The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) of Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, recently conducted a Capacity Building and Sustainability Benchmarking Workshop, gathering Sustainable Development Office (SDO) Heads and Coordinators across the university system. The event aimed to strengthen campus capacities in project development, implementation, and sustainability reporting.

The morning session featured a hands-on workshop facilitated by Mr. John Maico M. Hernandez, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-CALABARZON PSTO Batangas. His session focused on enhancing the skills of participants in sustainability planning and implementation of SDG-aligned projects.

In the afternoon session, participants presented their sustainability data reports covering FY 2024 to the first quarter of FY 2025. Presentations were facilitated by Mr. Rafael Ramirez, who also provided feedback and guided improvements on the data submitted by each campus.

The workshop concluded with a benchmarking session, where campuses highlighted their flagship sustainability practices. Initiatives shared included waste reduction programs, campus-wide plastic ban, and bicycle-sharing programs. Participants also discussed what strategies worked well and areas where enhancements could be made, drawing insights from each other’s experiences.

Attended by SDO Heads and staff from five (5) constituent campuses, along with SDO Coordinators from six (6) extension campuses, the workshop served as a platform for benchmarking and sharing best practices in campus sustainability efforts.