UP-CIFAL Philippines and Isabela State University Forge Pathways for Sustainability in Higher Education

12 February 2025—Isabela State University (ISU) and UP-CIFAL Philippines have taken a significant step towards advancing sustainable development in the academic sphere by hosting the Sustainable Development Goals for Higher Education (SDGs4HE) orientation on February 11-12, 2025.

The two-day event gathered university leaders and faculty members to explore how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can integrate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the core functions of HEIs: teaching, research, and community extension.

Discussions and presentations highlighted the role of education in addressing pressing global challenges. Dr. Ronald Allan S. Mabunga of Marikina Polytechnic College emphasized how peace and partnerships intersect with sustainability in the era of polycrisis. Dr. Parsons N. Hail of Central Luzon State University encouraged participants to embrace grassroots sustainability efforts, noting that even small, localized actions contribute to global goals.

Dr. Jowima Ang-Reyes from the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod of the University of the Philippines Diliman, stressed the importance of a people-centered approach to social innovation, advocating for community co-creation and ownership of sustainable solutions. Meanwhile, Dr. Karen Ann B. Jago-on from the School of Urban and Regional Planning of the University of the Philippines Diliman, called on the academe to play a proactive role in city planning and sustainable campus development.

On the second day, Mariano Marcos State University’s Dr. Arlene L. Gonzales  highlighted accountability and urged universities to adopt transparent, holistic evaluations. University of the Philippines Los Baños Office of International Linkages Director Anna Floresca F. Firmalino closed the series with insights on internationalization and global networks, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships to advance both institutional and national development goals.

A key highlight of the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ISU and UP-CIFAL Philippines. ISU President Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen ISU’s advocacy for the SDGs, while ISU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Boyet L. Batang reassured that this commitment would ot end with the Cauayan campus alone, but with a larger audience which is the Isabela State University System.

UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Michelle R. Palumbarit closed the workshop and underscored the collaborative effort to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

All photo credits to The Kawayan Communicator, Isabela State University