The Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao hosted the “Dialogue Series on the Construction of the 540-MW Coal-Fired Power Plant in Kausuwagan, Lanao Del Norte” this June 24, 2016 at MSU-IIT’s College of Education Amphitheater.
The first part of the dialogue was composed of three speakers namely Dr. Sabdullah Abubacar, Regional Director of EMB, DENR, Region 10 who talked about Environmental Laws, Policies, and Compliance, Gabino Raman G. Mejia, Executive Vice President of GNPower Kausuwagan Ltd. Co. also discussed Sustainable Development Program of GNPL, and Peter Robbins, Construction Manager/Mechanical Commissioning Engineer who concluded the session with the Technical Aspect of GNPower Kausuwagan, Ltd. Co.
“Health is largely influenced by our environment, economy, and community” says medical doctor Daphne D. Bate, one of the speakers of the event and a Pulmonologist of the Lung Center of the Philippines.
She talked about the Air Quality and the Coal-fired Plant in relation to health along with Engr. Reynaldo S. Tejada, Project Manager from RRR & Associates and an Air Quality Expert who conducts the Baseline Monitoring and Air Dispersion Modeling. The event was concluded with a discussion on the Coal Plant, Water Quality and Marine Life by Dr. Ma. Vivian dela Cruz Camacho, a Water Quality and Aquatic Ecology Specialist.
The event was participated by the SCO, Healthy Environment Movement, Philippine Nurses Association, and students from IMCC, MSU-IIT, and MSU-Naawan whose Chancellor also participated in the dialogue.
The event aimed to promote awareness about the Coal-Fired Power Plant in Kauswagan and the operations conducted by the speakers.
by Bainorah L. Amate, OVCPD and Ian S. Embradura, OPI
In their search for the most environmentally active schools in the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded the Institute as the regional winner in the 2015 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.
This recognition makes IIT Region 10’s national finalist.
The Institute was also awarded the “Energy Leadership Award” by the Meralco Foundation
Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Feliciano B. Alagao received the plaque on November 16 at the awarding ceremony in Cagayan de Oro City.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (OVCPD) was up to the challenge in collating all the documents required.
Documents from Board of Regents (BOR) Resolutions, Memoranda, to Special Orders were all bound into one thick volume of policies and programs that were instigated, implemented, and promoted in the Institute. These initiatives prove to be collaborative efforts within offices to operate efficiently without neglecting environmental concerns.
Such programs include the declaration of “No Plastic Day” every day; the Dropbox system that minimized paper wastage; and, the gradual replacement of compact fluorescent lamps into LED lights.
As an academic institution, IIT also integrates an environment-related curriculum in its 103 undergraduate and 54 graduate degree programs.
Engineering students have also contributed to this environmental movement in their design and concept of two prototype vehicles –“Layalang” (Gasolline) and “Tarintik II” (Battery Electric)—to achieve the highest energy efficiency. These were the students’ entry in the regular Shell Eco-Marathon Competition sponsored by Shell Eco-Marathon Asia (SEMA) that challenges young engineering students to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency.
Graduate programs pertaining to environment and development are also offered in the Institute. These are Master of Science in Environmental Science, Master in Development Studies, Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development Studies, and Doctor in Sustainable Development Studies This is in response to IIT’s commitment to contribute to the development of the MINSUPALA Region, especially for the sustainability of the community-based resources for present and future utilization.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognizes MSU-IIT as a Center of Excellence in Science and Technology. This bears the responsibility and mandate of developing solutions for the numerous environment-related problems that include the socio-cultural, political, and economic environment.
DENR’s recognition is only a testament. All these policies, memoranda, and academic efforts sum up the Institute’s mission of conserving, preserving, and rehabilitating the environment.
This is the Institute’s second time to join the said contest. In 2013, IIT only placed 4th in the Regional search.
