LAST Oct. 11, the Memorandum of Agreement signifying the continued partnership between San Beda College Alabang and Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) was signed by Prof. Carlo Tinio, NSTP Coordinator, and Antoinette Taus, actress and founder of CORA, along with SBCA Rotaract Executive President, Therese Yap (IV-BSBA-FM), who is working part-time on CORA, serving as witness. The agreement not only impacts SBCA but also the student organizations on campus, such as Rotaract, as it moves forward to future projects where it involves CORA.

Ever since the formation of its partnership last 2023, the College has been deeply involved with CORA’s initiatives, with Taus sharing that  “Bedans have really made a huge impact on our programs, both from circular economy initiatives, the Eco-Ikot Center, all the way to our coastal cleanups,” in an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD

With the continued partnership, Bedans will not only have the opportunity to be volunteers but also “became ‘citizen scientists’ for CORA,” Taus noted. She added that the youth are the future of the environment as global problems such as climate change continue to persist. 

          In line with this,  the National Service Training Program (NSTP) in partnership with  Eureka, Rotaract, the Bedan Liturgical Ministry, and the Student Executive Council hosted a seminar titled “Environmental Management and Protection” at the Tugade Auditorium.

        Prof. Carlo Enrico Tinio graced the event with his opening remarks, affirming to students that they are stewards of the environment. Tinio encouraged students to start the change now, stating that “it is a timely opportunity for us to come together and reflect on the critical role that each of us plays in safeguarding our environment.”

The sole speaker of the event, Antoinette Taus, began her talk by sharing the brief history of CORA. The nonprofit organization champions sustainable programs dedicated to creating initiatives to help alleviate pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Taus explained the various programs and initiatives that CORA undertakes. The #LunchbagPH focuses on reducing food waste, the Ocean Mission does coastal cleanup activities, and the Woman-Grove Warriors is a program where women are designated to mangrove cleaning, specifically in Leyte. Meanwhile, the Eco-Ikot Sustainable Center focuses on segregation work while promoting a circular economy at the same time. 

The CORA founder also introduced a new program, the Youth for Oceans, focusing on the youth being ocean warriors. It aims to guide the youth on how to save oceans from the waste dumped into the waters.

Closing the seminar, she mentioned the values that strengthened her since the beginning of her journey as an environmentalist: love, courage, and purpose. She said that “it is all because of the power of God” that guides her in her mission.