CLARK FREEPORT — Leaders from universities and colleges nationwide, government officials, partner government agencies, and students gathered for a summit themed “Achieving Sustainable Futures: Transformative Higher Education for Human Capital, Innovation and Global Responsibility” on March 10-12 at the SMX Convention Center Clark.
Organized by Commission on Higher Education, the summit opened with welcome addresses highlighting the role of universities in accelerating sustainable development goals (SDG) outcomes.
CHED chair Shirley C. Agrupis underscored the importance of higher education institutions in driving sustainable development.
Science and Technology Sec. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in helping the country achieve the SDGs.
The program also featured the formal unveiling of key initiatives between CHED and DOST, including the signing of a mother memorandum of understanding (M-MOA) to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies and initiatives aimed at advancing technology evaluation and standards.
A high-level fireside dialogue followed, bringing together education leaders to discuss how universities can help build a resilient, economically competitive, and sustainable Philippines.
Panelists included Tirso A. Ronquillo of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, Raymundo P. Arcega of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities, and Angelo A. Jimenez of the University of the Philippines. Afternoon sessions focused on SDG solutions through a series of panel discussions. Experts discussed topics such as the UNESCO SDG reporting system, national SDG action plans, the role of universities as catalysts for societal impact, and monitoring SDG initiatives in Philippine higher education institutions.
Among the speakers were UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines secretary-general Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares and international experts from the region. Participants later joined workshops tackling key areas including curriculum and student development, research and innovation, campus operations and community engagement, and governance and partnerships.
The summit aimed to foster collaboration among higher education institutions and national agencies to ensure that science, research, and innovation play a central role in advancing sustainable development in the Philippines. Punto Lifestyle Team/Ning V. Cordero
