Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
To continue its commitment to promoting sustainable development, the University of the Philippines Manila with the University of the Philippines – Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP CIFAL) held a Sustainability Caravan and Needs Assessment Exercise on September 5, 2025. The online event convened faculty, staff, and experts to explore practical ways to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education curriculum and programs.
UP President Angelo Jimenez opened the program highlighting the importance of UP CIFAL Philippines in bringing about global SDG targets into actionable programs within campuses, research initiatives, and community engagement. He pointed out that the initiative is aligned with UP’s Strategic Plan 2023–2029, pointing to its emphasis on “fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable society, preparing future-ready graduates, promoting public service, and ensuring transparent governance.”
“This sustainability caravan is an opportunity for all of you to deepen your understanding of the SDGs, explore their implementation in your respective universities, and identify opportunities for collaboration across the UP system,” Jimenez said. He also encouraged participants to let knowledge, research, and leadership come together in creating a sustainable and resilient future as the University prepares for the US Strategic Conference on Sustainable Development this November.
Prof. Gina Salazar, assistant to the vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and chair of the UP Manila SDG Committee, underscored the committees’ initiatives such as the launch of the Facebook page dedicated to UP Manila SDG initiatives, and the creation of a report on SDG that contributed to the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
“Your participation in today’s activity affirms your commitment to contribute to the University’s goal of realizing the SDGs,” she said.
Assistant Vice President Alisa M. Peleo-Alampay highlighted the urgency for a whole-of-institution strategy in pushing the SDGs forward. She stressed the need for integration across the University’s three core functions: teaching, research, and community engagement. She commended UP CIFAL for empowering leaders to drive sustainable development through innovative and effective projects.
Prof. Michelle R. Palumbarit, director of UP CIFAL Philippines, presented on the role of higher education institutions as champions of sustainable development. She mentioned the contributions of UP CIFAL, such as professional courses, capacity-building programs, and partnerships with other universities and government agencies. She also mentioned the translation of the 17 SDGs into major Filipino languages to assist with inclusivity and localization, mentioning the interest in further translating these into indicators and targets.
Additionally, Prof. Palumbarit stressed the Philippines’ progress in the SDGs and underscored the University’s role in integrating the SDGs into teaching, research, and public service. She highlighted the importance of solidarity, community engagement, and values formation as key elements of sustainable development.
Prof. Antonio Carlos M. Morales, executive director of the University Sustainability Office of De La Salle University and Country Manager of the Philippine Network for the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, shared practical examples of localizing SDGs in partnership with universities, local governments, and communities. Prof. Morales presented a whole-university strategy covering education, research, operations, and community engagement. He mentioned such projects as mangrove restoration, sustainable food initiatives, and green campus projects, citing the fact that universities can be agents of profound social change.
The SDG Caravan offered a forum to discuss how to integrate sustainable development in higher education, share lessons learned, and examine potential collaborations among the UP System and other institutions.#
For related news, read: Shaping the Future through Strategic Foresight: Insights from UP Manila’s Futures Masterclass – University of the Philippines Manila
