UP-CIFAL Philippines Hosts Transformative Strategic Planning Workshop on Sustainability and SDGs

6 December 2024 —The University of the Philippines Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL) Philippines successfully conducted a two-day Strategic Planning Session and Workshop with the theme “Synergy as Driver for Growth (SDG): UP in Action on the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development” on December 5-6, 2024, at Novotel Araneta City.

The event gathered key officials and stakeholders from across the UP System with the following objectives: 

1. To map and monitor the university’s existing plans, programs, and initiatives related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 
2. To enjoin the constituent universities (CUs) to align their academic, research, and public service functions to the SDGs; and
3. To forge consensus towards unified support and commitment in implementing the SDGs throughout the UP System. 

Executive Vice President Jose Fernando T. Alcantara opened the session, wherein he emphasized the alignment of UP’s flagship programs with the UN 2030 Agenda and stressed the need for a comprehensive data repository to track and showcase SDG-linked initiatives across all constituent units (CUs).

The first day featured presentations from thought leaders and resource persons. Mr. Matija Kovač, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in the Philippines discussed the important role of higher education institutions in advancing the SDGs to address global issues and challenges. Dr. Percival Almoro and Dr. Ma. Theresa Payongayong, Assistant Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, highlighted UP’s leading role in promoting sustainable development through the creation of research and creative groups and aligning its curriculum and instruction policy to the SDGs. In the afternoon, CU representatives presented their SDG-related plans, programs, and initiatives. The purpose of the afternoon session is to inform participants on how they operationalize and implement the SDGs within their respective CUs. 

On the second day, focus group discussion workshops were conducted to evaluate current university programs and policies, address systemic challenges, and develop actionable strategies under three thematic pillars of the UP Strategic Plan 2023-2029:

1. Teaching, Innovation, and Research for a Sustainable Society – Participants proposed enhancing faculty and staff awareness and engagement in sustainability efforts, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration.
2. Public Service for the Common Good – The session emphasized the need to align internal resources to SDG-related initiatives and establish clear metrics for evaluating SDG impacts.
3. Consultative and Accountable Governance – Attendees highlighted the important role of UP-CIFAL in creating a university-wide SDG roadmap, establishing unified data systems, and streamlined governance structures.

UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Dr. Michelle R. Palumbarit expressed optimism about the workshop’s outcomes. “This event has underscored UP’s commitment to embedding sustainability across all facets of its operations, reinforcing its role as a national leader in SDG advocacy.”

The Strategic Planning Session and Workshop marked a significant step toward institutionalizing sustainability practices and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation within the university. Furthermore, it is a testament to UP’s unwavering pursuit of achieving the 2030 Agenda.

For more information about UP-CIFAL Philippines, visit https://cifal.up.edu.ph/