by Kimberly T. Gahilomo, BA Comm-4 OJT

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas with officials from CPU and USAID.

A team led by the CPU University Research Center Director and CCBO-CPU Project Manager Dr. Mary O’ Territorio Penetrante signed a memorandum of agreement for a joint project implementation planning activity with the city government and representatives from USAID last March 1, 2022 .

Dr. Penetrante together with her team members; Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa; Dr. Ananias Sabijon; Engr. Bernie Cangrejo; Engr. Ron Adrian Dionaldo; Prof. Rea Balontong; and admin asst. – Ms. Ligaya Caniel, aims to analyze social behaviors to formulate solutions that can help reduce waste products and marine liters.

The said project has two major activities. First, is to conduct a consumer research where they will analyze the behavior of the citizens in their respective communities and what type of garbage they emit. Second, is to conduct a formative research where they are required to understand the norms and personal feelings of the people living in this communities for them to be able to formulate possible solution for the problem.

The team also hopes to involve recycling chain actors such as junk shops and garbage collectors as well as business establishments, barangay officials and NGOs to this activity.

“We worked hard para makuha ini siya,” Dr, Penetrante said pertaining to her personal views in regards with the signing of the MOA “…the selection is very stringent. We are lucky nga nakuha amon proposal”.

The said activity will be conducted this April and will focus on three barangays that has creeks leading up to the Iloilo River – Brgy. Bolilao, Brgy. Magsaysay and Brgy. Kaluwa.