Written by Ms. Loida Diaz, Ms. Risalyn Elegado and Ms. Daphne Dee Dogcio | UBHS Faculty Members
On January 8, 2025, the UBHS faculty gathered for an enlightening seminar entitled Zero Plastic Management held during the In-Service Training (INSET) at the UB Legacy Hall. The seminar aimed to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote sustainable practices within their classrooms and communities. This also supports the initial implementation of the “No to Single Use Plastic (SUP)” program of UBHS that started last August where students are encouraged to use water bottles and food containers.

Speakers from Zero Waste Baguio, Inc. were invited to share their expertise on the impact of plastic waste on the environment. Their presentation provided valuable insights into how plastic pollution affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Through engaging discussions and compelling visuals, the speakers highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address this pressing issue.
They emphasized the importance of reducing plastic consumption, promoting sustainable alternatives, and fostering community awareness to mitigate the harmful effects of plastic waste on our planet.
The first speaker, Ms. Maria Victoria D. Bautista, provided an insightful overview of the current waste management situation in the City of Baguio. She highlighted the significant financial burden the city faces, spending millions annually on transporting tons of waste to disposal sites. Ms. Bautista emphasized that these funds could be redirected to more sustainable initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving the environment.

Ms. Ofelia DC Giron, on the other hand, shed light on the detrimental effects of microplastics on both the environment and human health. She presented research findings demonstrating that microplastics are pervasive, infiltrating various materials and even being detected within the human body. Ms. Giron strongly emphasized the urgent need to phase out the use of materials that generate microplastics, as these pose significant risks to human well-being and the ecosystem.
Lastly, Mr. Ulysses G. Dalog, provided valuable insights into the key elements of the school’s newly crafted policy on zero plastic management. He stressed the importance of incorporating detailed and actionable strategies within the policy to ensure its successful implementation. Mr. Dalog underscored the need to prioritize the elimination of commonly observed waste types that can be addressed effectively and efficiently, advocating for a focused and practical approach to reducing plastic waste.
In conclusion, the Zero Plastic Management seminar served not only as a powerful platform to raise awareness on this pressing issue but also as a drive to push for the full implementation of SUP Program in the coming school year.
(Photo: Let’s go ZERO! UBHS faculty poses in support to Zero Waste Baguio, Inc’s goal!)

It is with hope that the UBHS community will contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste, promoting environmental sustainability, and inspiring collective action toward a greener future– an initiative to break free from plastic!