









































Pa
ge

 
1



Pa
ge

 
45

American Journal of  
Environment and Climate (AJEC)

Managing Solid Waste at Isabela State University Cabagan (ISUC) Campus: 
Current Practices and Unfolding Opportunities 

Bondee L. Peñaflor1*, Heherson B. Ong1

Volume 1 Issue 2, Year 2022
ISSN: 2832-403X (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v1i2.493
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: August 11, 2022
Accepted: September 07, 2022
Published: September 10, 2022

Solid waste is a pressing environmental concern nowadays. Even academic institutions are 
not exempted on its associated problems. To this end, the practices and implementation 
schemes of  ISUC in addressing the concerns on solid wastes were assessed. Through 
individual interviews, actual field observations/validations, and desk review of  documents, 
several qualitative data were generated categorized, summarized and analyzed through 
content analysis. Results show that in so far as solid waste and its management is concern, 
the following key issues/concerns were identified: absence of  an approved long-term SWM 
Plan; source of  funding support for SWM programs; lack of  manpower in implementing 
the SWM programs; no segregation/reduction of  wastes at source; collection system needs 
to be revisited/changed; open burning and littering of  wastes; recovery facilities need 
improvement; functionality of  SWM equipment; and IEC campaign materials. In terms of  
SWM initiatives, the campus has existing institutional arrangements on dealing with solid 
wastes concerns. It also has various equipment and manpower to cater the needs for SWM. 
Source reduction and segregation-at-source are also given attention including collection 
system but not fully functional/operational. There are also existing recycling initiatives 
and marketing of  recyclables/saleable materials. As to disposal, the special/hazardous 
wastes from laboratory and health offices are stored in the septic vault beside the campus’ 
Centralized Materials Recovery Facility. In addition, scientific studies were conducted vis-
à-vis SWM. However, complementary activities need to be made in place which include: 
strengthening IEC campaigns; attendance to SWM capacity-building programs; and the 
adoption of  a comprehensive campus-based SWM Framework

Keywords

Solid Wastes, Solid Waste 
Management, Solid Waste 
Management Framework, Isabela 
State University

1 College of  Forestry and Environmental Management, Isabela State University Cabagan Campus, Philippines.
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: bondee.l.penaflor@isu.edu.ph

INTRODUCTION
One of  the pressing environmental concerns nowadays 
is the problem on solid wastes and society has a great 
interest on the interconnected effects posed by this 
issue. As the population continues to grow, so goes with 
the solid wastes generated by the growing population. 
Studies show that waste generation is heavily linked with 
urbanization, economic development, and population 
growth. Its increasing rates are believed to be driven by 
rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and consumption 
patterns, resulting inevitably in the rise of  greenhouse 
gas emissions (Gamaralalage, Gilby, & Lee 2015; Kaza 
et al. 2018). This dilemma, if  not being addressed will 
put communities into peril and this will have cascading 
effects which will be experienced not only by the present 
generation but also by the succeeding ones. Peñaflor 
and Jacinto (2020) stated that solid waste management 
is rarely at the forefront of  discussion, by the media or 
by the general public. It is usually only during a crisis that 
much attention is given to waste management. Without 
crisis, people prefer not to think about waste problem.
In the study of  Arora and Agarwal (2011), they mentioned 
that waste management problems are predominant in 
developing countries without substantial environmental 
awareness programs. Licy et al. (2013) concluded that 
while most people are aware of  the negative impacts 
of  mismanaged wastes on the environment, their 
negative attitude coupled with insufficient environmental 
knowledge usually corresponds to poor practices towards 

maintaining good environmental conditions.
The national government has come up with interventions 
to regulate and address this concern since the 1990s. The 
Local Government Code of  the Philippines (Republic 
Act No. 7160 of  1991), particularly Section 3 (Operative 
Principles of  Decentralization), mandates that the 
local government units shall share with the national 
government the responsibility in the management and 
maintenance of  ecological balance within their territorial 
jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of  the Code and 
national policies. In addition, Sections 16 and 17, mandate 
to promote health and safety, preservation of  the comfort 
and convenience of  its inhabitants, and to provide solid 
waste disposal system and services or facilities related to 
general hygiene and sanitation. 
Waste management issues have been hounding both 
urban and rural communities for decades. The passing 
of  Republic Act 9003, known as the Ecological Solid 
Waste Management Act of  2000, was meant to ensure 
the protection of  public health and environment, while 
encouraging resource conservation and recovery, and 
public cooperation and responsibility (Domingo and 
Manejar, 2021). This law puts solid waste management 
into proper perspective. It is hoped that this law will help 
to meet the growing need to improve the management 
of  increasing volume of  solid wastes generated in 
the Philippines. It can also be said that this law, if  
implemented properly, has the potential to effectively 
address the current problems on solid waste management 

