On August 27, the 2nd National Workshop on UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for Universities in the Philippines 2024 was held. This event, hosted by Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, attracted more than 500 virtual attendees, exceeding last year's number of participants. It showcased the unwavering commitment and growing collective awareness to take action for a better future through continuous efforts to transform universities in the Philippines toward sustainable practices.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University, who welcomed the diverse speakers with extensive experience in implementing sustainability efforts across higher education institutions in the Philippines and Indonesia. Following the welcoming remarks, Dr. Freddie B. Bulauan, OIC, Office of the Director IV, Commission on Higher Education Region IV-A, and Dr. Junaidi, S.S., M.A., Acting Chairperson, UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, delivered speeches that both emphasized the appreciation of collaborative efforts across universities in the Philippines. This impactful event aims to enhance understanding of sustainability efforts and encourage universities in the Philippines to participate in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, fostering collaboration toward a more sustainable future.
After the insightful speeches, Dir. Maria Lourdes G. Ferrer, CESO III, Director of the Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau, took the stage as the keynote speaker. She delivered a presentation on the theme "Advancing Sustainability through Research and Innovations: Insights from the Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau," providing the audience with insights into sustainability implementation and best practices applied in the Development Bureau.
The main event of the workshop then commenced with a panel discussion, featuring credible speakers from the Philippines and Indonesia who shared their best practices, enriching the exchange of ideas and knowledge. The panel discussion focused on global collaboration for sustainable action, exploring how government, industry, and academia can partner for a sustainable future. This session featured Professor Ambariyanto, M.Sc.E., Ph.D., Former Vice Rector of Universitas Diponegoro and UI GreenMetric National Coordinator for Indonesia; Richard Engasa, Senior Economic Development Specialist, NEDA Region IV-A; and Ms. Janice Ortanez-Dugan, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior, First Gen Corporation.
The conversation progressed with several enriching sessions, divided into three segments, featuring prominent speakers from UI GreenMetric and representatives from universities in the Philippines such as Saint Louis University, West Visayas State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Central Philippines State University, and De La Salle University.
The first session, led by Prof. Fr. Ir. Tommy Ilyas, M.Eng, focused on the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Methodology and Questionnaire. The second session featured Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, President of Central Philippines State University; Engr. Erwin Rafael D. Cabral, Head of the GIS Application Development Center at Batangas State University; and Asst. Prof. Geraldine C. Zam, Campus Sustainability Director at De La Salle University. They discussed topics around Managing Setting and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, and Waste in Sustainable Universities.
The final session marked the end of the workshop and centered on Water Management, Transportation, and Education and Research in Sustainable Universities. In this final session, Ms. Stephenie O. Busbus – Global Relations and Alumni Affairs of Saint Louis University, Dr. Elizabeth A. Magallanes – Director, Quality Assurance Office of West Visayas State University and Dr. Lawrence A. Eclarin took the opportunity as speakers to share their best practices from their institution. Marking the end of the workshop Atty. Noel Alberto S. Omandap -Vice President for Development and External Affairs of National Coordinator Phillipines for UI GreenMetric Network delivered the closing remarks, concluding the comprehensive workshops that encouraged knowledge sharing between universities in the Philippines and UI GreenMetric representatives.
The 2nd National Workshop on UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for Universities in the Philippines represents a significant milestone in UI GreenMetric's mission to position higher education institutions as key leaders in achieving a sustainable future, fostering collaboration within national borders and beyond. Join our effort to drive sustainable impact across universities worldwide by participating in the UI GreenMetric questionnaire and showcasing your campus's best efforts toward sustainability. The submission period for the UI GreenMetric Questionnaire is open until October 31, 2024. Please refer to this link to find out more about how to participate.
Written by Riska P. Hariyadi
