By: Diana Lyn G. Tamayo
The University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES) continues to strengthen its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through active community partnerships and sustainable practices. Recently, in collaboration with the Igorota Foundation and Zero Waste Baguio Incorporated, UBLES took part in a seminar on waste management and sustainability—an initiative that embodies SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
A Passionate Pursuit for Environmental Stewardship
The seminar highlighted innovative community-led strategies to reduce waste, promote recycling, and foster sustainable habits. The resource speakers emphasized that protecting the environment requires collective responsibility. Their message resonated strongly with the UBLES community, which has long integrated environmental consciousness into both academic and co-curricular activities.
“As a science teacher, I believe education is the strongest tool we have in shaping responsible citizens “By instilling environmental values at an early age, we are preparing our learners not just for academic success but for a lifetime of stewardship.”
Strengthening Ties Through Partnerships
Recognizing that sustainability thrives on collaboration, UBLES has formalized its partnership with the Igorota Foundation and Zero Waste Baguio through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This initiative reflects UBLES’ commitment to building strong community linkages that extend beyond the school walls.
“The MOA allows us to engage our students, teachers, and parents in hands-on sustainability projects,” explained. “It’s not just about signing a document—it’s about building relationships that empower our school community to act together for the environment.”
Through this partnership, UBLES stakeholders actively participate in waste reduction drives, recycling programs, and community-based education campaigns. Parents have expressed pride in seeing their children lead at home in practicing sustainability, while teachers have found new opportunities to integrate SDG principles into their classroom lessons.
Living the Mantra: “We Only Live on One Planet”
For UBLES, sustainability is more than an advocacy it is a way of life instilled in learners at a young age. The school community embraces the principle that “we only live on one planet,” a reminder that every action has consequences.
“We want our learners to realize that their small actions like segregating waste or refusing single-use plastics matter,” shared one UBLES parent volunteer. “These simple habits, when practiced by many, can change the way our community lives.”
A Ripple Effect of Change
The impact of these efforts goes beyond UBLES. With every student who brings sustainable habits into their homes, every teacher who integrates sustainability into lessons, and every parent who models waste-conscious practices, a ripple effect is created that influences the larger community of Baguio City.
“When our students go home and remind their families to recycle or conserve energy, we know the message is spreading beyond the classroom, “This is how education transforms communities.”
A Call to Action
UBLES invites its stakeholders and the wider community to be part of this shared journey:
- Support waste reduction initiatives in schools and communities.
- Practice responsible consumption and recycling in daily life.
- Engage in partnerships that promote sustainable development.
Together, UBLES and its partners stand as a testament that small actions—when multiplied within a community—can create a big impact for sustainability. This ongoing collaboration serves as a model of how education and community engagement, aligned with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), can shape a more sustainable future for all.
