LAGUNA – Eighteen graduate students of the School of Environment Science and Management – University of the Philippines Los Banos (SESAM-UPLB) presented their analysis of and recommendation for the Provincial Science and Technology Center-Department of Science and Technology (PSTC-DOST) in Batangas City to key officials of the DOST Region 4A on July 21. 

They were also set to submit an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan detailing the environmental impacts assessment (EIA) of the Center and the corresponding mitigation and enhancement measures.

Compliance with this part was required from the PSTC, which houses the Regional Volumetric Calibration Laboratory, offering calibrating and verification services for petroleum products, to secure an environmental clearance.

According to the SESAM-UPLB report, the most serious environmental issues involved in the calibration process are the accumulation of skimmed oil and the presence of oil spills.

To address such adverse impacts, the presenters developed several initiatives in four major concerns such as hazardous waste management; disaster risk reduction and management plan; health, safety, and security; and other concerns. 

A subject requirement for ENS 296 (Environmental Impact Assessment: Perspectives from the Natural and Social Sciences) under Dr. Rico C. Ancog, the study was conducted over a short period of six weeks from June 14 to July 20. 

For his part, DOST-4A Regional Director Dr. Alexander Madrigal, an alumnus of the UPLB College of Agriculture, lauded the presentation and complimented the students, saying that the project was “the best” they had seen so far.

Other key officials who attended were Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Dr. Lydia Manguiat, Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Services Bernard Soriano, and Supervising Science Research Specialist Emelita Bagsit.

PSTC Provincial Director Felina Malabanan and Science Research Specialist II/Pollution Control Officer Brigido Casanova also joined the panel discussion.

The team of EIA Preparers included Dianne Krizzia Allanigue, Rhina Boncocan, Angelina Bustos, Ma. Christina Corales, Ria Jhoanna Ducusin, Abel Fulgencio, Wesley Gagarin, Prince Couen Golez, Ma. Cherry Ann Gorgonio, Rodelio Idago, Aira Mae Mendoza, Agnes Morales Ren Divien Obena, Hannah Alexandria Ramirez, Eileen Redera, Angelica Fleur Umali, Leajim Villanueva, and Dennus Yamuta. (Prince Golez)