By The Centralian Link
Ma. Nelte E. Catunao of CPU-CARES joins international participants in a field visit during the Municipal Waste Management Workshop at Universitas Gadjah Mada, gaining firsthand insights into sustainable waste management practices and community-based environmental solutions in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Central Philippine University (CPU) strengthened its international engagement in environmental sustainability through the participation of Ma. Nelte E. Catunao, faculty member of the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES), in the international short program, “Municipal Waste Management: Workshop and Fieldtrip – Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Solutions,” held at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26, 2026.
Catunao was one of only 25 participants selected from 408 applicants representing 42 countries, providing an opportunity for CPU to take part in an international exchange of knowledge and experiences related to environmental sustainability and municipal waste management.
Organized by the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, the program forms part of UGM’s commitment to community service and sustainable development under its Tri Dharma of Higher Education. It was designed to demonstrate how universities, local governments, communities, and industries can collaborate in addressing municipal waste challenges.
The week-long program combined expert-led workshops, field visits, community engagement, and collaborative discussions covering waste reduction and segregation, recycling, composting, organic waste valorization, circular economy approaches, and community-based waste management.
Participants were given firsthand exposure to various environmental and waste management initiatives in and around Yogyakarta. Among the program activities were visits to Wisdom Park and RINDU PIAT, followed by field visits to IPAL Sewon and Piyungan Landfill. Participants also observed waste processing initiatives in Minomartani and joined community service activities in the Kota Baru and Klitren areas.
Beyond technical learning, the program emphasized the importance of community participation and institutional collaboration in creating sustainable solutions to waste problems. It also provided a platform for participants from different countries and academic backgrounds to exchange perspectives, develop intercultural competencies, and discuss the shared responsibility of communities and institutions in building cleaner and more resilient cities.
The program particularly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
Catunao expressed her appreciation to Universitas Gadjah Mada for the opportunity to participate in the international program and to Central Philippine University for supporting her participation through airfare and travel allowance.
For Catunao, the experience goes beyond international exposure. The knowledge and practices gained from the workshop and field activities provide opportunities to enrich environmental education and explore approaches that may be adapted to the local context.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn firsthand how universities, communities, local governments, and other sectors can work together toward sustainable waste management. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and exploring how these experiences can contribute to our teaching, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement at Central Philippine University.”
Through participation in international programs such as this, CPU continues to expand opportunities for global academic engagement, faculty development, sustainability education, and the exchange of practices that can contribute to addressing environmental challenges within the university and the wider community.