Centered on the theme “Usapang Sustainability: Upholding Sustainability Practices and Approaches in Higher Education”, Batangas State University held its very first Sustainability Summit on January 24, 2023.

The summit provided a general orientation of Sustainable Development Goals particularly its concepts, targets, framework, and actors. It also served as an avenue in highlighting the SDGs context in the higher education institutions (HEIs) as well as discussing the University’s sustainability efforts, its progress, gaps, challenges, and opportunities.

In his discussion, Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, an Assistant Professor and College Secretary at the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), one of the keynote speakers of the summit, elaborated on the SDGs’ integration into higher education curricula and highlighted some of their applications in teaching and learning, as well as research and development practices. He also emphasized the value of strengthening collaborations among stakeholders such as local government units, community organizations, and other civil society groups to achieve a shared understanding of the nation’s commitments. Similarly, he underlined the need for higher education institutions to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development based on ethical principles and responsible resource stewardship.

During the afternoon session, Dr. Vaberlie P. Mandane-Garcia facilitated the roundtable discussion on the topic “SDGs on the Campus: Where are We?”. Each constituent campus laid down its sustainability initiatives and plans tailored-fit to their needs and resources. These plans were expected to be carried out as the second semester of AY 2022-2023 begins. Dr. Garcia also presented the challenges, gaps, and opportunities of the University on its journey towards sustainable development with highlights on the result of recent world impact rankings in which BatStateU participated.