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v1i2.493
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec
mailto:bondee.l.penaflor@isu.edu.ph


Pa
ge

 
46

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

(SWM) in the Philippines (Sapuay, 2014).
At Isabela State University Cabagan Campus, Peñaflor and 
Jacinto (2020) stated that it has been very evident in some 
places within the campus about the scattered solid wastes 
mainly due to mismanagement and poor discipline. These 
practices of  campus constituents are not allowed by local 
and even national level policies, regulations, ordinances, 
and laws because of  the interconnected impacts that it 
give to the other component of  the environment such as 
the air, soil, water, and even to other organisms, including 
human beings.
To this end, Isabela State University Cabagan (ISUC) 
Campus has directed its attention at complying into 
policies and/or regulations about the concerns on solid 
wastes. This is to secure its local populace from the 
menace that the problem on solid wastes can bring. 
Moreover, this is in support to the mandate of  the 
government as stipulated in Article II, Section 16, of  
the Philippine Constitution that “The State shall protect 
and advance the right of  the people to a balanced and 
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony 
of  nature.” At present, the existing management scheme 
on solid wastes at Isabela ISUC is not yet fully established. 
The existing solid waste management initiatives of  the 
campus are highlighted in this paper.

Objectives of  the Study
Generally, this study aimed to assess the practices and the 
implementation schemes of  ISU Cabagan Campus when 
it comes to addressing the concerns on solid wastes. 
Specifically, the study sought to:

1. identify the key issues and concerns in relation to 
solid wastes and its management:

2. examine the existing solid waste management 
programs in the campus;

3. determine complementary programs and unfolding 
opportunities on managing solid wastes; and

4. generate a solid waste management framework that 
could be implemented in the campus.

METHODOLOGY
Description of  the Study Area
This study was conducted at Isabela State University 
Cabagan (ISUC) Campus, situated at barangay Garita, 
Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines. The campus has seven (7) 
colleges alongside with different units and offices that 
form this academic institution. Cabagan Campus is one 
of  the 11 campuses (including satellite campus) of  ISU 
system. It is located in the northernmost part of  Isabela 
province. 
The campus is comprised of  about 302 hectares of  land 
in its site at Barangay Garita, Cabagan, Isabela. This huge 
tract of  land of  the campus is predominantly agricultural 
and grassland. Few patches of  dense vegetation cover is 
also found in the campus. The academic core, campus 
housing units and the agricultural laboratory areas are the 
major sources of  solid wastes.
  

Respondents of  the Study
The respondents in this study are key informants coming 
from different offices in the campus administration 
building which comprise of  eight (8) informants. 
In addition, the 11 members of  the Committee on 
Ecologically Sustainable and Eco-friendly Campus were 
also enjoined in the conduct of  this research. Moreover, 
three (3) technical specialist from the College of  Forestry 
and Environmental Management (CFEM) also served as 
key informants.

Data Gathering Procedure
Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group 
Discussion (FGD) were done to gather the data needed 
in this study. In addition, a workshop was also done for 
the determination of  key issues and concerns and the 
identification of  solid waste management programs 
in the campus. Finally, office and field visits were also 
conducted in order to validate the information generated 
from the KII and FGD.

