EVSU has deepened its strategic alliances with non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society partners in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These collaborations are operationalized in three inter-linked pathways: student volunteering programmes, joint research initiatives, and the co-creation or dissemination of educational resources. Together these pathways serve to both enrich the academic mission of EVSU and strengthen the university’s role as a socially-responsive institution in Eastern Visayas.

Student Volunteering Programme: Partnership with ASEZ WAO for Environmental Stewardship

The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) reinforces its commitment to sustainability and student volunteerism through a proactive partnership with ASEZ WAO, an international volunteer organization recognized globally for advancing environmental protection and climate action. This collaboration, which also involves key government agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), underscores EVSU’s dedication to mobilizing its students as active contributors to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The partnership was launched through a campus-wide clean-up drive on November 20, marking the first phase of joint sustainability initiatives. The event united student organizations, ASEZ WAO volunteers, and government partners in a collective effort to restore and beautify the university’s environment—cleaning areas from the LIFE Center to the Graduate School Building. The initiative showcased the power of collaboration among students, civil society, and public institutions in fostering environmental consciousness and collective responsibility.

Beyond the immediate results of waste reduction and improved campus cleanliness, the activity served as a training ground for student volunteers, strengthening their sense of community engagement, leadership, and ecological awareness. It also provided experiential learning opportunities that bridge academic instruction with real-world application of sustainability principles.

More importantly, the partnership with ASEZ WAO represents a long-term commitment to environmental volunteerism. Future initiatives are planned to extend beyond the university grounds into the broader Tacloban community and nearby municipalities. These will include community clean-ups, environmental education campaigns, and collaborative sustainability projects designed to build local capacity for climate resilience.

Through this collaboration, EVSU not only amplifies its contribution to environmental stewardship but also cultivates a generation of student volunteers who embody the university’s mission of service, social responsibility, and sustainable development.

Student Volunteering Programme: Tree-Growing Activity of Graduating Students, EVSU–Ormoc Campus

Demonstrating the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and student volunteerism, the graduating students of Eastern Visayas State University–Ormoc Campus for the academic year 2023–2024 organized a tree-growing activity on May 23, 2024, in Barangay Green Valley, Ormoc City. The initiative highlighted the students’ collective dedication to advancing sustainability, community engagement, and climate action—key pillars of EVSU’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Spearheaded by the Senior Class Organization under the guidance of faculty advisers Mr. Bernie Palacio, Mr. Julito Acebron, and Ms. Carolina Codilla, the activity gathered graduating students from across major departments—including Teacher Education, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Computer Studies, and Business Management.

Through active participation, the volunteers planted tree seedlings in the designated area of Barangay Green Valley, symbolizing their “green legacy” as they prepare to leave the university. Beyond its immediate environmental benefit, the activity nurtured students’ awareness of ecological responsibility and strengthened their bond with the local community. It served as a meaningful culmination of their academic journey—transforming classroom learning into real-world action for sustainability.

As one participant aptly reflected, “Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.” This sentiment captures the spirit of EVSU’s student volunteering culture: that even small acts of service, when done collectively, contribute significantly to the preservation of the environment and the pursuit of a more sustainable future for Eastern Visayas.

Through these volunteer-driven initiatives, EVSU integrates sustainability and service into the student experience—transforming learners into changemakers who embody the university’s values of excellence, stewardship, and social engagement. By collaborating with NGOs, government agencies, and local communities, EVSU continues to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious leaders whose collective action contributes meaningfully to the SDGs and to the long-term resilience of Eastern Visayas.