BALANGA CITY (PIA) — Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) strengthened its role in advancing sustainable local development after formally partnering with the local government unit (LGU) of Bagac for the development of a municipality-wide wastewater and stormwater drainage master plan.
The project was presented to the Bagac LGU on February 4, 2026, at the PSALM Hotel, Conference and Training Center in Bagac, in partnership with the BPSU Institute of Architecture, the Research and Innovation Center on Climate Change and Sustainability, and the College of Engineering and Architecture.
It supports the national government’s thrust on climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, particularly in coastal and heritage municipalities such as Bagac, which face increasing risks from flooding, challenges in wastewater management, and climate change impacts.
BPSU Institute of Architecture Head Abigail Catapang spearheaded the collaboration and presented the proposed project titled “Master Plan Development for Integrated Stormwater and Wastewater: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Resilience, Integrity, and Sustainability in Bagac, Bataan.”
Catapang said the master plan will provide a balance between science-based and nature-based design solutions that will help the municipality address environmental challenges while ensuring the integrity and long-term sustainability of its infrastructure systems.
She emphasized that the project integrates research, engineering, and land use planning expertise to support informed decision-making at the local level.
For her part, BPSU President Ruby Santos-Matibag expressed strong support for the initiative, citing its importance as the Institute of Architecture’s first joint research project with a local government unit.
She commended Catapang and the project team for translating academic research into a tangible development intervention that directly benefits communities.
Santos-Matibag also thanked Bagac Mayor Ron Michael Alexis Del Rosario and the municipal government for their trust in BPSU, underscoring the university’s mandate as a state higher education institution to serve communities through research, innovation, and technical expertise in partnership with local government resources.
In coordination with the Bagac LGU, led by Mayor Del Rosario and Municipal Administrator Thea Martinez, both parties agreed on a ten-month timeline covering project planning and initial implementation activities.
The partners also committed to further consultations with the Sangguniang Bayan to refine the proposed master plan and discuss funding considerations.
This collaboration demonstrates how academic institutions and local governments can work together to deliver climate-resilient, community-centered solutions, contributing to sustainable development goals and strengthening nation-building at the grassroots level. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
