Positioning themselves as active agents for sustainable development, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the province of Laguna and Quezon conducted green initiatives in line with the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month in June.

The University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), together with Tipaklong Sustainable Mobility Corp., launched its ride-sharing project using electric scooters and bikes strategically stationed within the campus for the use of university constituents and visitors via mobile app, June 1.

Meanwhile, the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) collaborated with the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) for the conduct of the 2nd CHED Padyak: Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III Endurance Cycling Cup with the theme “Isang Padyak, Isang Puno,” June 2.

Showing his support to these initiatives, Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Secretary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), attended these activities in Laguna and Quezon.

Potentially the first of its kind, the UPLB-Tipaklong Shared Mobility Project is an app-based, eco-friendly ride-sharing system that advocates reducing fossil fuel use and addressing climate change by using solar-powered transport.  It also aims to minimize noise and air pollution on campus while reviving the biking community as a sustainable practice.

Since its initial promotions, the project has garnered significant student interest, demonstrating the community’s support for sustainable practices. Various student organizations and alumni associations also hopped in the project in the installation of bike racks on campus.

Meanwhile, coinciding with the celebration of the World Bicycle Day, the LSPU-SLSU’s 2nd CHED Padyak promoted the twin advocacies of  healthy lifestyle and the environment.

Students, employees, and alumni of selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Calabarzon including the LSPU, SLSU, University of the Philippines (UP), and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP) finished the 42.88km route from LSPU-Sta. Cruz Campus in Laguna to SLSU-Lucban in Quezon.

After the cycling cup, Secretary De Vera, together with LSPU President Dr. Mario R. Briones and SLSU President Frederick T. Villa, led the planting of 130 native tree seedlings at the SLSU-Lucban Upper Campus.

Initiated in 2023 by LSPU, the endurance cycling cup took after the emblematic “padyak” advocacy of the Commission for a progressive Philippine higher education. Initially promoted at the height of the pandemic, “padyak” is a metaphor that positions higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country as proactive agents of claiming victories not only in education but also in health and the environment.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations General Assembly declaration in 2018 of adopting best practices and means to promote the bicycle at the national and local levels as “a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in the society.”