Promoting sustainability, wellness, and active citizenship, the University of Baguio’s School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) kickstarted the 24K Green Steps: A Plogging Movement on April 26, 2025, in coordination with the City Government of Baguio.
Students, faculty, representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan, and local volunteers joined the event, collecting 257.75 kg of trash across four routes leading to popular Baguio tourist spots. The activity—plogging, a Swedish concept combining jogging and litter-picking—encouraged participants to protect the environment while staying active.
The initiative was supported by the City Tourism and Special Events Office headed by Engr. Aloysius Mapalo, the Baguio Fire Department, Baguio City Police Office, UB’s School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach Office, and the UB Management.
Also present was Ms. Tarah Marie Valencia, UB alumna and Miss Supranational Philippines 2025, serving as the event’s official ambassador.
The initiative supports the Commission on Higher Education’s call for practical and meaningful ecological movement (CHED Memorandum Order No. 33, s. 2009) and a response to the global call for collective action in solving environmental challenges. It also reinforces the promotion of responsible tourism among visitors.
As part of its objectives to produce graduates who advocate for sustainable programs for the community and the environment, the University plans to expand the plogging movement to more tourist areas and continues to encourage active community participation.
