The Junior Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers – University of Batangas Batangas City Campus (JPIIE-UBBC) and Soroptimist International Batangas Premier formally strengthened their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on October 17, 2025, at Conde Labac Integrated School.
The collaboration aims to advance environmental sustainability and education through projects integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), vermiculture, and aquaponics.
The event served as a cornerstone for future initiatives under the Green Hub Project, an Industrial Engineering research-based sustainability program promoting community-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Participants included students, faculty members, girl scouts, boy scouts, Soroptimists, and representatives from Conde Labac Integrated School, all united by the shared goal of fostering innovation for sustainable living.
During the ceremony, representatives from both organizations delivered their messages of commitment, emphasizing the value of education and collaboration in achieving sustainable development. The MOA signing formally sealed the partnership between JPIIE-UBBC and Soroptimist International Batangas Premier, marking the beginning of joint projects that will extend the reach of sustainability education across local communities.
Following the signing, a seminar on vermiculture and aquaponics was conducted to educate participants on eco-friendly farming and waste management practices. Facilitators discussed the environmental and economic benefits of recycling organic waste into fertilizer and adopting aquaponics systems for food production. These discussions were anchored on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The highlight of the session was a live demonstration on vermicomposting, where Industrial Engineering students showcased how to construct a vermicompost bin, turning biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The hands-on activity encouraged participants to implement similar initiatives in their homes and schools.
The event concluded with the launch of the Green Hub, a sustainability platform designed to bridge academic research and community-based environmental action. Closing remarks from both organizations expressed gratitude for the successful collaboration and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting environmental awareness and education.
According to the organizers, the activity met all its objectives, effectively educating participants and strengthening inter-organizational collaboration. Attendees expressed interest in applying the knowledge gained to real-life community practices, underscoring the success of the initiative.
For future undertakings, organizers recommended follow-up sessions to monitor the implementation of vermiculture and aquaponics in local schools and communities. They also suggested expanding partnerships to further amplify the impact of SDG-aligned programs.
Reflecting on the experience, JPIIE-UBBC members highlighted the event’s significance in transforming classroom research into tangible community solutions, reinforcing the role of collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability. The initiative not only advanced environmental advocacy but also inspired participants to become active contributors to a greener, more resilient future.