The Romblon State University community gathered on February 13, 2026, for the conduct of the annual Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan, a flagship environmental advocacy initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and well-being among students, faculty, and staff.
The activity was spearheaded by University President Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, in collaboration with the Special Projects and Advocacy Office led by Engr. Raymund Inocencio and the Volunteerism Unit, led by Mr. Julysses Llacer, and the Supreme Student Council and Student Volunteerism Organization, creating an opportunity for the entire university community to actively engage in environmental advocacy and action. Now on its 5th year, the initiative reaffirmed RSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and care for nature within the academic community.
In her opening message, President Mani emphasized the importance of reconnecting with nature as a means of promoting well-being, underscoring environmental care not only as an institutional responsibility but also as a personal practice. She highlighted initiatives that integrate sustainability with wellness, recognizing that caring for the environment and caring for people are deeply interconnected.
During the opening program, Mr. Dave Lota, Head of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Center, highlighted how the SDGs can be applied in more practical and real-life ways within the university and in everyday contexts. He also introduced RSU’s newly adopted Carbon Offsetting Program, which outlines the institution’s framework for reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging environmentally responsible practices across university operations and programs.
In the same event, Mr. Ricky Michael Oliva, faculty member of CCMADI and a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Foreign Scholar, formally launched the new RSU university website, marking an important milestone in the university’s digital transformation efforts. The new platform is expected to improve access to information, strengthen communication, and enhance engagement with students, partners, and stakeholders. Also introduced during the demo was RSUvians’ new bestie, RIA—the University’s smart virtual assistant. Put to the test during the session, RIA demonstrated how efficiently she can respond to inquiries, guide users through the website, and serve as a reliable digital companion for students, faculty, and stakeholders alike.
The Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan served as both a symbolic and practical reminder of RSU’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Through collective participation and sustained advocacy, the University continues to nurture environmentally responsible citizens and strengthen its role in building sustainable communities.
In her opening message, President Mani emphasized the importance of reconnecting with nature as a means of promoting well-being, underscoring environmental care not only as an institutional responsibility but also as a personal practice. She highlighted initiatives that integrate sustainability with wellness, recognizing that caring for the environment and caring for people are deeply interconnected.
During the opening program, Mr. Dave Lota, Head of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Center, highlighted how the SDGs can be applied in more practical and real-life ways within the university and in everyday contexts. He also introduced RSU’s newly adopted Carbon Offsetting Program, which outlines the institution’s framework for reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging environmentally responsible practices across university operations and programs.
In the same event, Mr. Ricky Michael Oliva, faculty member of CCMADI and a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Foreign Scholar, formally launched the new RSU university website, marking an important milestone in the university’s digital transformation efforts. The new platform is expected to improve access to information, strengthen communication, and enhance engagement with students, partners, and stakeholders. Also introduced during the demo was RSUvians’ new bestie, RIA—the University’s smart virtual assistant. Put to the test during the session, RIA demonstrated how efficiently she can respond to inquiries, guide users through the website, and serve as a reliable digital companion for students, faculty, and stakeholders alike.
The Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan served as both a symbolic and practical reminder of RSU’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Through collective participation and sustained advocacy, the University continues to nurture environmentally responsible citizens and strengthen its role in building sustainable communities.
