In a remarkable display of academic excellence and commitment to sustainability, Evangeline Wangan Torres, an Assistant Professor II of Kalinga State University (KSU), recently participated in two international conferences in Europe, representing the KSU and the Philippines.
The first event, the 9th International Academic Conference on Education (IACEDUCATION), took place at the University of Education in Zurich, Switzerland from June 4-6, 2025. This conference brought together 45 research oral presenters from diverse countries, including Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Georgia, Algeria, UAE, Kosovo, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Switzerland, China, USA, India, London UK, Macedonia, Germany, Ecuador, Croatia, and the Philippines.
Since its inception in Oxford in 2019, IACEDUCATION has provided a vital platform for educators, researchers, and practitioners worldwide to engage in scholarly exchange on contemporary issues in education.
During the forum, Torres presented their research titled “From Waste to Worth: Learning Science from Recycling.” Co-authors on this research are Vida Gunnawa, an Assistant Prof. III from KSU and Prof. Tiberiu Dragoiu from the University of Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca (UBB), Romania.
The study aimed to explore the educational potential of recycling practices to enhance scientific understanding and environmental awareness among students. The results indicated that recycling-integrated lessons significantly improve students’ comprehension of recycling-related concepts, foster environmental thinking and behavior, and empower students to take action in protecting the environment.
Following this, Torres attended the 23rd International Balkan Workshop on Applied Physics and Materials Science (IBWAP 2025) from July 9-12, 2025, at Ovidius University in Constanta, Romania.
This workshop, which has been held since 1999, provided another platform for Torres to present her qualitative research titled “Comparative Analysis of Recycling Practices in the Philippines and Romania through Utilization of Recycled Materials.”
This study focused on how both countries manage plastic waste in alignment with the principles of the circular economy. The comparative analysis utilized seven criteria: 1) the quality of recycling processes, 2) the effectiveness of waste management systems, 3) the recycling rate, 4) the presence of supportive policies and infrastructure, 5) public awareness and participation, 6) economic incentives, and 7) the integration of recycling into the circular economy model.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Dragoiu aimed to compare the Philippines and Romania due to their similar political transitions in 1986 and 1989, as well as their comparable GDPs—Philippines ranking as the 40th largest economy in the world and Romania as the 49th.
Additionally, there is an ongoing finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding between KSU and UBB.
The findings revealed that Romania outperforms the Philippines in all criteria, largely due to its Deposit Return System (DRS) and adherence to circular economy principles. In contrast, the Philippines, despite having progressive legislation such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, struggles with fragmented implementation.
The study also highlighted a clear divergence in progress influenced by political transitions, institutional capacity, and external policy factors.
The researchers recommended that the Philippines learn from Romania’s successful practices by implementing a DRS, expanding material recovery facilities, and utilizing the MOU between KSU and UBB to enhance mutual learning in environmental education, recycling, and waste management.
KSU and UBB are also considering collaboration with local government officials to introduce the DRS and promote the circular economy model.
Torres expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her research stating, “These conferences not only allow us to present our findings but also to learn from global best practices. It is crucial for us to adopt effective strategies that can lead to meaningful change in our communities.”
Torres also expressed her gratitude for the support of the KSU specially its president, Dr. Joy Grace Doctor, who, she said, is continuously upgrading the university’s research unit.**By Darwin S. Serion
