The UP Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL) Philippines held a two-day Strategic Planning Session and Workshop on implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals Policy Implementation. Themed “Synergy as Driver for Growth (SDG): UP in Action on the 2023 Agenda on Sustainable Development,” the event was held on Dec. 5-6 at Novotel Manila in collaboration with the UP System and its constituent universities.
Executive Vice President Jose Alcantara reaffirmed UP’s commitment to the nation’s sustainable development in line with the UN’s goals. “We continue to expand our public service efforts within the UP community and for the Filipino nation while pursuing meaningful collaborations with international scientific nations, university networks, and professional associations,” he said.
The morning session featured presentations from: Matija Kovač, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office; Dr. Percival Almoro, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs for Research; and Dr. Ma. Theresa Payongayong, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs for Curriculum and Instruction. Following the panel discussion and open forum, representatives from the constituent universities presented their respective UN SDG plans, programs, and initiatives.
Representatives from the different constituent universities included: Prof. Gina Salazar, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (AVCAA), UP Manila; Prof. Dennis John Sumaylo, AVCAA, UP Mindanao; Myra Borines, Quality Assurance Office Director, UP Los Banos; Dr. Aura Matias, Quality Assurance Director, UP Diliman; Dr. Maileenita Penalba, Quality Assurance Officer, UP Baguio; Prof. Palmy Marinel Tudtud, VCAA, UP Cebu; Prof. Patricia Arinto, Dean, UP Tacloban College; Prof. Steve Janagap, Quality Assurance Officer, UP Visayas; and Dr. Aurora Lacaste, Quality Assurance Office Officer-in-Charge and AVC for Instruction, UP Open University.
UP’s Performance in Advancing Sustainable Development
In the recent Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, UP achieved the following rankings:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): UP improved from the 301-400 range last year to the 201-300 range this year.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): UP advanced from the 601-800 range to the 401-600 range.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): UP maintained its position in the 201-300 range.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): UP’s ranking remained unchanged at 201-300.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): UP’s ranking dropped from 301-400 to 401-600.
- SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals): UP made a significant leap from the 801-1000 range in 2023 to the 301-400 range in 2024.
Alcantara outlined three keys to sustainable implementation: action, roadmap, and outcome. “What’s lacking is the participatory involvement of our stakeholders—’yung pagkaalam at pakikialam (knowledge and engagement),” he said.
Dr. Michelle Palumbarit, director of UP-CIFAL Philippines, echoed the sentiment of Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension at UP Los Baños, regarding university rankings: “It is not about the ranking, but it’s about the right way to do it.”
With reports from KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO