Far Eastern University (FEU) Academic Affairs Office (AAO) held a focus group discussion with student-leaders for the proposed zero single-use plastic policy at the Admissions Building Interactive Room 207-A last October 21. 

In accordance with the new vision and mission of the University, AAO is conducting research and discussions regarding the banning of single-use plastics as one of the sustainability projects of the University. 

University Research Center Coordinator Marc Lancer Santos headed the discussion and consultation by asking the reactions, concerns, and implementation suggestions of the students regarding AAO’s proposal. 

“I think one of the pressing issues of today is on plastics, plastic wastes, and I think in FEU, in little ways, wala tayong (we do not have a) policy regarding it. And part of the new vision and mission of the University is to promote sustainability and attainable practices,” he stated. 

According to Santos, the implementation of the proposed policy will be a gradual shift, starting from one plastic waste before moving to another. 

One of the early targets of AAO is banning plastic bottles by maximizing the accessibility of water fountains located across the campus.

Additionally, student-leaders voiced out concerns and possible interventions that the University may do to address the limitations of the proposed policy regarding the effectiveness, sanitation, certification, and battling the distrust towards the already existing water fountains.

“There’s these inconsistencies na nangyayari sa tubig (happening in the water)… If we will be promoting ‘yung sa pag-ban (the banning), I think we also have to consider improving the quality,” FEU Political Science Society President Goeffrey Lababo suggested. 

They also mentioned the possible inconvenience of the added baggage for students who commute and risks of missing tumblers.

Financial and economic restrictions were included in the group discussion concerning other disposable plastic wastes such as plastic utensils and tarpaulins, and its effect within and outside the University.

The discussion concluded with suggestions and alternatives raised by the student-leaders, including the use of metal utensils and collapsible water cups.

AAO is still conducting further consultations and research regarding sustainable practices to be observed in the University.

- Julliane Nicole B. Labinghisa
(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)