Laying the groundwork for a stronger commitment to sustainability, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) marked its first Sustainable Development Day on September 24, kicking off a week-long celebration of events focused on amplifying awareness and action around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the theme “Empowering Futures: Innovating for a Sustainable World Through Awareness and Action,” this week-long event features several activities, including the Sustainable Innovation Pitch Presentation, where students and faculty propose innovative solutions to sustainability challenges; the Sustainable Development Fair showcasing local businesses and organizations; the SDG Photo Exhibit displaying the 17 selected photographs from the SDG Photograph Competition; and a Community Tree Planting at IDS Hinaplanon.
“MSU-IIT recognizes the crucial role that higher education institutions play in shaping informed and responsible citizens who can lead efforts to address sustainability challenges. As a premier institution to the southern Philippines, we seek to foster a culture of sustainability across dynamic programs, research endeavors and community engagements,” Prof. Maria Pia Sison, Head of the Policy Center for Human Rights and Sustainable Development Institute for Policy and Innovation and Leadership emphasized during her message.
By serving as a platform to highlight innovative solutions, suppressing sustainability challenges and inspiring creative approaches to sustainable development through competitions, Prof. Sison highlighted how the celebration essentially “aims to inspire the students, the faculty, the staff, and the community stakeholders to engage in the SDGs and to act locally, while thinking globally.”
In reflection to the continued commitment of the institute towards sustainability, the kick-off ceremony unveiled two initiatives: the Sustainable Future Research Award and the University’s Sustainability Policy.
Prof. Sison introduced the Sustainable Futures Research Award as an award that “recognizes groundbreaking research that drives sustainable development and innovation inspiring solutions that addresses real world challenges.”
Presented by the Policy Center for Human Rights and Sustainable Development at the Institute for Policy Innovation and Leadership (IPIL), the award encompasses undergraduate and graduate thesis projects, capstone projects, special projects, and a dissertation competition focused on optimizing community impact through a sustainable development perspective to enhance environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
In a short video presentation, it was outlined that the initiative seeks to showcase outstanding research, promote a holistic view of sustainability, inspire critical thinking, and foster networking and collaboration among student researchers. As MSU-IIT strives for excellence, innovation, and partnership in building a more sustainable future, these collective efforts are envisioned to pave the way for a positive impact, aligning with the university’s aspirations.
During the presentation of the university’s Sustainability Policy, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Pamela Resurrection, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the policy, noting that its development began about four years ago. Despite challenges in prioritizing it at the time, the university remained committed to the cause of sustainability.
“It was only until about two years later that we were able to really do the work as part of the recalibrated mission of our university, which is to intentionally work towards sustainable development,” Prof. Resurrection shared
The crafting of the policy had involved three to four focus group discussions with various groups, including middle management, faculty, staff, and students. Finally after several iterations, they finalized a version ready for presentation, which was eventually endorsed and approved.
“It is our hope that this policy will inspire all of us to continue the work that we are doing towards sustainable development. I hope that we will all take these to heart,” Prof. Resurrection said, concluding her message before presenting a short video explaining the University’s Sustainability Policy.
In her closing remarks, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, Prof. Nancy Echavez echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the efforts outlined in the policy. She also expressed hope that these initiatives would grow and flourish, as they are essential for securing a sustainable future.
After the program, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Sustainable Development Fair was held at the IACET Hallway, led by University Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan, which marked the official opening of the SDG Space and Photo Exhibit.
MSU-IIT’s 2024 Sustainable Development Day is described as “a pioneering event in the university’s history,” highlighting a significant milestone in the institute’s journey toward a sustainable future by raising awareness, inspiring action, and fostering collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
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