STA MESA, MANILA, April 19, 2023 – The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) community signed a memorandum of agreement with 350 Pilipinas for collaborative undertakings on climate action and renewable energy campaigns at the University.
The agreement centers around researching applicable policies, conducting energy and accessibility audits, exploring energy efficiency and renewables, developing infrastructure for active transport, providing access for bimodal commutes, and setting up solar-powered charging stations that are accessible to students.
The agreement, signed by Polytechnic University of the Philippines President Manuel M. Muhi with 350 Pilipinas Coordinator, Arfread De Mesa. The signing was joined with Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities’ (ICSC) RE-Charge Pilipinas, and Center for Environmental Studies – Polytechnic University of the Philippines (CES-PUP), PUP-NSTP, PUP Institute of Technology as we move forward into transitioning towards renewable energy, sustainable practices and paving ways into building a green campus who are committed to movement building that is centered organizing communities of practice centered around climate action.
“We express our gratitude to the PUP Community, Center for Empowerment, Innovation and Training on Renewable Energy (CentRE), it’s member organizations: Center for Environmental Studies – Polytechnic University of the Philippines (CES-PUP) and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).We express our thanks to the solar power resources donated from POWER 4 all and other organizations that continue to support these initiatives towards a cleaner and more sustainable planet” said Arfread De Mesa, 350 Pilipinas Coordinator
This partnership started by sharing community-based solutions as shared through a recent climate forum and renewable energy workshop. This partnership entails climate action campaigns within the university administration, the academe and its student body that address both local and grassroot needs and contribute to reducing their campus’ carbon footprint. Additionally, it highlighted the collaboration of groups and institutions, from students, faculty members, to campus administrators and non-government organizations participate in activities and initiatives
The signing of the agreement is timely, as it falls within the celebration of Earth Week, a global movement that highlights the need to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.
“Palagay ko, bahagi na talaga ito [ang partnership] ng paga-align ng liwanag na ibibigay ninyo. Muli sa bahagi ng sintang paaralan kami po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat ganon na rin yung mga alam ko makikinabang husto yung mga estudyante natin bukod doon, [makikinabang] ang mga outside NCR campuses atsaka branches, maraming maraming salamat po. I hope hindi ito yung una at huli nating engagement. We are hoping na sa susunod na mga buwan ay meron na tayong iba pang mga activities na gagawin nang sa gayon ay maachieve natin yung goal natin” said Dr. Manuel Muhi, PUP President
“PUP adds its voice to resounding calls for a fossil-free world. This Memorandum of Understanding with 350 Pilipinas and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a product of the University’s commitment for the preservation, conservation, and revitalization of the environment and reduction of its carbon footprint and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.” said Jimmy Fernando, Chief of PUP- Center for Environmental Studies
“We need renewable engineers and technicians to set up, run and sustain the RE industry. There could be no better place to start renewable energy education in a university like PUP, where students and professors innovate solutions for the betterment of people in terms of affordable, reliable, and secure energy, as well as doable solutions at the grassroots level to address the climate crisis,” said Arturo Tahup, Director for Community Resilience of ICSC’s RE-Charge Pilipinas, who works on community-driven renewable energy innovation to achieving climate resilience and inclusive low-carbon development in the Philippines.
The collaboration between students, youth organizations, NGOs, and the academe sends a strong message that a collective effort is needed to transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices. It also inspires others to take part in building a greener and more sustainable future.
This collective action, sparks light and hope for brighter and greener future without fossil fuels
#FossilFreePUP