Data Analysis
Through the individual interviews, open-ended questions, 
observations, and desk review of  documents from the 
campus, several qualitative data were generated. These 
data were categorized, summarized and analysed through 
content analysis. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Issues and Concerns vis-à-vis Solid Wastes and its 
Management
In so far as solid wastes and its management is concern, 
the following key issues and/or concerns were identified 
in the campus through the interviews and review of  
existing office files. The information were categorized 
and summarized as follows:
Absence of  an approved long-term Solid Waste 
Management (SWM) Plan. The campus has initiated the 
crafting of  its solid waste management plan but until now, 
the plan has not been presented and/or adopted by the 
campus administration.
Source of  funding support for SWM programs. Based on 
the review of  the document pertaining to financing, it 
was found out that there is no clear source of  funding 
that would support the SWM program of  the campus.
Lack of  manpower in implementing the SWM Programs. 
The campus has a good number of  workers but they are 
assigned into specific tasks from the different offices/
units that they are deployed with. There is no actual 
manpower that is defined to work on SWM programs.
No segregation and no reduction of  wastes at source. 
Actual observation from the different waste sources 
revealed an unsegregated solid wastes even in the presence 
of  color-coded trash bins. 
Collection system need to be revisited and changed. There 
is no concrete collection plan. Collection only takes place 
upon request of  head of  units/offices and upon approval 
of  the campus administrators. 

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec


Pa
ge

 
47

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

Open burning and littering of  wastes. Actual observation 
from the different waste sources revealed several traces 
of  open burning and scattered solid wastes throughout 
major thoroughfares of  the campus. 
Recovery facilities need improvement. There is a newly 
established centralized materials recovery facility of  the 
campus but it is not fully operational because the facility 
is still undergoing completion upon arrival of  funding 
opportunity.
Insufficient Information, Education and Communication 
(IEC) campaign materials. There are available printed IEC 
Materials in the campus library and also in the reading 
room at the Environmental Information Center (EIC) 
building. However, production of  IEC materials to be 
initiated by the College of  Forestry and Environmental 
Management (CFEM) is necessary. The IEC materials 
will serve as an important platform to further improve 
the awareness of  the campus constituencies on matters 
concerning SWM. 

Existing Solid Waste Management Programs in the 
Campus and the Needed Complementary Programs 
Institutional Arrangements
The Cluster Executive Officer, Dr. Ambrose Hans G. 
Aggabao, created the Committee on Environmental-
Friendly and Ecologically Sustainable Campus who 
is tasked to work on the planning, implementation, 
Monitoring and Evaluation of  environment and natural 
resources (ENR) programs of  the campus. This is through 
Memorandum Order issued in 2019. The committee is in 
the forefront of  providing services and in the advocacies 
of  environmental management within the campus. Each 
of  the units within the campus has corresponding roles 
and responsibilities relative to the ENR (e.g. SWM) 
program implementation. The following activities have 
been conducted/initiated in the Campus, which provide 
strong baseline information on solid waste management 

in the campus, to wit:
• Creation of  the Committee on Environmental 

Friendly and Ecologically Sustainable Campus;
• Consultation meetings for assistance and support 

including technical expertise;
• Waste Analysis and Characterization Study and Survey 

on Students’ Knowledge and Practices on Solid Waste 
Management;

• Documentation of  the current Solid Waste Management 
initiatives within the campus;

• Installation of  waste receptacles in the different 
units/departments and conduct of  waste collection;

• Construction of  Centralized Materials Recovery 
Facility including septic vault;

• Presence of  vermi-composting facility and waste 
recycling programs;

• Sales of  craps;
• Reasonable Plastic Use Policy and No Paper Crumpling 

Policy;
• Presence of  Environmental Management Code;
• Attendance to trainings, seminars, workshops, and the 

like; and
• Other environment-related programs and initiatives.

Nevertheless, there is still a need to revisit the 
implementation of  these initiatives and determine 
additional complementary programs and activities in 
support to the overall effective management of  solid 
waste in the campus. 
These complementary programs and activities shall form 
as integral part of  the Five-year ESWM Plan of  the 
campus. There is a need to identify groups in the campus 
and define their specific roles and responsibilities relative 
to the implementation of  SWM in the campus. Each of  
the units within the campus has corresponding roles and 
responsibilities relative to implementation of  the ENR 
(e.g. SWM) programs and these are presented in the table 
below.

Table 1: Suggested Office/Units in the Campus with their corresponding key roles and responsibilities.
Office/Unit Roles and Responsibilities
1. Office of  the Cluster Executive Officer • The over-all supervising body in the implementation of  SWM initiatives 

in the Campus
• Adopt/craft and enforce/implement policies and regulations relative to 
SWM
• Approve Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) relative to SWM 
concerns

2. Committee on Environmental-Friendly 
and Ecologically Sustainable Campus

• The initiator/promoter of  plans, programs, projects or any developmental 
activity in relation to SWM
• The coordinating body as to the conduct of  plans, programs, projects or 
any developmental activity pertaining to SWM
• Monitor and Evaluate the implementation of  SWM activities and other 
ENR related initiatives

3. Campus Planning and Development 
Office and General Services Office

• Prepare engineering designs regarding infrastructure development of  
SWM (e.g. MRF, etc.)

