A step towards industry-academe collaboration and partnership for environmental research and innovation was made between the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) School of Technology (SOTECH) and SEPAR Environmental Corporation through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony last August 15, 2023 at the New SOTECH Building, UPV, Miagao, Iloilo.
Distinguished representatives from both institutions who graced the occasion were SOTECH Dean Dr. Ramer P. Bautista and UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano representing UPV and Mr. Genovevo Chiong Sebastian (CEO) and Engr. Sheila B. Erilla (Managing Director) representing SEPAR. The ceremony was also attended by several chemical engineering and food technology faculty members.
SEPAR Environmental Corporation is at the forefront of the waste management sector, operating a Waste Processing Plant in Banaban, Angat, Bulacan. The company employs waste-to-resource technologies and energy mechanisms aligned to enhance environmental performance.
The partnership makes way for collaborations between the two parties through research and development consultations, student thesis partnerships with the company, and environmental projects through bamboo utilization.
Another highlight of this collaboration is SEPAR's announcement of its sponsorship for the institution of the yearly "SEPAR Best Thesis Award" exclusively for School of Technology students. The award, valued at Php 50,000, aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding theses that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and a significant contribution to the field of environmental science and technology.
Dean Bautista expressed his appreciation to this significant contribution, stating that "SEPAR Environmental Corporation's dedication to supporting academic excellence is commendable. The establishment of the ‘Best Thesis Award' not only acknowledges exceptional student achievement but also fuels our collective pursuit of meaningful research."
As the MOA marks the official initiation of this partnership, it sets the stage where academia and industry synergize to reshape waste management paradigms and propel impactful research.
