The Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U), in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), reaffirmed their commitment to environmental stewardship through the relaunch of the “Greening the Maroon & Gold: Plastic Bottles Recycling Campaign” held today, April 18, 2026 (Saturday), at the ACAD Building Lobby.
Originally scheduled for the pull-out of plastic receptacle bins installed on campus, the activity evolved into a more meaningful collaboration as CIT-U aligned the engagement with the relaunch of its recycling movement. This development reflects the growing momentum of partnerships between academic institutions and CCCI in strengthening long-term, community-based environmental programs. It also builds on previous successful engagements in schools such as the University of San Jose-Recoletos Basak Campus, University of the Visayas, and Cebu Technological Sciences – Cebu, where similar initiatives mobilized students, faculty, and staff to actively participate in plastic waste recovery, sustainability, and environmental stewardship efforts.
A key highlight of the campaign is the continued support of CCCI as the proponent of the receptacle bin project under the Cebu Flood Hero Movement. Through its campus deployments, the program has already collected over 200 kilograms of PET bottles from partner schools, demonstrating the impact of sustained community involvement. These collected plastics are repurposed into trash interceptors for rivers, helping prevent waste from entering Cebu’s waterways and mitigating urban flooding. In addition, the initiative actively links collected PET bottles to recycling partners, supporting the development of a circular economy and ensuring that waste materials are reintegrated into productive use.
The event featured Mr. Adrian Lee, a homegrown entrepreneur and environmental advocate representing Cebu CCI and an active member of the Cebu Flood Hero Movement. Through his work with the 12 Baskets Movement, he has been actively advancing plastic recycling initiatives while creating livelihood opportunities for communities, including former inmates.
In his message, Lee delivered a thought-provoking perspective on plastic use, emphasizing that “PET bottles are not the problem by themselves-the problem is what happens after we use them.” He challenged students to go beyond awareness and take action through innovation, adding, “Engineers don’t just accept systems-they improve them.” He further encouraged the youth to see waste as an opportunity, noting that recycled plastics can be transformed into valuable products and sustainable solutions.
The relaunch gathered approximately 300 NSTP students, highlighting the vital role of the youth in driving environmental stewardship, sustainability, and responsible community action.
Through strengthened partnerships and continued advocacy, CIT-U and CCCI aim to inspire more communities to take part in building a greener future—one bottle at a time.