4. Campus Clinic • Overlooks health and sanitation issues in connection to SWM
5. Campus Budget Office • Allocate and disburse funds for the activities that support the 

implementation of  SWM program

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec


Pa
ge

 
48

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

Inventory of  Equipment and Staff
The SWM programs in the campus are not yet fully 
operational. However, the campus is in the initial stages 
of  implementing the various SWM programs concordant 
to the mandates of  RA 9003. There are existing staff, 
facilities and equipment by the campus that are being 
utilized for SWM purposes. Meanwhile, it was included in 
the “REMARKS” the need for complementary activities 

which are important to support the available resources in 
the campus.
The presence of  these resources intended for SWM 
programs in the campus provide strong support in the 
implementation efforts that the Campus Administration 
and key staff  (both technical and laborers) are doing. With 
these, however, there is a need to provide complementary 
efforts such as the provision of  engineering, logistical 
resources and policy initiatives. 

6. College of  Forestry and Environmental 
Management

• Provide support and technical assistance on SWM activities (e.g. 
Information and Education Campaign, technical know-how regarding 
SWM, etc.)
• Prepare and submit project/program proposals to funding institutions in 
support to the implementation of  SWM program

7. Other Colleges/Institute • Assist in the implementation of  the PPAs of  the Committee
• Prepare and submit project/program proposals to funding institutions in 
support to the implementation SWM program

Table 2: Inventory of  Facilities, Equipment and Staff  for SWM
Resources Availability Description Remarks
Staff At least five (5) were 

involved but are not working 
purposely/solely for SWM

These staff  come from the General 
Services Office, Admin Support Staff, 
and Technical Staff

- need to be clearly identified 
and should  have an 
organizational set-up
- Capability building programs 
must be put in place to 
capacitate these staff

Facilities Materials Recovery Facility Intended for solid waste storage, 
processing and recovery of  scraps

- there is a need for the 
completion of  the building 
since it is where the various 
equipment will be placed/
secured

Vermi-composting Facility The processing of  biodegradable 
waste into compost materials are 
conventionally done but there is an 
existing production of  vermicast (soil 
conditioner) and vermin (African 
Night Crawler). This facility is being 
maintained at the PTIA.

- Composting (i.e. traditional 
or vermi-composting or 
enzyme-supported) area shall 
form integral part of  the 
centralized materials recovery 
facility
- Should be functional and 
must be sustainably managed

Processing Facility The present processing facility of  
the campus is situated near the 
Administration building where scraps 
are transformed into something usable

- Should be sustainably 
managed and proper work and 
safety protocols should be in 
place

Equipment Wood Chipper Intended to transform twigs and 
branches into smaller particles ready for 
further processing

- Ready for utilization
- Need to be placed/secured 
in appropriate location i.e. the 
CMRFPlastic Shredder Intended to transform plastic wastes 

into smaller particles ready for further 
processing

Bio-shredder Transforms organic wastes into smaller 
particles to hasten composting

Hollander Beater Intended to transform used papers into 
fibrous-like particles ready for further 
processing

Collection Vehicle Intended for the collection of  solid 
wastes from various sources

