Mapúa MCL Joins CaRPA Lakbay Aral on Sustainable Waste Management
On September 25, 2026, Engr. Rolando Bitor, Assistant Vice President and Director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, Engr. Katherine Gavino and Engr. Alexander Hamilton, representatives from the faculty of Engineering, and three Industrial Engineering students from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) participated in the Continuing Education/Lakbay Aral initiative organized by the Cabuyao River Protection Advocates (CaRPA) at Republic Cement’s manufacturing plant in Taysan, Batangas.
CaRPA is a multi-sectoral organization composed of local government units (LGUs) and private companies within and around Cabuyao, Laguna that advocates for environmental protection, community development, and educational advancement. As a long-time member of the organization, Mapúa MCL has renewed its active participation in CaRPA’s programs and initiatives, strengthening its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
A highlight of the learning visit was the presentation on Republic Cement’s innovative Ecoloop Program, delivered by Engr. Ron Dayap, a proud alumnus of Mapúa University. Through the Ecoloop initiative, Republic Cement collaborates with partner manufacturing companies and LGUs to collect plastic waste and other qualified alternative materials, which are then processed and utilized as fuel in cement production. This circular economy approach supports the company’s goal of achieving zero waste to landfill while helping address the growing challenge of plastic waste management in communities.
Participants were also given the opportunity to tour selected areas of the Batangas plant. The guided visit included access to the quarry site, the physical laboratory where raw materials and products undergo testing and quality assurance procedures, and the central control room where plant operations and production processes are monitored and managed. The tour provided valuable insights into the integration of sustainable practices and advanced industrial operations within the cement manufacturing industry.
The Lakbay Aral served as a meaningful learning experience for Mapúa MCL delegates, offering practical perspectives on sustainable waste management and potential strategies for reducing plastic waste within the community. The visit also provided ideas and best practices that can support the institution’s ongoing sustainability initiatives and future environmental programs.
The activity brought together representatives from various sectors, including Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PNC), the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Asia Brewery, NutriAsia, San Miguel Ginebra, and several other private companies operating in and around Cabuyao. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners, the initiative reinforced the value of collective action in advancing sustainable development.
Overall, the Lakbay Aral exemplified the importance of cross-sector partnerships in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, closely aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
