February 16, 2025
Isabela, Philippines – Isabela State University-Cauayan (ISU-Cauayan) reaffirmed its commitment to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education by hosting the Sustainable Development Goals for Higher Education (SDGs4HE) orientation program in collaboration with the University of the Philippines – Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL) Philippines.
This initiative was organized through the efforts of the faculty members of the School of Arts and Sciences, led by its Dean, Dr. Paul Angelo Tamayo, demonstrating the college’s dedication to sustainability and transformative education. The event was made possible through the joint support of ISU’s Office of Research and Development, Office of Extension and Training Services, Office of Planning and Development/GAD, Office of Academic Affairs, and the. Office of the Executive Officer.
The two-day capacity-building program, held on February 11-12, 2025, at the ISU Food Laboratory, gathered university administrators, faculty, students, and research professionals to explore the integration of the 17 SDGs into teaching, research, and community extension.
A Commitment to Sustainable Development
The event commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Precila C. Delima, Executive Officer of ISU-Cauayan, followed by an inspirational message from Dr. Boyet L. Batang, ISU Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Key discussions were led by experts from UP-CIFAL Philippines, including Dr. Michelle R. Palumbarit, Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines, who underscored the role of higher education institutions in promoting sustainability.
Other distinguished speakers included:
- Dr. Ronald Allan S. Mabunga, Vice President for Research, Planning, Extension, Linkages, and Quality Assurance at Marikina Polytechnic College, who discussed the spillover effect of social, environmental, and economic factors in higher education.
- Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office at Central Luzon State University, who presented on creating a sustainable planet for future generations.
- Dr. Karen Ann Jago-on, Director of Graduate Studies at the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning, who spoke on building sustainable and prosperous communities through higher education.
- Dr. Jowima Ang-Reyes, Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod at UP Diliman, who emphasized fostering social innovation and ensuring a people-centered approach to global goals.
- Dr. Arlene L. Gonzales, Chief of Sustainability and Futures Thinking at Mariano Marcos State University, who led a discussion on monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of SDGs in higher education.
- Ms. Anna Floresca F. Firmalino, Director of the Office of International Linkages at UP Los Baños, who tackled the role of internationalization and global networks in advancing the SDGs in higher education institutions.
Participants engaged in interactive workshops and group activities, such as the World Café discussion, allowing them to align academic programs and institutional strategies with sustainable development goals.
Formalizing the Partnership: MoU Signing
A key highlight of the event was the formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Isabela State University and UP-CIFAL Philippines, ensuring the long-term institutionalization of SDG-aligned teaching, research, and extension initiatives.
The MoA was signed by ISU President, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, and UP-CIFAL Philippines Director, Dr. Michelle R. Palumbarit, in the presence of Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Boyet L. Batang, the Executive Officer of ISU-Cauayan, Dr. Precila C. Delima, and the Deans and Directors of ISU-Cauayan. This agreement solidifies ISU’s commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education.
Looking Ahead
With this partnership, ISU-Cauayan is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainability education. The university will continue equipping educators, students, and professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement the SDGs effectively.
The successful conduct of SDGs4HE at ISU-Cauayan highlights the crucial role of higher education institutions in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through sustained collaboration and institutional commitment, ISU is paving the way for a future where education serves as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development.
Photos courtesy of The Kawayan Communicator