The inaugural National Workshop on UI GreenMetric for Philippine Universities, a milestone event, unfolded on October 26th, 2023, with Batangas State University proudly playing host. Attended virtually by an impressive assembly of approximately 300 participants from various Philippine universities, this symposium featured a diverse array of speakers representing esteemed institutions across the country.

The proceedings commenced with an eloquent opening by Moderator Vanessah Castillo, Assistant Director at Batangas State University. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University, followed suit with opening remarks, underscoring the workshop's significance in raising awareness about environmental issues among Philippine universities. He expressed deep honor in hosting the inaugural UI GreenMetric workshop, emphasizing the pivotal role of universities in contributing to sustainable development.

Moderator, Vanessah Castillo


President of Batangas State University, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo

Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., M.Sc., added her perspective in the opening remarks, expressing hope that the workshop would inspire Philippine universities to actively pursue sustainability on their campuses, as reflected in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., M.Sc.

The keynote address was delivered by the honorable Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha, the Mayor of Batangas City, who underscored the critical importance of sustainable development goals, environmental protection, and social-economic security. Mayor Dimacuha highlighted the collaborative efforts between universities and cities in achieving sustainability.

Mayor of Batangas City, Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimancuha

The next agenda, Architect Alvin R. Delavega from Tarlac Agricultural University took the stage as the first speaker, sharing his university's best practices in achieving sustainable settings and infrastructures based on UI GreenMetric indicators. Subsequently, Mr. Bobby Eclarin, Chief of Knowledge Management Unit at Mariano Marcos State University, provided a comprehensive overview of his campus's initiatives in addressing energy and climate change issues.

Architect Alvin R. Delavega from Tarlac Agricultural University


Mr. Bobby Eclarin, Chief of Knowledge Management Unit at Mariano Marcos State University

The agenda seamlessly transitioned to a presentation by Engr. Beverly M. Bas, the Campus Development Director from Manila Central University, focusing on waste management best practices. Dr. Ruki Harwahyu, S.T., M.T., M.Sc., an Expert Member of UI GreenMetric, delved into the essence of UI GreenMetric, covering its definition, vision, mission, methodology, network, and a tutorial on data submission for rankings.

Engr. Beverly M. Bas, the Campus Development Director from Manila Central University


Dr. Ruki Harwahyu, S.T., M.T., M.Sc., an Expert Member of UI GreenMetric

Engr. Lovely Cantos Annonuevo, Head of the Environmental Management Unit at Batangas State University, shared insights on water management best practices based on UI GreenMetric's water indicators. Mr. Reodel Masilungan, the Environment and Sustainability Activities Coordinator at De La Salle University, elaborated on transportation management best practices at his institution.

Engr. Lovely Cantos Annonuevo, Head of the Environmental Management Unit at Batangas State University


Mr. Reodel Masilungan, the Environment and Sustainability Activities Coordinator at De La Salle University

The agenda progressed to the realm of Education and Research, with presentations from Vaberlie P. Mandane-Garcia, PhD, the Sustainable Development Officer at Batangas State University, and John Kevin de Castro, Associate Dean for Program Development and Quality Assurance at Batangas State University. Their presentations delved into the universities' best practices in managing education and research, including teaching methodologies aligned with sustainable development goals.

Vaberlie P. Mandane-Garcia, PhD, the Sustainable Development Officer at Batangas State University


John Kevin de Castro, Associate Dean for Program Development and Quality Assurance at Batangas State University

The presentation session culminated in an open forum for questions and answers, fostering lively discussions among participants, including experts and academics, and government representatives. This collective engagement not only deepened shared knowledge but also instilled a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to address the pressing challenges of our time. The workshop aimed to serve as a catalyst for Philippine universities, reminding them of their crucial role in contributing to the success of sustainable development goals through active participation in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.