By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU NSTP-ROTC Coordinator 2LT Artemio I. Romingquit PA (Ret) (left), CPU NSTP Coordinator Prof. Annalie D. Gilongos (2nd from left), and CPU NSTP-CWTS Coordinator Ma. Leen C. Gahum pose for a photo after presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the resource speaker, Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement (2nd from right).
On September 21, 2024, the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of Central Philippine University (CPU) held a plenary session on Environmental Protection, gathering students from the CWTS and ROTC programs. Hosted at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, the event sought to deepen students’ understanding of sustainability and inspire them to take action against environmental degradation.
The session commenced with a devotional and invocation led by Mrs. Mariana T. Erdao, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater song. Mrs. Hannah Lee S. Canlas then introduced the resource speaker, Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement, who delivered an insightful lecture titled “Stewardship of the Environment: I Can Do It!”
Dr. Castigador emphasized the session’s objectives, stating, “At the end of the discussion, the students should be able to have gained additional knowledge and competencies on the various environmental laws, concepts, and principles; make an action plan that will address environmental concerns particularly in their home, school and the community; value involvement as environment advocates and partners in taking care of the school/community premises clean and green; have the passion of keeping the home/school and community environment-friendly; and share the love for the environment.”
Her lecture covered key topics, including Introduction to Environmental Protection and Management, the Seven Principles of Environmentalism, Environmental Laws, Forest Protection and Conservation, Water Sanitation and Conservation, and The Role of the Youth in Environmental Protection and Management.
Dr. Castigador concluded by highlighting practical actions that youth can take, drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
This success of this plenary session marks a significant step toward integrating environmental consciousness into the NSTP curriculum, reinforcing the program’s mission to promote civic responsibility and community development. It also forms part of the university’s broader sustainability initiative, aiming to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship within the Centralian community.