BINMALEY, Pangasinan (PIA) — The 2024 Sustainability Forum with Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Pangasinan and La Union empowered and equipped 683 student leaders, along with their advisers, with valuable insights into pressing societal issues related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Held on Oct. 10 at the SM City Urdaneta Central in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, the public-private partnership forum was made possible through collaborative efforts with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Ilocos, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ilocos, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan, and SM Cares.
Themed “Getting Ready for Environmental Efficiency in the North (GREEN),” the event showcased and generated solutions, and explored partnerships with industry players in achieving the UN SDGs, particularly those related to environmental health.
Dr. Christine Ferrer, regional director of CHED Ilocos, stated that the Philippines has been identified by the UN as one of the countries in the world most vulnerable to climate change, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to mitigate its effects.
“The Ilocos region is situated in an area most frequently hit by typhoons, and over the years, we have learned to adapt to the ever-changing climate, with the region’s economy maintaining a consistent growth rate of 6.5 percent in 2023,” said Ferrer.
This resilience stressed the importance of continued investment in sustainable practices to enhance the ability to confront climate challenges.
In line with this, Engr. Raymundo Gayo, assistant regional director of DENR Ilocos for Management Services, emphasized the importance of social awareness, particularly among student leaders, noting that small actions can lead to significant change and that the collective efforts of the youth are essential in addressing pressing environmental issues.
“Student leaders, you are now our advocates in working together to protect our environment and natural resources,” Gayo urged, stressing how important they are in creating a better future for their communities.
The forum featured four lectures, including green engineering; environmental advocacy from schools to communities; sustainable consumption of food; and sustainability in retail business, with DTI focusing on strategies for reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly products.
Participants engaged in discussions to promote new ideas for sustainability and created a platform for networking among student leaders and industry representatives.
Participants were left equipped with the tools and connections needed to make a meaningful impact on their communities and environment.
Alexandria Minerva, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at PHINMA UPANG College of Urdaneta, expressed her gratitude for the forum, highlighting its relevance to her studies.
“In engineering, particularly related to water, the insights I gained from this forum will be invaluable in the future. I hope there will be more events like that invite speakers from diverse fields, allowing students to better appreciate the various aspects of work,” she said.
Likewise, the SM City Urdaneta Central showcased its “Four Sustainability Pillars”: Economic, emphasizing its significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product; Environment, focusing on resource conservation and resilience; People, valuing employee development; and Community, uplifting lives through outreach programs. (MJTAB/JCDR/AQA/PIA Pangasinan)
