By Mervhi Lynne B. Lucio

In line with the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) conducted a Sustainability Check for Project SAGIP (Scholars and Grantees Action in Greening Initiatives Program) on December 10–11, 2024, at the Busol Watershed in Baguio City.

The activity, organized by the Student Development and Welfare Center (SDWC) in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education–Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED–CAR) through its UniFAST Unit, aimed to assess the growth, survival, and overall sustainability of the seedlings planted during previous Project SAGIP tree-planting activities.

UC staff, together with selected scholars and grant beneficiaries, took part in weeding, maintenance, and replanting activities to ensure that the trees continue to thrive and contribute to environmental preservation. The two-day event emphasized the importance of consistent monitoring and community involvement in promoting sustainable ecological practices.

Project SAGIP, conceptualized by CHED–CAR Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., was launched in 2021 to encourage environmental awareness and responsibility among CHED and UniFAST grantees. The initiative encourages scholars to plant at least one indigenous or fruit-bearing tree for every year they receive financial assistance, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability toward the environment.

Through activities like the Sustainability Check, the University of the Cordilleras continues to uphold its commitment to greening efforts and environmental education, empowering scholars to become responsible stewards of nature.