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INTRODUCTION
The environmental issue has become a world –wide apprehension in the last decades
being the focus of discussions in a variety of forums both at national and international levels.
Because environmental problems are rooted in economic and social policies, they occur at all
levels from local to global, including the universities, specifically Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Maynila. The school is responsible for dealing with these problems and working towards
solutions.
Accordingly the university has tried to address this over the years by creating policies,
and programs in conformity with the environmental legislation, laws and regulations and,
expenditures. Although it is not the Chemical engineering (ChE) department’s function to
question policy it is however, as concern citizens, the department’s responsibility to investigate
the effect of policy and the management measures that lead to policy decisions. In this way the
ChE department can help the institution do a better job vis-à-vis proper waste management.
Consequently, the fourth year chemical engineering students has embarked on carrying
out environmental audits. The audits will be carried out on any of the environmental issues
facing the university (including solid waste management and waste water). As a pilot
environmental audit, a decision was made to audit waste management with particular
emphasis on Medical, Solid and Chemical waste generated by colleges using the laboratory
facilities. Three colleges (College of Medicine, College of Science and College of Physical
Therapy) were audited, while the Physical Development and Special Projects Office (PDSPO)
was solicited. Waste that is not managed properly affects not only human health but the other
aspects of the environment like water, air and biological diversity.
The purpose of this management report/environmental audit report was therefore to
make known the findings of the audit regarding the handling, storage and, disposal of waste.
The report was not intended to be exhaustive. In line with audits of this nature, the intention
was to provide the reader with a general understanding of the current situation with regard to
medical, chemical and solid wastes and in particular, the adequacy of the management
measures with regard to the risks and applicable legislation, regulations and procedures
associated therewith.
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE
Environmental issues and concerns are given very low priority in political governance,
especially in the local and lowermost levels where it matters most.
This is caused by the lack of awareness of the importance of environmental resources as
the foundation for any economic development (e.g., water, soil, etc.)
There is also lack of awareness on the part of the government leadership on the
numerous laws dealing with environmental protection. Almost all laws are passed by Congress
without an adequate information and communications program.
Thus there is no political will on the part of the governmental leadership to comply and
enforce basic environmental and sustainable development laws.
Sometimes, even with knowledge of the importance of environmental concerns and of
the relevant laws, neglect, patronage, and corruption come in the way of compliance and
enforcement.
The situation above prevails in many countries, especially in “less-consuming countries”
(a.k.a. so-called developing countries)
The idea of an environmental compliance audit was born out of frustration by a
lawyer/author who has written an 850 page book on Philippine Environmental Law and realized
that not even one per cent of the some 130 laws are being implemented.
This novel idea seeks to ensure that:
Environmental concerns are brought to the attention of the local and national political
leaders concerned
They are addressed with sufficient seriousness and determination
Public officers tasked to implement, comply and enforce the Law are held accountable
for their inability or unwillingness to comply with the relevant environmental laws.
Republic Act 9003 known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000 along with
other city ordinances regarding solid waste management (e.g. segregation, recycling and
reusing) are among the prevailing laws and regulations in compliance with the Philippine
Environmental Law.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The environmental condition of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila has always been
the concern of each and every person involved in the university; from the administration down
to the maintenance personnel. A university cannot function well with an unhealthy
environment for it causes much problem to all the people in the university. Because of this,
environmental audits should always be done to ensure the quality of the environment that the
university has.
Every college in the university contributes to a great number of wastes generated per
day, whether it is solid or liquid waste. But the ways on how the wastes are disposed were not
really specified by the different colleges. Laboratories of different colleges, specifically College
of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Science, and College of Physical Therapy generates
not just ordinary wastes such as cadavers, chemicals, dissected animals, etc. As a result, there is
much concern on how the colleges dispose such wastes and the conditions of the environment
within the vicinity of PLM.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Every educational institution is working its way in uplifting the quality of teaching; this is
done by securing that students are given attention needed under their respective colleges. By
requiring the professors and instructors the desired units of masters is another. These are just
some observed rules in order to augment the knowledge and expertise in the field. Eventually
students are equipped with the skills and become well-versed in their fields under every degree
program offered by an educational institution. Lessons, books, modules and the like do
contribute to the students, but are short to be used as gauge and basis of learning. The quality
of the environment is one indicator if the students are offered with the atmosphere conducive
for studying.
The environment within the vicinity/premises of the school can never be set aside.
Learning comes when understanding establish its place in the mind and imbibed for application.
The quality of environment matters to everyone especially when concentration is needed.
Further, the health of the concerned people in the campus should precede the excellence that
every educational institution is after with. Conversely, clean and convenient surroundings yield
excellence among students.
A clean workplace is desirable and result to good outcome. Laboratory works such as in
Chemistry (chemical analysis), Biology and Medicine (dissection of cadaver and specimen)
among others. Laboratory workplace should be secured contaminants-free and pollutants-free
to get the wanted results. The emissions coming from the cars parked that might mix with the
air inhaled by the students are also to be determined.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila embodied in itself the word excellence, is sought
after with an environmental check/audit.