- Not solely for the purpose 
of  SWM
- Need proper care and 
maintenance

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec


Pa
ge

 
49

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

Source Reduction and Segregation-at-source 
The Cluster Executive Officer has issued various 
environment-related policies relating to solid waste 
management. While it is true that the campus 
constituencies are doing their usual practice in handling 
and disposing their generated wastes i.e. thrown 
anywhere and/or practice open burning, common to all 
is the segregation of  recyclables/saleable solid wastes 
like metals, cans, plastics, bottles, and the like. These are 
somehow bringing benefit to them as these are being 
sold to junkshops or to itinerant buyers. Furthermore, 
biodegradable materials are not normally collected as 
these materials are left untouched until they become 
fully decomposed. Some are also collected for the vermi-
composting technology of  the PTIA. 
In order to promote reduction in waste generation, strong 
IEC campaigns is necessary. However, the campaign 
needs to be supported with baseline information (i.e. 
research results) that can capture the heart of  the waste 
generators and eventually change their ways. 
Meanwhile, to make segregation-at-source effective, solid 
waste receptacles (color-coded i.e. duly labelled and with 
sack or plastic bag sorters <Green for biodegradable; 
Blue for recyclable/reusable; Yellow for residual/non-
recyclable; and, Red for hazardous/special wastes>) are 
indispensable. However, in order to fully operationalize 
segregation-at-source in the campus, there is a need to 
adopt and/or craft policy on “NO SEGREGATION, 
NO COLLECTION”.
In each location, color-coded plastic drums or receptacles 
with labels that remind every waste generator of  the 
requirements of  RA 9003 will be provided for each 
building or establishment and other waste generators 
(small stores, food and restaurants, commercial 
establishments and others). This practice of  segregation 
at source will facilitate organized collection and further 
lead to the practice of  reducing wastes through recycling 
and composting which consequently reduces the cost 
of  handling and disposal of  wastes. The use of  organic 
fertilizers from composting of  biodegradable materials 
enhances environmental integrity of  the colleges and/or 
the campus in general. 

Collection System
There is an existing collection system in the campus and 
collection equipment are already in place. However, an 
effective collection scheme will be implemented once 
the Centralized MRF will become fully operational. It is 
worthy to note that the construction of  the Centralized 
MRF of  the campus has been initiated/launched during 
the celebration of  Earth Day 2019. 
In order to ensure that effective collection scheme will be 
implemented, proper planning needs to be done especially 
on the aspect of  collection route, collection schedule, 
collection equipment and materials, manpower and other 
resources. On the collection route alone needs to be 
designed properly in order to save time and resources. 
And again, there is a need to adopt and/or craft policy on 

“NO SEGREGATION, NO COLLECTION”.
Collecting and subsequently selling of  recyclables (bottles, 
glass, hard and soft plastics, metals like tin, aluminum, and 
steel, boxes, and papers) will be encouraged as a scheme 
for generating funds for each college or unit. While prices 
of  some waste materials fluctuate very often, storing the 
recovered recyclable for a couple of  weeks can have a 
better selling price in the market, hence, bringing higher 
profit. 

Recycling Programs
Recycled products prepared by the students are outputs 
from their classes while some are outputs from campus/
college-based competition programs. In order to engage 
campus constituencies on recycling programs, a regular 
conduct of  campus-based competitions can be organized 
such that the recycled materials can form part of  resource 
generation (either by student organizations, different 
programs, colleges or by the campus). The durability, 
sustainability, marketability and social acceptability of  
the recycled materials shall form major part for the 
criteria for its production. This is to ensure that the 
recycled products will not become a waste itself  after the 
competition/selection.

Markets for Recyclables/Saleable Solid Wastes
Junkshop agents (bidders) and ambulant scrap buyers 
roam around the campus to buy valuable recyclable 
and/or resalable materials such as PET bottles, glass 
bottles, cans, metals, newspapers, cartons, other scrap/
crafts materials, condemned equipment and vehicles, 
compost, and the like. A Memorandum of  Agreement 
can be effected between the campus and local junkshop 
owner/s so as to minimize the entry of  ambulant scrap 
buyers in the campus and so as to develop a way where 
the junkshop owner/s will be the one to collect the 
saleable materials in the campus.

Final Disposal
The special or hazardous wastes from laboratory and 
health offices are stored in the plastic bins or in the septic 
vault beside the centralized MRF of  the campus. These 
wastes, along with other residual wastes, will be finally 
disposed to the sanitary landfill facility (SLF) of  the 
Municipality of  Cabagan.

Advocacies, Communications and Education (ACE)
People would normally do what they know is acceptable, 
but sometimes, is not right. Increasing the awareness 
of  the campus constituencies regarding solid waste 
management is imperative to do. One of  the identified 
problems in the implementation of  SWM is the people lack 
awareness of  it. Therefore, Advocacies, Communications 
and Education (ACE) Campaign is required to raise the 
level of  awareness of  the campus constituencies. Once 
the constituents become aware of  the school policies, 
programs and projects, they will then act rightfully and 
accordingly into such programs for SWM.

