THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas has started the phased implementation of the ban on the use and distribution of single-use plastics across university activities this September, according to the Office of the Secretary General (OSG).
A “concessionaires-first” approach will be adopted during the first term of the school year 2026-2027, requiring on-campus vendors to discontinue the use and distribution of single-use plastics.
Select academic units will pilot-test the ban during the initial phase, while units with existing policies are encouraged to continue and strengthen their measures.
“All stakeholders are enjoined to reduce their plastic footprint by minimizing the use of plastic materials in their daily operations and activities,” the OSG memorandum stated.
The policy, recommended by the Sustainability Program Overseeing Committee, laid out the single-use plastic products and disposable materials.
These include plastic cups, straws, stirrers, utensils, plates, food containers, sachets, plastic bags, plastic packaging and other similar items.
The prohibition applies to daily operations, special events and campus activities organized by administrative units, academic units and student organizations.
Accredited suppliers, campus concessionaires, service providers and event partners serving university activities are likewise required to comply with the mandate.
Exceptions to the policy may be permitted for verified health, safety, laboratory, accessibility, regulatory, or other justified operational requirements.
According to the OSG, the University would continue to develop and issue comprehensive guidelines to support a smooth transition.
The sustainability initiative is anchored in the Global Compact on Education target to safeguard our common home, and the Sustainable Development Goals on responsible consumption and production. F
