EMBRACING THE PRINCIPLE of “stewardship,” the Junior Bedan Law Circle (JBLC) installed a free water refilling station on the fourth floor of St. Anselm’s Hall, in the spirit of San Beda University’s (SBU) institutional celebration of Laudato Si’ last October 4.  

Having been informed of SBU’s aim to fully adopt and embody the message of Laudato Si, the organization found an opportunity to take concrete steps in “nurturing our common home.” JBLC’s Internal Vice President (IVP), Paolo Ornos, shared that “In determining [a] proper initiative, the organization took cognizance of the lifestyle of the people within the University, which involves Bedans’ heavy use of bottled water daily.” 

In an effort to minimize San Beda’s use of plastic water bottles, the organization opted to encourage the Bedan community to use tumblers instead and to refill them with water through their dispenser located right outside the office of the Department of Legal Management in hopes of effectively minimizing plastic use while also advocating for responsible water consumption.  

Ornos mentioned that the planning process in promoting this simple sustainable practice was “straightforward,” given the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability. As “one of the top professional organizations” in the CAS, JBLC continues to lead the Student Organizational Circle (SOC) towards making positive and impactful changes in the Bedan community. 

For Ornos, a simple, yet meaningful project would be sufficient to challenge and encourage the student leaders of the organizations in “taking up the challenge of caring for the environment.”  
JBLC’s water refilling station initiative, “harmonizing seamlessly with SBU’s unwavering devotion to the Laudato Si,” stands as a “living testament to the eco-conscious ethos deeply rooted in the Benedictine hallmarks, painting a vivid picture of a greener San Beda University.” 

Lastly, Ornos shared his remarks by encouraging the Bedan community to “adopt a lifestyle that will effectively reduce the waste and harm to the world, to truly embody a greener San Beda.”