016 at North Triangle Alliance, Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal.

Headed by its project heads Arun Nanda Kumar, Maria Kassandra Tan, Jeth Abisams, Hazil Magpayo, and Paula Bacani, the second day of the event was graced with the presence of enlightening speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its two branches, the National Solid Waste Commission (DENR – NSCW) and the Environment Management Bureau - Environmental Education and Information Division (DENR-EMB EEID).

 

 (Left Picture: UST ChES participants scanning the books to be later given as prizes.

(Right Picture: Ms. Zeny Alzate giving an opening message.)

Held at the Kristong Hari chapel by the mountainside, the event was formally opened by Zeny Alzate, the chapel coordinator who praised the efforts of UST ChES and UST Simbahayan (the community development and charity arm of the University of Santo Tomas).

An icebreaker game, Pinoy Henyo, was then played to make the atmosphere lively and to interact with the audience – mostly community residents in the area. The said game was hosted by Hannah Gohing and Hazel Pullan.

Hannah Gohing (left) and Hazel Pullan (right) facilitating a game

A resident guessing the word placed above her head.

The first speaker, Nelie Dimer, from the DENR NSWC, was then called on to discuss the situation of solid waste management in the country. Her hands-on dynamic approach was appreciated by the thirty-strong audience. As she was speaking, volunteers and participants took on their painting materials and trooped to the other side of the chapel to paint some newly-donated garbage bins made of sturdy high density polyethylene.

Ms. Nelie Dimer from the DENR - National Solid Waste Commission

Participants at the outskirts of the chapel smile for the camera.

Ms. Nelie Dimer listens to one of the questions of the residents

After Ms. Dimer finished her interactive lecture, a lunch break was held with the UST participants handing out free food to the participants.

Engr. Binuya, an Engineering Sciences faculty member takes a look at
the work done by the participants and volunteers.

After lunch break, the organizers decide to have another game to get the attention of the residents as they just finished their lunch and were returning to their seats. The game, “Bring Me” had residents scrambling to give the item asked by the two game masters – Kassandra Tan and volunteer Darwin Eugenio. The winners of the game were given prizes – a tote bag from UST ChES’ sponsor M’Lhuillier and a book on making crafts from recycled materials.

Winners of the game (3rd from left to 2nd from right) with their prices.

The last guest speaker, Mr. Niño Pinalva of the DENR-EMB-EEID, presented numerous powerpoint and audio-visual presentations discussing some of the grievous environmental problems the country is facing and how communities can work together to address such issues. The community members present in the chapel listened intently as he discussed these issues.

Mr. Nino Pinalva of the DENR EMB-EEID

A roundtable discussion was held among grouped community members and UST participants to discuss on the solutions they promised to do in order to improve solid waste management practices of their community. The fruits of these discussions were then discussed among the entire audience afterwards.

A resident reading a book on making crafts from recycled materials.

The event was formally closed by Arun Kumar, who thanked the participants for giving their full attention to the speakers. A photo-taking opportunity was then held before the community residents left the chapel.

Residents smile for the camera

Mr. Nino Pinalva (4th from left) being awarded a certificate of appreciation.
He is flanked by the project heads of Forefront.

“Nag-enjoy mga volunteers. Everyone just fell into place, maraming natutunan, at maraming learning opportunities.” remarked Arun Kumar, also the Chair of the UST ChES Community Development Committee.

A group photo of the residents and volunteers. In front of them are the four
garbage bins donated by UST ChES ComDev.

“Interacting with the community was fun. Even if I’m just a young college student, they listened and had fun sharing their thoughts on how they could mitigate the amount of trash they produce. I felt at home with them, unexpectedly. They also shared, with visible happiness, their contributions in managing solid waste. I really recommend this event as it brings out the inner volunteer in you.” a 5^th year-level volunteer said.

The participants and volunteers from UST.

Two faculty members, Prof. Edna Quinto and Engr. Rose Ann Tamolang, also participated and observed the event. The third and final day of FOREFRONT will be held on February 21, 2015 and is open to all UST-ChES members.