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec


Pa
ge

 
50

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

A communication plan needs to be prepared and 
implemented successfully with the embodied activities 
such as: Organize ACE Team; Develop and reproduce 
SWM Promotional Materials; Massive conduct of  
Briefings and Orientations to various constituents; and 
Monitor and Evaluate ACE activities. However, the 
campus still plans to exert more effort in the conduct of  
ACE/IEC. Only when these are done, the constituents 
would learn to do what is acceptable and what is right 
and gradually, the shift in the SWM practices of  the 
constituencies will soon be changed.

Capability-building Opportunities
To fully equip the members of  the Committee, so 
they may become effective and efficient enough in the 
implementation of  their various programs, there is a need 
to continuously undergo trainings, seminars, conferences, 
and workshops regarding solid waste management. These 
will enhance their capability in promoting SWM and at 
the same time realizing the mandates of  RA 9003 and 
the implementation of  various ENR programs in the 
campus.
Attendance into trainings, seminars or workshops may 
not always be enough so to consider the personnel to be 
fully capacitated. Therefore, benchmarking is an activity 
allowing individuals or groups to visit places having 
outstanding performances in any field i.e. on SWM. 
Benchmarking into other schools including LGUs and 
other places with excellent operation in SWM is also 
necessary. The results of  the KII and the FGD revealed 
the following needed capability building programs in 
support to SWM:

1. Seminar/Training cum Development Field Visit 
on SWM (Plan Formulation, Composting, Innovative 
Designs, Briquetting, Eco-brick, Eco-hollow Blocks, 
Plastic/wood tiles, Framing, etc.);

2. Training-Workshop on Waste Analysis and 
Characterization Study (WACS);

3. Orientation and Action Planning on SWM ;
4. Training-Workshop on Project Proposal 

Development and Resource Generation in support to 
SWM; and

5. Among others as may be deemed necessary to 
support the effective and efficient implementation of  
SWM initiatives in the campus.

Scientific Studies in the Campus vis-à-vis SWM
Peñaflor and Jacinto (2020) conducted a Waste Analysis 
and Characterization Study (WACS) in the campus which 
revealed that majority (77.03%) of  generated wastes is 
biodegradable, residual=12.31%, recyclable=10.49%, 
and special=0.17%. Residential source generates the 
highest (14.38kg/day). The per capita waste generation 
is 0.012kg. As regards volume of  disposed wastes, all 
generated wastes are being disposed. Waste diversion 
strategy is burning while saleable scraps are sold. Projected 
waste generation is expected to increase in the next 10 
years (2019-2028) with mean annual generation of  about 

60.15kg. Meanwhile, they also studied the Knowledge 
and Practices of  Students on Solid Waste Management 
in the campus where they found out that among the 
indicators that assess students’ level of  knowledge, 
“There is money in wastes” got the highest weighted 
mean (4.44) while “There is an existing collection of  
garbage by the Municipality” has the lowest mean (2.89). 
The results prove that the student-respondents have 
moderate to high level of  knowledge on SWM. In terms 
of  the extent of  practice, the students are found to be 
strongly responsible in most of  the positive indicators, 
but they are also responsible (mean=2.20) in burning the 
uncollected wastes and in throwing garbage into the river 
or everywhere (mean=1.70). On the other hand, there 
was no significant difference on the extent of  practices 
of  students from various colleges (p-value = 0.101123). 
Further, results of  Spearman’s rho revealed a weak 
correlation (r=0.209) between level of  knowledge and 
extent of  practices of  students on SWM. 

Establishing Solid Waste Management (SWM) 
Framework in the Campus
A comprehensive ecological solid waste management 
program is needed in order to satisfy the requirements set 
forth by existing laws and to ensure that proper solid waste 
management in the campus is in place. Figure 1 presents 
the proposed overall framework for the management of  
solid wastes in the campus. Based on this framework, the 
Isabela State University Cabagan Campus Solid Waste 
Management Program has five pillars, namely: Scientific 
Studies; Institutional Policies and Platforms; Centralized 
Materials Recovery Facility; Production; and Patent, 
Publication, Marketing and Extension. These five pillars 
are as follows:

Scientific Studies
The conduct of  scientific studies relative to solid waste 
management concern is primordial as results of  these 
studies could serve as basis in coming up for policy and 
institutional innovations. In fact, the results of  such 
studies could be used in coming up for the medium to 
long term SWM Plan and the review and evaluation of  
the SWM programs in the campus. 
Some of  the scientific studies that could be conducted 
include, but not limited with: Waste Analysis and 
Characterization Studies; Surveys; Cost-Benefit Analysis; 
Nutrient Analysis; Test of  Durability; Effectiveness 
of  Briquetted Charcoal for Cooking; Charcoal Heating 
Value; Social Acceptability; Policy Evaluation; among 
others.

