Central Mindanao University (CMU), through the Office of Environmental and Safety Management (OESM), hosted representatives of SEEWAY Inc. during an on-site visit on February 4, 2026, to explore a possible partnership on wastewater management and renewable resource research initiatives.

The visit aimed to identify areas of collaboration aligned with CMU’s wastewater treatment needs and SEEWAY’s engineering and environmental consultancy expertise.

SEEWAY Inc. was represented by its President, Ms. Vylia A. Jongco, together with consultant Lecel A. Sandigan, ChE, a senior chemical engineer with more than 20 years of experience in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, septage facilities, regulatory compliance, and environmental systems design and optimization 

CMU representatives were headed by Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, Director of the Office of Environmental and Safety Management, together with Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) preparer lead Mr. Joylinber P. Tandingan and the Solid Waste Management Unit Head, Mr. Antonio H. Pamisa. The visit began with a courtesy call to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and was followed by a guided tour of selected Office of Resource Generation Management projects, university research centers, campus water sources, and other bodies of water within the CMU grounds.

In expressing CMU’s position on partnerships, Dr. Bucayong emphasized the university’s openness to collaboration, stating that OESM remains committed to partnerships that strengthen environmental compliance, sustainability initiatives, and environmental management systems.

SEEWAY president, Ms. Jongco, also emphasized that the purpose of the collaboration is to break ground on new research initiatives focusing on Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Sustainability, and Climate Change Resiliency. 

Discussions during the visit highlighted the complementary capabilities of both institutions. CMU contributes strong academic leadership, research facilities, and campus-based environmental programs, while SEEWAY Inc. offers specialized expertise in wastewater treatment engineering, plant rehabilitation, regulatory permitting, and sustainable resource recovery systems.

As a next step, CMU and SEEWAY Inc. are scheduled to hold a brainstorming and conceptualization meeting in March 2026 to develop potential Renewable Resource Projects for the university. The discussions will focus on transforming wastewater into valuable renewable resources, such as reclaimed water, energy, and recoverable nutrients, and on developing concepts that may qualify for national and international sustainability funding.

SEEWAY Inc. is a Philippine-based company engaged in wastewater treatment system design, construction, rehabilitation, and operation, and maintenance services.

The proposed collaboration supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Through this initiative, CMU and SEEWAY Inc. aim to advance research-driven, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions that address campus wastewater challenges while contributing to environmental protection and community development. [Information from Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong]

She participated as an official Philippine delegate, endorsed by the National Authority of the Philippines on the Chemical Weapons Convention, highlighting her role in advancing international cooperation on chemical safety and governance.

Engr. Reyes was endorsed by Dr. Nuna E. Almanzor, President of PhilMSTQ, Inc., and supported by CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, reflecting CMU’s commitment to faculty development and institutional safety systems.

The program covered key areas including the Chemical Weapons Convention, integrated chemicals management, chemical safety and security risk assessment, sustainable chemistry, waste management, and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence in chemical governance.

Key learnings will support CMU’s Office of Environmental and Safety Management, particularly in strengthening chemical inventory systems, risk assessment, and the implementation of the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management Manual, in preparation for the University’s ₱10-million Integrated Chemical Waste Storage Facility scheduled for 2026.

Through this engagement, CMU reinforces its leadership in chemical safety, quality systems, and the safe and peaceful application of chemistry in support of national development and environmental stewardship. (Information from Engr. Emmie G. Reyes)