Brief History

The Institute was established in November 1991 as an affiliate academic unit of PWU with research and services as functional components, primarily concerned with environmental matters. In 1970's the university, through its Chairman's and President Emeritus, Helena Z Benitez, has already been involved in various environmental work both in local and international scene. As part of her pioneering efforts, she authored the Environment Policy of the Philippines and chaired the First Senate Committee on Natural Resources. She was the head of the delegates of the Philippines to the first world wide conference on environment at Stockholm, Sweden. She likewise served as president of the UNEP III Governing Council. Under stewardship, the university took a pivotal role in environmental education.

As early as 1974, the university already conducted a Teachers' Training on Environmental Science. The success of the project paved the way to PWU for a grant in 1981 to conduct an "Energy Education" project for three years. This project was spearheaded by late Dr. Juanita Manalo who was later assigned the first director of the Institute. The project involved the development and testing of teaching materials and training of teachers with the use of these modules. Until 1984, each summer, PWU conducted energy and environmental education seminars for teachers at all levels for both the government and private sector. The Institute continuously sponsor and organize environmental related activities such as Environmental Impact Assessment Seminar - Workshop, Helena Z Benitez Global Forum on Sustainable Development for high school students, Summer Ecological Camp, Video Conferencing on Urban Development, and the latest is the on-line Environmental management program for Executives. It also offers Master of Science in Environmental Management in Mixed mode (print and on-line). Last June of 2004 permit to operate was granted for Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, where most of the students enrolled are scholars of Senator Magsaysay. We are now making negotiations on the possibility of having a tie-up with Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding mixed mode delivery in our Undergraduate course.

• Master of Science in Environmental Management
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

• Herbalist
• Agriculturist
• Urban Planner
• Educator
• Forester
• Marine Biologist
• Solid Waste Manager
• Water & Sanitation Manager