November 27 was a momentous day as UPLB joined the nationwide celebration of the 17th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week) with a seminar and a rollout of campus electric microbuses at the Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center.

Organized in partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the event was graced by CCC Secretary Robert E. A. Borje, who delivered an engaging message to more than 200 students of the UP Rural High School. In his keynote address, Borje emphasized the role of the youth in protecting the future of the planet and building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Philippines. 

“Remember that the fight against climate change is everybody’s responsibility and your actions matter. We, the older generation, are responsible to help the young and make sure that you are prepared for the challenges of your future. But I think you have the opportunity to change things around, because you can tell us ‘you know you did your part, but we think we can do better,” Borje said.

The seminar featured a dynamic lineup of speakers who highlighted various aspects of climate change. Jerome E. Ilagan, chief of the CCC Policy Research and Development Division, provided an overview of key laws and policies addressing climate change. 

Two of UPLB’s experts shared their knowledge on climate change. Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, dean of the College of Human Ecology, explored the human ecology dimensions of climate change, while Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, professor at the College of Forestry and Natural Sciences and former member of the CCC National Panel of Technical Experts, delved into the science, impacts, and strategies for responding to the climate crisis.

After the seminar, UPLB and CCC officials, along with event guests, took the inaugural ride on the electric microbuses labeled “eLBeep,” which stands for Electric Light Bus for the Environment and Economy Partnership. 

As part of the UPLB Green Mobility Initiative, eLBeep aims to modernize campus transportation by forging partnerships and adopting environment-friendly and sustainable mobility solutions. 

The microbuses, acquired by the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Drivers at Operators ng Los Baños (SNODLOB) Transport Service and Multi-purpose Cooperative from a Laguna-based vehicle assembler, exemplify UPLB’s commitment to zero-emission transportation and green energy systems.

Like the current fleet of Tipaklong e-bikes and e-scooters on the campus, the eLBeep units will be powered by solar energy and will service two routes: UPLB Loop and UPLB-UPRHS-Jubileeville.

In his message, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cereno highlighted that the approval of the said routes and deployment of public utility vehicles was a result of coordination by the UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), SNODLOB, and the Los Baños local government. 

Cereno further noted that the eLBeep and Tipaklong mobility projects, and the promotion of commuter services between UPLB and UPD campuses, are vital steps in UPLB’s vision to future-proof its campus and champion sustainability for the wider community. 

Meanwhile, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. said that the joint initiative reflects UPLB’s commitment to proactively addressing global climate issues. 

He said that by advancing sustainable transportation and responsible climate actions, UPLB aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities through safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transport solutions, and SDG 13, which emphasizes climate action through reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy systems.

Laguna Provincial Administrator Dulce H. Rebanal, Los Baños Vice Mayor Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista, and Assemblepoint Philippines Inc. founder and chief executive officer Takashi Miyashita graced the event. Representatives from the LTFRB Region IV-A and SNODLOB joined them.

The celebration of CCC Week is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1667, signed in 2008 by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, emphasizing the country’s commitment to climate awareness and action. (Roi Mojado)