CAGAYAN DE ORO — In a major push toward greener and safer clinical environments, the "Nurse Susie" roadshow arrived at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro from June 30 to July 2, 2026. As the latest stop in a nationwide campaign under the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management (HCWM) Project, the initiative aims to transform hospitals into "toxics-free" zones by championing sustainable waste disposal practices. By introducing the friendly mascot, Nurse Susie, to healthcare workers and local communities, the project is actively dismantling outdated habits and promoting a new standard of environmental responsibility within the medical sector.
A Framework for Greener Hospitals
At the heart of the campaign is the "4Cs" framework, a roadmap designed to guide hospitals toward zero-waste operations. Nurse Susie, the campaign's mascot, serves as a relatable guide for healthcare professionals, patients, and waste workers to "Change old habits, Cut plastics, Commit to reuse, and Champion sustainability." The initiative addresses a critical issue identified in recent waste audits: single-use plastics often comprise over 70 percent of hospital waste, contributing to high volumes of hazardous refuse. By encouraging the adoption of reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), durable linens, and washable medical textiles, the project aims to drastically reduce the reliance on disposable items that often end up incinerated, potentially releasing toxic pollutants like dioxins and furans into the environment.
Building Resilience for Future Emergencies
The HCWM Project, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau and BAN Toxics, is a strategic response to the lessons learned during the pandemic. As NMMC is one of the six key partner hospitals nationwide, this capacity-building visit provided staff with technical training in waste segregation, leadership in environmental advocacy, and the adoption of low or zero emission waste treatment technologies. Beyond the hospital walls, the campaign also engages the surrounding community, ensuring that the movement toward sustainable waste management becomes a collective effort. By fostering inter-agency collaboration and modernizing local systems, the project ensures that Northern Mindanao’s leading medical facilities are not only equipped to save lives today but are also built to be climate-resilient and environmentally sound for the future.