OBJECTIVES
This research study tackling an environmental check/audit is anchored with the
following objectives.
To carry out an environmental check/audit per college and related offices, if the
standard of cleanliness is achieved and well-implemented in their area of responsibility.
To know their waste disposal procedures especially colleges with laboratory operations.
To assess the concern colleges’ part /contribution in the maintenance of PLM
vicinity/premises as student-friendly.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This research includes only the environmental check, waste disposal management and
maintenance of PLM vicinity as student-friendly and conducive for learning. An environmental
audit is done per college and assess if the criteria is met.
This research study is limited with the tests as determinant for the presence of trace
elements in excess in the water system of the college with laboratory subjects. Further, the
determination of the quality of odor, condition of air, and the presence of pollutant in excess
are excluded.
Centred on the quality of PLM environment through the environmental audit, criteria
written therewith is being followed. Other materials and sources (primary and secondary) that
the researchers think are of less importance in conducting the study are deemed unnecessary.
METHODOLOGY
OCCULAR INSPECTION AND INTERVIEWS
For the purposes of environmental auditing of the university, evaluation of laboratories
as well as waste discarding spot of different Colleges was conducted. To intensify the
environmental assessment modified multi-step stratified data gathering procedure method was
used in the conduct of information gathering. Included in such procedures were ocular
inspections of the site, which also includes medical, solid and chemicals wastes disposing site, in
addition to checking of the proper compartment of chemicals used by students in some of their
subjects requiring laboratory plus interview with Engr.Rolando Marasigan, head of PDSPO and
the laboratory personnel.
Interviews were done using questions that were formulated by the researchers. These
Questions addressing to the respective deans and laboratory personnel are embark upon the
evaluation of the laboratory and disposal site located to the area where they were primarily be
connected with.
a. OCULAR INSPECTION
The researchers visited the Laboratories and disposing sites for the purpose of
assessing the safety and order of the place based on the researchers’ perspective.
Cleanliness and hygiene was also subjected to appraisal but limited to some areas
where students are non-permissible. Part of the inspection is to check the proper
placing of materials which include in laboratory room, laboratory equipment and the
proper compartment of chemicals.
The place for setting out the non-working school property, dented Equipment,
municipal waste, and used chemicals were also considered. The distance where these
materials discarded was also pleasing into consideration as well as the manner they are
being dumped. The presence of warning signs that promotes safety, welfare and order
of the laboratory were also scrutinized.
b. FIELD INTERVIEWS
Authorized personnel were interviewed to provide information regarding the
proper waste disposal in the entire university, as well as the laboratory maintenance.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
INTERVIEW:
As the principal method in gathering information, interview with the head of PDSPO was
conducted, since it is the office responsible for all the waste disposal management in the
university. In line with this, Engr. Marasigan gave reliable information on how our university
handles the proper waste management. According to him, our university follows the Clean Air
Act. First is the process of Waste Segregation, wherein the biodegradable and non-
biodegradable materials are separated in different containers, black for biodegradable and
green for non-biodegradable. The purpose of it is to separate and obtain the recyclable
materials that can be sold like plastics and plastic bottles, the janitors are the ones making the
solution to lessen the number of wastes in our university. At the back of the gym, there is a
Waste Storage house constructed, wherein the garbage are placed there, every 4 in the
morning the Manila City Hall dump trucks collect the wastes.
“Regarding the cleanliness of the campus, we have 50 janitors and janitress, 25 people
at a time, working inside the university trying to maintain the cleanliness of the whole campus.”
As of now, our university is not violating any law regarding waste disposal and our campus is
doing fine.
One of the researchers asked, if the PSDPO is cooperating with the College of Science
regarding their laboratory waste disposal, he said that the chemicals disposed are non toxic,
because it is somehow diluted so it’s already safe to discharge directly to the drainage. So, he
believed that we’re not using toxic compounds and chemicals like for example the formalin,
which is not harmful waste since it is already diluted upon disposal.
On the other hand, the disposal of cadavers is also discussed. According to him, there
are proper or systematic ways to dispose cadavers; they are not disposed that easy, a cadaver
cannot be disposed without the knowledge of the Manila City Hall. There is a process for
disposing cadavers, for it reflects our respect to the dead bodies. The university is not throwing
the dead body in a garbage can, it is buried. There is a cadaver house at the back of the gym,
where the bodies are well preserved and when the cadaver is burned with formalin, and can no
longer be studied by the Medicine students then that is the time when the cadaver can be
disposed or buried after undergoing an appropriate process.
Environmental Law is also applicable in PLM, since we are a part of this country; the
Environmental Policy applies to all of the covered places and municipalities of the Philippines.
