๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐
To gain an overview of the UI GreenMetric (UIGM) and learn about the Tarlac Agricultural Universityโs (TAU) best practices, the Leyte Normal University (LNU) conducted a benchmarking visit to TAU on 8โ9 July.ย
The LNU delegation was led by Dr. Rommel L. Verecio, Dean of the Graduate School and Concurrent Director of International Affairs and External Linkages, together with Dr. Jose Ismael S. Salamia, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Pollution Control; Dr. Las Johansen B. Caluza, Professor VI; Mr. Michael Jun M. Ponciano, Director of Physical Plants and Facilities; Mr. Bryan Joseph E. Matillano, Coordinator of the BSEd-Science Unit; Mr. Leo Reaywen M. Tugonon, Academic Chair of the Entrepreneurship Department; Mr. Reynerio B. Mendoza, Coordinator of Research and Innovation of the Graduate School; and Mr. Rico V. Combinido, Website Administrator of the IT Support Office.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the University President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC Salunson, Dr. Leonell P. Lijauco, Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance (VPPQA), conveyed Dr. Salunsonโs message to LNU.
โThis benchmarking activity opens opportunities for both institutions to explore potential collaborations in research; faculty, staff, and student mobility; and joint advocacy on sustainable development. It underscores that mutual advancement is best achieved through purposeful partnerships that harness shared values and strengths,โ Dr. Salunson stated as relayed by Dr. Lijauco.
Enriching quality education through this benchmarking visit, Dr. Verecio expressed: โThis learning will serve as a valuable benchmark as we continue to enhance our campus sustainability efforts and improve our environmental indicators. More importantly, we are aligned in our shared vision of promoting responsible stewardship and sustainable development within the academic sector.โ
โWe are optimistic that this dialogue will serve as a foundation for continued partnership between our institutions, as we collectively work toward creating greener, smarter, and more sustainable universities for the future,โ Dr. Verecio added, realizing the IZN and collaborative efforts between TAU and LNU.
Showcasing TAUโs institutional strategies and achievements aligned with UIGM indicators and ongoing sustainability initiatives, Mr. Julius C. Consul of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) presented an overview of UIGM, while Engr. Benjie M. Dela Vega, Director of the General Services Office (GSO), discussed Energy and Climate Change indicators.
On the other hand, Engr. Jesus Tolentino, Chief of Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM), presented Waste and Water Management; Engr. Benedict Pueyo tackled Transportation services at TAU, while Arch. Alvin Dela Vega of the Planning and Development Office (PDO) identified the Setting and Infrastructure of the University.
Lastly, Dr. Maria Elena T. Caguioa, Director of the Department of Research and Development (DRD), showcased TAUโs extensive services and research practices aligned with the UIGMโs Education and Research in Sustainability indicator.
After an in-depth discussion to understand TAUโs sustainability practices, the LNU delegates, together with ELIA staff, visited the Universityโs Smart Agriculture Center, Engineered Bamboo Facility, Research and Development Department, Food Processing Center, Rootcrops and Research Training Center, as well as the Calao Forest Reserve in San Jose, Mayantoc.
Through this benchmarking visit, the LNU delegates gained perspectives into TAUโs strategic components at the UIGM World University Rankings. In 2024, TAU secured the 324th spot, marking a significant step toward establishing TAU as an internationally recognized university committed to environmental leadership and academic cooperation.
#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #LNU #Leyte #EasternVisayas #SDG4 #SDG17
Article and Photos | External Linkages and International Affairs