By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

January marks Zero Waste Month pursuant to Proclamation No. 760, series of 2014, and the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) is reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability through the strict observance of sustainable office practices and the elimination of single-use plastics within its premises.

This initiative is institutionalized through Office Memorandum Order No. 83, series of 2025, signed by former Regional Director Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, which enjoins all CHED-CAR personnel and staff to actively support waste reduction and responsible consumption in their daily office operations.

Anchored on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the directive underscores CHED-CAR’s continuing role in advancing climate awareness and environmental accountability within the higher education sector.

The memorandum emphasizes that sustainability begins in everyday choices. By minimizing waste and discontinuing the use of single-use plastics, the office not only reduces its environmental footprint but also sets an example of institutional responsibility and mindful governance.

More than a policy, the initiative is framed as a shared responsibility. CHED-CAR calls on every member of the organization to take part in this collective effort, recognizing that small, consistent actions, when practiced daily, create meaningful impact.

By integrating sustainability into the workplace, CHED-CAR continues to promote values of environmental stewardship, mindfulness, and global citizenship, aligning local action with global goals and reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainable future.