CatSU forms team to address university projects' environmental considerations
AdministrationTo
ensure that environmental considerations associated with university projects
are addressed, the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Admin and
Financial Affairs, led by Dr. Art I. Tabirara, established the CatSU
Environmental Impact Statement Team (EIS) at Catanduanes State University
(CatSU).
Assisted
by Engr. Rafael R. Manoguid, CatSU Pollution Control Officer, and Dr. Ramon F.
Samonte, CatSU Panganiban Campus OIC-Director, the EIS Workshop formulation
took place on June 5, 2023, at the Accreditation Room.
The
workshop focused on EIS Formulation and Assessment and aimed to systematically
evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed university projects,
including economic zones for CatSU and other infrastructure projects.
According
to Engr. Manoguid, the purpose of the workshop was to provide decision-makers,
stakeholders, and the public with comprehensive information and analysis
regarding the PEZA projects. It aimed to assess the potential impacts on the
environment, as well as associated risks and benefits to various environmental
components such as air quality, water resources, ecosystems, biodiversity,
cultural heritage, and social aspects.
The
primary goals of the workshop can be summarized as follows: identify and assess
direct and indirect environmental impacts, predict and evaluate alternatives,
enhance project design and planning, facilitate public participation, and promote
sustainable development.
"In
line with our SUC president's Vision of HOPE and with economic zones for the
university, we want to ensure that we are able to facilitate decision-making
and promote sustainable development. We also want to determine if there are
more environmentally friendly options available and ensure that the projects
are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner," Engr. Manoguid
said.
Engr.
Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, Planning and Development Officer, presented the
university's Land Utilization and Development Plan for both the Main and
Panganiban Campuses. The plan included various projects such as the residential
complex, sports complex, health and wellness complex, commercial complex, the
Knowledge, Innovations, Science and Technology (KIST) Park, Engineering and
Architecture complex, Education, Law, Business, Arts, Sciences complex, Alumni
Center, as well as Graduate Studies. He also discussed the Infrastructure Map
and the general administration and other Support Service facilities.
Meanwhile,
Dr. Tabirara expressed his gratitude to the teams and commended everyone for
their collaborative efforts, expertise, and commitment to ensuring CatSU's
success in obtaining an ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate) for all the
university's general projects.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of Environmental Impact Statement formulation aligned with CatSU's goals and identity as a green university, impacting not only the community but also the entire province and the nation.
The
EIS consists of six identified stages: Information Education Campaign, Public
Scoping, Technical Scoping, Public Hearing, Technical Hearing, Final Hearing,
and the grant of ECC.
The
CatSU Main and Panganiban Campus Teams are composed of the following members:
Dr. Ramon F. Samonte, CatSU PC OIC-Director; Dr. Jaymund M. Floranza, CatSU PC
Vice President for Admin and Finance Affairs; Prof. Eduardo C. Peña; Engr.
Johnmar F. Cordial; Ms. Maria Johanna U. Socito; Ms. Krisha Nell B. Lopez,
CatSU PC Pollution Control Officer; Prof. Ma. Luz A. Floralde, Natural Science
Department Chair; Prof. Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla; Dr. Rommel R. Regala; Prof.
Francis B. Tatel; Engr. Renato T. Chong of the Project Management Office; and
Ms. Caroline Vecilles of Corporate Communications Services. #civ
