Strengthening Safe, Professional, and Sustainable Laboratory Practices
Written by Bernadine G. Bernabe, RPm (CSR)
In line with its commitment to global standards, academic excellence, and sustainable development, the University of Baguio Central Supply Room (CSR) spearheaded the Laboratory In-Service Training for First Semester 2025-2026, conducted on August 1 and August 5-7, 2025 at the Food and Beverage Laboratory Room MD04 with more than 180 participants, including laboratory custodians, dental infirmary technicians, and student assistants. The four-day training underscored safety, competence, responsible laboratory management, and alignment of operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Towards a Safer and Sustainable Learning Environment
The training aimed to build a safer, more efficient, and sustainable laboratory environment, fostering a workplace culture grounded in teamwork, responsibility, and global development standards.
“These sessions ensure that custodians, technicians, and student assistants are not only prepared for daily laboratory operations but also empowered to uphold values of safety, professionalism, and sustainability,” shared Ms. Jaqueline G. Hernandez, Head of UB-CSR and Overall Coordinator of the program.
The training advanced essential topics strengthened Laboratory Practices in connection with the SDGs, namely:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being (3.4.1, 3.9.3)
Through Laboratory Safety and Compliance Training, participants were equipped with knowledge and skills to ensure the physical and psychological safety of both staff and students. By embedding proper safety protocols, the university directly supports the health and well-being of its academic community. - SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (8.6.1, 8.8.1)
The Good Laboratory Practices Training emphasized professionalism, accountability, and efficiency. By fostering ethical responsibility and skill development, the program prepared participants to contribute meaningfully to a productive and growth-oriented work culture. - SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4.2, 12.5.1)
The Laboratory Waste Management Training highlighted sustainable handling and disposal of laboratory waste. This initiative empowered participants to minimize environmental impact, ensuring that laboratory operations are aligned with responsible consumption and eco-friendly practices. - SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (16.6.2, 16.7.1)
The Recollection and Orientation sessions reinforced values of transparency, ethics, and accountability. These practices build institutional integrity, promoting trust and fairness within the UB academic community.
Impact and Sustainable Development Goals Alignment
This initiative underscores UB’s proactive role in aligning academic operations with global sustainability goals. By reinforcing responsible laboratory practices, enhancing safety protocols, and promoting accountability, the training directly contributes to the university’s mission by producing competent professionals while advancing community welfare and environmental responsibility. The Laboratory In-Service Training stands as testament to UB’s belief that education must go hand-in-hand with ethical responsibility and sustainable practices to ensure that laboratories are not just centers of learning but also models of safety, stewardship, and shared growth.
