During the SAVE ME Movement Pioneer Movers Students’ Forum on March 12, 2025, at the Learning Commons, Guimaras State University’s College of Teacher Education (GSU – CTE) launched “EcoVibes”, a new initiative to tackle the growing challenge of waste management on campus. Spearheaded by the Students’ Actions Vital for the Environment and Mother Earth (SAVE ME) Movement Pioneer Movers, the program promotes sustainable waste handling practices, including recycling, composting, and responsible disposal.

The project was unveiled through a detailed presentation by President Princess Mae Tagabuen and member John Marco Gallego, outlining its objectives, strategies, and planned activities. A core goal of EcoVibes is to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship on campus, encouraging student participation in waste reduction and sustainable waste management.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Rhea Flora, GSU Baterna Campus Director and Save the Marine Ecosystem Project Manager. Dr. Flora emphasized the urgency of effective waste management, contrasting past environmental conditions with today’s pollution and waste challenges. She urged students to adopt responsible environmental practices, featuring the long-term consequences of unsustainable behavior.

CTE Dean Dr. Jasmin T. Gadian challenged student leaders—particularly CTE Mayors and SAVE ME members—to spearhead their own EcoVibes projects within their respective sections, encouraging each program to develop and implement unique initiatives.

The event saw strong participation, with 22 CTE Mayors, 19 SAVE ME members, and Dean Gadian in attendance. Tagabuen and Gallego elaborated on EcoVibes’ goals and its planned university-wide expansion. An open forum followed, facilitating discussions on practical implementation strategies and the challenges of achieving sustainable waste management. The success of EcoVibes within the CTE will be a crucial stepping stone for its broader adoption across GSU.