IN a postpandemic new normal, schools are providing an environment where their students can feel and perform their best.
Manila Central University (MCU) recently ranked second in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for the Metro Manila area for December 2021. The criteria include setting and infrastructure; energy and climate change; waste, water, transportation; as well as education and research.
On a larger scale, the university ranked eighth in the Philippines, and 719th in the world.
GreenMetric World University Rankings are performed by the Universitas Indonesia since 2010 to measure each participating university’s commitment to developing an environmentally friendly university.
“[MCU has] always valued the overall student experience. We believe that it contributes a big deal to the actual learning itself. When the school or university you are studying in provides an environment that inspires and makes you feel safe, [your] learning experience is elevated,” says Vice President for Planning and External Affairs Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco.
For the new school year, the university has made sure that its safety protocols, including fully-vaccinated faculty and staff, are in check. It strictly follows national government guidelines as part of its advocacy to be the safest and greenest campus in the country. The school has also established a disinfection schedule, as classrooms and offices are disinfected before and after every use. Further, it implements a strict “no face mask, no entry” protocol and temperature checks.
Apart from these, the university also has developed its own contact-tracing app, MCU Trace, which contains an online health-declaration system. Complementing such efforts are isolation rooms and hand-washing stations in strategic locations.
“We are definitely excited to see our students again!” says Dr. Tanchoco. “But with the privilege of experiencing face-to-face learning, there is huge responsibility on our part to keep everybody safe and at ease. We will continue to invest in our facilities, curriculum, and apply high standards to provide an environment conducive for learning and enjoying life as a student.”
