Palawan State University Students Join PZC-International Circular Economy Roadshow

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Thirty-five students from Palawan State University (PSU) participated in a Circular Economy Roadshow aimed at integrating higher education into the city’s sustainable waste management framework. The session was led by Project Zacchaeus (PZC) through its Eco-Kolek program, in collaboration with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership.

The roadshow is designed as a technical orientation to transition the next generation of academic and community leaders toward a circular economy model that prioritizes resource recovery over traditional disposal.

Bridging Academia and Sustainability

The engagement with 35 PSU students highlights the program's focus on involving the tertiary sector in regional environmental goals. The curriculum provided a deep dive into the "Waste-to-Resource" framework, emphasizing how scientific and academic perspectives can enhance the efficiency of plastic recovery and the professionalization of the informal waste sector.

The partnership with international organizations PEMSEA and the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership ensures that the insights shared with the students are aligned with global standards for marine protection and the development of a green economy in the Philippines.

Fostering Professional Stewardship

The roadshow challenged the participants to apply circular economy principles within their university campus and personal networks. By engaging university students, PZC aims to build a cohort of professional stewards who can provide technical and advocacy support to the Eco Warriors operating on the ground.

"Involving students from Palawan State University is essential for bridging the gap between theory and community-based action," PZC officials noted. "These 35 students represent the future professionals who will design and manage the sustainable systems of tomorrow."

This successful collaboration underscores PZC's commitment to a multi-sectoral approach that links international development partners, local grassroots operations, and higher education institutions.