OVPA, HSASD launch the first campus-based bike project in Quezon Province

As part of its commitment to promote sustainability and innovation within the campus, the Office of the Vice President for Administration (OVPA) and Health, Safety, and Auxiliary Services Department (HSASD) launched a bike project titled “Bisig-LETAS (Leading Envergans Towards Alliance in Sustainability)” at the Criminology Building Façade, August 14. 

This bike project initially deployed twenty-five (25) units. All faculty members, employees, students and other members of the outsourced personnel may borrow bicycle units from the designated stations located in front of the Criminology Building Façade, near the Student Lounge and beside Gate 1. 

“Through this program, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint, promote wellness, and more connected and agile University community. All these initiatives underscore to University’s dedication to environmental sustainability, innovation in transport services and our mission to deliver excellence in education and service” said Vice President for Administration Atty. Dario R. Opistan, during his welcoming remarks. 

Mr. Arby S. Lagman, Director of the HSASD, served as the host of the activity and shared bike sharing guidelines. “All bicycle units can be borrowed for free from the designated stations. All users will be provided a safety helmet and dedicated bike lane for safety purposes”, he added. He also mentioned that interested stakeholders may donate additional bicycle units. 

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was led by the University officials specifically the Chairman of the Board / Chief Executive Officer Atty. Wilfrido Enverga with his wife Madame Grace Enverga, University President / Chief Operating Officer Madame Naila E. Leveriza with her husband Mr. Dennis Leveriza, Sr., Vice President for Administration Atty. Dario R. Opistan, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Carlito M. Rodriguez, Vice President for External Relations Celso D. Jaballa, and the Assistant to the Vice President for Academics and Research Dr. Claudia Odette J. Ayala.

Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Maaño, the University Chaplain, led the blessing of the bicycle units and stations. The symbolic first ride was participated by University officials, students, employees, and outsourced personnel, traveling from the Criminology Building to Gate 1.

The Bisig-LETAS is the first bike project among all the educational institutions in Quezon Province. This project would not be possible without the help of the several organizations and individuals including the Graduating Class of 2025, Honor Society of the Lambda Kappa Phi, and the University Collegiate Student Council SY 2024-2025.

The activity was one of the four (4) events that were launched during the day.

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This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – It promotes a healthier lifestyle, wellness, and physical activity within the University to its students, faculty, and employees.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – It provides new option of transportation service in the university and produces zero emissions.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – It provides a new transportation system and infrastructure in the campus like bicycle as an alternative mode of transport for its students, faculty, and employees, and dedicated bicycle lanes and parking stations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – It offers a sustainable transport for all to help in creating a safer and healthier community.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – It helps to reduce fuel consumption in the community and to have a shared responsibility in taking good care of bicycle units for sustainability.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – It reduces university’s carbon footprint.