The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Graduate School, in coordination with all UPV colleges, organized a public forum on sustainable development, social equity, and policy toward a blue economy at the Little Theater, UP Visayas, Iloilo City, on August 20, 2024. The event was in collaboration with the Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE).
Senator Loren B. Legarda was the invited keynote speaker of the event, which brought together stakeholders from the academe, national government agencies, and private organizations.
Legarda, in her message, brought up the importance of science-based legislation, which transcends the environmental and climate change sectors. She claims that these laws address social inequality, hunger, and poverty.
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN offer a road map, but regulations based on both local and global best practices are needed to accomplish these goals,” she said.
She stressed the importance of academic institutions, including UPV. “This is the arena where the next generation of leaders will be trained in both knowledge and practice. It is in our centers of learning that we foster debate and critical thinking, which are so necessary for the progress of thought. The word sustainable, for example, is not a feature of the natural world, which is characterized by cycles of living and dying, forming and changing. The only things one can build upon continuously and perpetually are in the non-material realm, like knowledge, which can expand over many generations. And the cradle of that very expansion is universities, their continuous quest for truth, without which there can be no talk of sustainability.”
Moreover, she urged the attendees that “we must remember that sustainability is a shared responsibility. I urge all of you— students, faculty, and administrators—to take this opportunity to contribute to the sustainability agenda. The challenges we face are great, but our capacity to overcome them is greater when we work together, guided by science, informed by experience, and driven by a deep commitment to the common good.”
There were three discussants who shared conversations, provided ideas, and raised questions on the pressing and relevant issues that surround sustainability. They were UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, and Marine Biologist Dr. Willie Campus of UPV.
"The goal of sustainability cannot be achieved if you miss out on equitable enforcement of policies," claims Chancellor Camposano in his talk. "To be transdisciplinary, the social sciences and humanities should be used in addition to science." He emphasized the need for greater intellectual synergy and discussions to thresh out so much information. The academy should also engage policymakers.
Chancellor Camacho underscored that “our graduate program should be studied, that it should be evidence-based and science-based, examining the impact of policy and programs.” The role of the University, according to him, is very important in promoting sustainability and sustainable practice. He also asserts the strengthening of human institutions in pursuing the blue economy.
Dr. Campos focused on investing in the local economy, marketing local processed products, and working on the ground. “Develop the market through entrepreneurship, as this requires little investment. Developing multidisciplinary approaches and strategies is imperative to attaining the blue economy.”
The committee for the event was headed by Dr. Rodelio Subade, Dean of the Graduate School.