Institutional Policies and Platforms
This pillar is indispensable as all other pillars could not 
materialized without the strong institutional efforts 
that would manage all the initiatives being done for the 
implementation of  a comprehensive ecological solid 
waste management program in the campus.
Some of  the initiatives under this pillar include, but 

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec


Pa
ge

 
51

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

not limited with: Formulation and implementation of  
a medium to long term SWM Plan; Initiate capability 
building programs for its constituents; Establish strong 
partnerships with the LGUs and other potential partners; 
Provision of  other equipment (e.g. Compactor, Glass 
Pulverizer, Plastic Smelting Machine, Melting Furnace) 
and design and production of  electric hydraulic 
jack, molders, etc.; Campus and/or University-wide 
Competitions; Conduct of  local and even international 
Conferences, Seminars, Trainings, Forums, etc.; Deputize 
Eco-watchers; Ban on Plastics and Styrofoam; No 
Segregation, No Collection Policy; among others. It is 
important to mention that some of  these initiatives have 
been tackled above.

Centralized Materials Recovery Facility
Effective solid waste management program in the campus 
necessitates construction of  Centralized Materials 
Recovery Facility (CMRF) that would cater waste handling 
i.e. storage, recycling, recovery, and other innovative 
approaches to solid waste management. At present, there 
is an established CMRF and its construction manifests 
the full support of  the campus administration for the 
promotion of  a cleaner and greener campus. However, 
there is a need for the completion of  the building. After 
construction, continuous capacity building programs shall 
be conducted, implemented or attended by employees 
and students of  the campus. 
Some of  the prospective set of  activities to be implemented 

in support to the operations of  the CMRF include: Serves 
as the SWM Learning Center (instructional, research and 
extension purposes); It is where the various equipment 
and materials (e.g. the available materials such as Plastic 
and Bio Shredder, Wood Chipper, Digester and the 
succeeding equipment to be provided institutionally and 
externally) will be secured; Waste processing; Composting 
(e.g. Traditional, Vermi-composting and Enzyme-treated 
composting, etc.).

Production
The CMRF is expected to be constructed to house the 
solid wastes being generated in the campus to cater waste 
storage and processing purposes. Other than being a 
learning center, the Facility will also be used as for various 
production activities such as but not limited to: organic 
fertilizer; vermin and vermicast; charcoal briquettes; eco-
bricks; eco-hollow blocks; eco-pots; recycled products; 
among others. These production activities could engage 
the students that would enable them to earn not only 
scientific, technical and technological know-how but also 
financially.

Patent, Publication, Marketing and Extension
All initiatives and various production operations 
in the campus shall be fully documented (process 
documentation). Research results, innovative designs, 
various products, and other noteworthy practices/
initiatives on SWM in the campus shall be either patented, 

Figure 1: Proposed Campus-based Solid Waste Management (SWM) Framework.

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec


Pa
ge

 
52

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Am. J. Environ. Clim. 1(2) 45-52, 2022

published, marketed or extended to service communities. 
Such patent, publication, shares on income generating 
enterprise (IGE), among others, shall be credited to 
personnel that are actually engaged in such various SWM 
initiatives in the campus.
It is worthy to note that these pillars described above 
in Figure 1 shall provide strong support to the overall 
management of  solid wastes in the entire Municipality 
of  Cabagan. In short, strong partnership between the 
campus and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of  
Cabagan is necessary.

Administrative and Funding Support
To sustainably implement SWM program in the 
campus, the Campus Administration can provide the 
initial funding (as may be deemed appropriate and in 
compliance to government policies on disbursements). 
However, once the SWM programs in the campus become 
fully operational, the income generated from various 
production operations can provide the needed financial 
support for the sustainability of  the SWM programs. 
Meanwhile, outsourcing of  external funds can also be 
done through the submission of  appropriate proposals 
to various funding institutions.
In order to realize the objectives of  long-term SWM 
programs, long-term financial aspects is likewise 
important, hence, the financial commitment of  the 
campus as espoused in this portion is paramount. Overall, 
the fiscal viability and economic life of  all the programs, 
projects and activities as programmed will be ensured 
with the ultimate goal of  providing social services that 
protect the environment while responding to the needs 
of  the campus at the least possible cost. 

