In a bid to support Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in promoting environmental sustainability in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College (LGPC) hosted the Echo Seminar on Capability Building Workshop for Green TVET Focals on April 23-24, 2025 at LGPC DormTel.
The program was headed by the Regional Green TVET Focals, Engr. Ma. Juna C. Sarroza, Senior TESD Specialist of RTC-Iloilo, and Ms. Joanne Michole V. Biboso, Instructor I of LGPC, as part of their commitment to strengthen the green initiatives of the region.
To seek support from the experts in the field, Ms. Seth Antonette G. Villagracia, Head Executive Assistant of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Sara was invited as a resource speaker.
Dr. Ariel Reckonette B. Villanueva, Vocational School Superintendent I of LGPC also actively showed his support by welcoming the participants, “I am very happy today to host one of our partners in this endeavor [DENR CENRO-Sara], especially in greening and in Green TVET. I’m [also] expecting that you’ll enjoy your stay in Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College.”
He added, “This is a very pressing matter because whatever we might achieve in other fields, if you won’t be able to protect the environment, [it won’t matter] anyway. Every day, especially in the past few weeks, you can really feel the heat of the summer just by going out. One you go out, you will really feel that there is a big change between now and then. And I feel that it is our obligation as citizens of the world to do something in order to reverse the process.”
The 2-day echo seminar included 3 sessions during which Ms. Villagracia discussed Solid Waste Management; Engr. Sarroza presented the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and Ms. Biboso introduced the Green TVET Framework and the Green TVET Journal.
A Green Field On-site Visit with discussion on Green Practices of LGPC was also incorporated wherein the participants toured specific areas within the campus, including the Ecobricks Garden, Mini Organic Garden, Rainbow Ville, and Bio-Wall.
Green TVET Focals of various TESDA Technical Institutions (TTIs) in the region were invited to participate in the echo seminar with the objective to capacite them in implementing sustainable practices and promoting best green initiatives in their institutions.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Gemma G. Sasis, Associate Professor IV of LGPC, emphasized the roles of the participants, she remarked, “You, the Green TVET Focals of your respective school and offices, our work is not over. The journey towards [a] sustainable future is a continuous one. This echo seminar is a testament of our shared collaborations, [which] hopefully will continue once we go back to our respective workplace and places. Remember that we are making a difference and let’s continue making a difference.”
At the end of the program, selected Green TVET Focals shared their impressions of the training, and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to renew their sense of responsibility to champion environmental initiatives.
The conclusion of the seminar marked a significant step towards enhancing environment sustainability within TVET; its success a clear reflection of the shared visions for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious educational landscape.
