Shaping sustainable future: Practices, awareness, perceptions, and information sources of undergraduate biology students at a university in rural Philippines

In the Philippines, despite the efforts of the government and various environment-related institutions, many sustainability issues remain unresolved, emphasizing the need to expand and strengthen sustainability awareness and initiatives. In this context, the youth play a vital role in promoting environmentally responsible behaviors that contribute to a more sustainable future. This concurrent cross-sectional mixed-method research examines the sustainable practices of undergraduate biology students, both within the university setting and in their personal lives, along with their awareness, perceptions, and preferred information sources. The study is guided by Social Practice Theory, which explains how sustainable behaviors are shaped by a combination of knowledge and skills (competences), personal values and motivations (meanings), and available resources and infrastructure (materials). Results revealed that most students preferred public transportation and were actively engaged in the University's sustainability activities, challenging previous findings about lower participation in rural areas. A significant factor in their involvement was their biology course, which enhanced their environmental awareness. However, participation was not universal due to varying factors like interest, awareness, and time constraints. The effectiveness of university sustainability efforts was perceived as moderate, and respondents emphasized the need for improved campus cleanliness and waste management. Higher educational levels and gender influenced participation, with female students more involved in solid waste management. The study also revealed students’ preference for the Internet as the primary source of sustainability information, aligning with the general media consumption trends among Filipino youth. The integration of sustainability into the curriculum, as per Philippine RA 9512, has been impactful. The students demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations in their conceptualization and practices. This study is the first to comprehensively explore the sustainability-related practices, awareness, perceptions, and information sources of rural Filipino science students, highlighting the role of education in shaping a more sustainable future.