CONCLUSION
The campus is in the initial stages of  fully complying 
with the mandates of  the Ecological Solid Waste 
Management Act. There are significant initiatives in the 
campus in relation to dealing with solid wastes concerns. 
However, there is a need for complementary activities 
that help improve SWM schemes in the campus and to 
ensure the sustainability of  its programs. The proposed 
SWM Framework provides a strong support to achieve 
efficiency and sustainability of  these programs. The 
researchers strongly recommend the adoption of  the 
needed complementary initiatives and the adoption and 
implementation of  the proposed SWM Framework 
as highlighted in this study. Also, review or revision of  
the draft Solid Waste Management Plan of  the campus 
incorporating the highlights as presented in this research 
is recommended.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study has been made possible through the help of  
key informants in the campus who served as provider of  
both primary and secondary data. The researchers are 
grateful to the Cluster Executive Officer, Dr. Ambrose 
Hans G. Aggabao, who has been very supportive with the 

advocacies of  the government concerning environmental 
management, for providing relevant information that were 
used in this study. The staff  from the different offices in 
the campus administration building and the members of  
the Committee on Ecologically Sustainable Campus, who 
participated actively in the focus group discussion and 
workshop. Moreover, the additional technical information 
provided by some faculty members at the College of  
Forestry and Environmental Management (CFEM). The 
researchers are indeed indebted to all of  them.

REFERENCES 
Arora, L., Agarwal, S. 2011. Knowledge, Attitude and 

Practices Regarding Waste Management in Selected 
Hostel Students of  University of  Rajasthan, Jaipur. 
International Journal of  Chemical, Environmental, and 
Pharmaceutical Research 2: 40-43.

Domingo, S.N & Manejar, AJ.A. (2021). An Analysis 
of  Regulatory Policies on Solid Waste Management in 
the Philippines: Ways Forward. Philippine Institute for 
Development Studies. DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES 
NO. 2021-02. Retrieved at https://pidswebs.pids.gov.
ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps2102.pdf  

Gamaralalage, P. J. D., Gilby, S., Lee, K. 2015. The 
Republic Act (RA) 9003 in the Philippines: Factors 
for Successful Policy Implementation. The 26th 
Annual Conference of  JSMCWM, 560-61.

Kaza, S., Yao, L., Bhada-Tata, P. & Van Woerden, F. 2018. 
What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of  Solid Waste 
Management to 2050. Urban Development Series. 
Washington, DC: World Bank.

Licy, C.D., Vivek, R., Saritha, K., Anies, T.K., Josphina, 
C.T. 2013. Awareness, Attitude, and Practice of  School 
Students towards Household Waste Management. Journal 
of  Environment 2: 147-150. Retrieved at www.
scientificjournals.co.ukhttps://www.researchgate.
net/publication/269520226_Awareness_Attitude_
and_Practice_of_School_Students_towards_
Household_Waste_Management  

Peñaflor, B.L. & Jacinto, D.C. (2020). Waste Analysis 
and Characterization, Knowledge and Practices of  
Students at ISUC: Basis for Solid Waste Management 
Planning. TEST Engineering and Management. Vol. 
82: Jan/Feb 2020. The Mattingley Publishing Co., Inc. 
Retrieved at http://www.testmagzine.biz/index.php/
testmagzine/article/view/1710

Republic of  the Philippines. (1991). Local 
Government Code of  1991. Republic Act No. 7160. 
Retrieved at https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/                                                             
downloads/1991/10oct/19911010-RA-7160-CCA.pdf  

Sapuay, G. (2014). Ecological Solid Waste Management 
Act of  2000 (RA 9003): A Major Step to Better 
Solid Waste Management in the Philippines. 
ResearchGate. Retrieved at https://www.researchgate.
net/publication/237584037_Ecological_Solid_Waste_
Management_Act_of_2000_RA_9003_A_Major_
Step_to_Better_Solid_Waste_Management_in_the_
Philippines

 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