The chemicals used in the laboratory of the campus actually contributes to the air
pollution, since the pollution emitted by the chemicals once it is opened is diluted with air, it is
somehow reduced and partially disappear, thus not affecting the whole campus. For non air
conditioning rooms, there are several ventilation or open windows so that air can circulate
through the area. In addition, the university has ventilating fans, wherein the chemicals emitted
are mixed with air, so there is a reduction of whatever toxic substances present in the air.
“Dilution is the key to pollution.” This is the primary idea why the management need to
employ ventilation in the area affected by the gasified chemicals. A minimal concentration of
these toxic chemicals may be declared as safe.
Also, we placed flowering plant all throughout the university to neutralize the pollution
for we all know that these plants absorbs carbon dioxide which is a pollutant in the
atmosphere.
“Discipline must be observed by the people of this university to maintain its cleanliness.
It has to start from the simple and proper solid waste disposal up to the proper drainage of the
use chemicals by the students during their laboratory practice.”
Laboratory Inspection
Ocular inspection was done to scrutinize
College of Medicine
Laboratory facilities in particular microscopes, chairs
and tables are in great conditions and are properly arranged
Lavatories are preserved although there are some
stains caused maybe by chemicals etc.
The do’s and do not’s are posted on the walls
Displayed projects are contained in a safe
glass cabinet for safety purposes
They strictly follow proper waste disposal, segregating
biodegradable from nonbiodegradable wastes
Wastes are properly contained in waste bags and these waste
bags are properly arranged in waste storage house
Structural materials are placed in the
warehouse in organized manner
Used flourescent lights dumped at the rear part of Gusaling Bagatsing
College of Science
Laboratory facilities in particular chairs
and tables are in poor conditions
Lavatories are full of stains due to improper waste disposal
Laboratory equipment are in bad conditions
Uneccessary things are everywhere
Unclean drums and containers are everywhere
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Based on the interviews with the Deans of College of Medicine, College of Science, and College
of Physical Therapy; and from the investigations of the laboratories in each college, it is pretty obvious
that there are some positive and negatives outcomes for the conducted research entitled
“Environmental Audit 2009 of Colleges of Medicine, Science, and Physical Therapy in Pamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Maynila” .
For the positive outcomes, it is seen that proper signage on waste disposal are
posted not only in the laboratories but also in the vicinity of the campus. The signage
indicated what type of garbage or wastes are to be disposed in the respective
containers.
Segregations are implemented for solid waste disposal. This is evident through the use
of different containers for biodegradable and non-biodegradable as well as plastic
wastes.
Environmental Laws are implemented around the campus. Like for example, smoking is
not allowed while inside the campus.
The Waste Storage house served as a collector and storage of the solid wastes before
the Manila City hall dump trucks pick the garbage of the campus, so that it will not be
seen and scattered around the campus.
Like other conducted research, there are some possible negative outcomes or facts that are
revealed as the study went through.
No other waste water treatment is used. It is evident in the improper disposal of used
chemicals from the laboratory works of the students.
Some hazardous wastes, like fluorescent lamps at the back of Gusaling Bagatsing, are
not properly disposed. These can result to accident or clogging of water pathway.
Dilution is used in laboratory chemicals to lower the concentration before disposing it
directly from the laboratories which can also result to clogging.
Some students are not following the implemented Laws and Regulations on proper
disposal around the campus.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Environmental Awareness
In order to create environmental awareness amongst staffs of the College of Medicine,
College of Science and College of Physical Therapy it is recommended that the university
administration through Physical Development and Special Projects Office should play a leading
role in emphasising the importance of observing environmentally sound practices and in
particular in management of medical, chemical and solid wastes. Through its routine waste
disposal management, it should incorporate environmental issues so as to increase
environmental awareness. PDSPO should encourage all colleges, especially those with
laboratory facilities, in the university to access and adhere to the environmental regulations in
place, since it is charged with the responsibility of monitoring the proper waste disposal in the
entire university.
Risk Evaluation
In order to mitigate the risks associated with medical, chemical and solid wastes, it is
important that management should always try to identify and assess the nature of the risks
involved and then try to devise ways and means of managing those risks. Currently there have
not been any attempts to identify the risks posed by medical waste a fact which contributes to
it being not given the attention it deserves.
Policies and Strategies
As already pointed out, a draft National Hospital Policy is available. It is important that
the environmental sections of the policy are drafted which will address issues to do with
medical waste management. The individual hospitals can then base on this national policy to
make their own policies to be followed by staff in the respective hospitals.
Internal Waste Management Systems
It is important that management of the individual hospitals set up strict internal waste
management systems with clear duties and responsibilities to all concerned. This way, it will
always be possible to identify which individual has failed to perform his or her assigned
responsibilities.
Increased Monitoring
Increasing monitoring by the ministry staff, NEMA staff and the district environmental
officers can also help in guiding management of individual hospitals in areas they are found to
be lacking. The interaction between the monitoring staff and hospital staff will also increase
environmental awareness and possibly lead to adherence to environmental laws and
regulations, thus contributing to conservation of our environment.