The University of the Philippines Mindanao, through its Quality Assurance Office, in collaboration with the UP-Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL Philippines), held the UP Sustainability Caravan on 29 October 2025 via Zoom. With the theme “Transforming the Future through Synergetic Sustainability,” the event aimed to strengthen awareness and integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within UP Mindanao’s teaching, research, and public service functions.
Originally planned as an in-person activity for 14 October, the caravan was rescheduled and moved online following the recent earthquake in Davao. This shift exemplified the University’s adaptability and commitment to continuing to advance sustainability efforts despite unforeseen challenges.
The program opened with a keynote message from UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez who underscored the vital role of higher education institutions in building sustainable and resilient communities.
UP Mindanao Chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao, in her welcome remarks, emphasized the transformative role of universities in advancing sustainability. She highlighted, “Individuals and communities empower to create a future through inclusive and sustainable innovation. We are nurturing more than shapers; we are empowering creators. Shapers influence paths; creators open roads where none yet exist. Our aspiration is not change, it is transformation. Change is fleeting, transformation endures, and this is where sustainability comes in.”
Facilitated by experts from UP-CIFAL Philippines, CIFAL Director Michelle Palumbarit opened the morning sessions by introducing the history, principles, and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The discussions focused on how universities can embed these goals across academic, research, and extension functions, highlighting the crucial role of the academe in localizing global sustainability targets.
The sessions on embedding SDGs in higher education, addressing institutional challenges and opportunities, and sharing best practices from SDG-engaged Philippine universities. Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, President of the City College of Cagayan de Oro, and MSU-IIT’s WE CARE Director, Dr. Rosario L. Reserva, offered best practices, theoretical grounding, and practical insights. Participants were encouraged to examine how sustainability principles can be operationalized within UP Mindanao’s existing initiatives.
More than 60 participants joined the morning sessions, while around 40 participants, comprising UP Mindanao faculty, staff, and officials, remained active through the afternoon’s workshops and interactive discussions. Their engagement reflected the growing institutional commitment to sustainability-driven action.
The afternoon program featured a short exercise and group activity, where participants collaborated to identify specific SDG-related initiatives and strategies relevant to their respective offices and academic units. The group presentations showcased diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to aligning university efforts with the SDGs.
The caravan concluded with a “Ways Forward” session led by Asst. Prof. Andrea Malaya M. Ragragio, Chairperson of the Department of Social Sciences, and SDG Committee Pointperson for UP Mindanao. She emphasized the need for continuous collaboration, evaluation, and shared responsibility in translating the SDGs into meaningful action within the university.
Through the UP Sustainability Caravan, UP Mindanao reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering awareness, collaboration, and synergy among its academic community, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.