Isabela State University (ISU) and the University of the Philippines – Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL) Philippines have solidified their commitment to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing. This event took place during the Sustainable Development Goals for Higher Education (SDGs4HE) orientation program held on February 11-12, 2025 at ISU Cauayan.

The MOA signing is a milestone in the collaboration between ISU and UP-CIFAL. This event formalized a partnership to institutionalize SDG-aligned teaching, research, and extension initiatives. Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President) and Dr. Michelle R. Palumbarit (Director, UP-CIFAL Philippines) signed the agreement, witnessed by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (Vice President, Academic Affairs), Dr. Precila C. Dilemma (Cluster Executive Officer, Cauayan Campus) and other University officials.

The SDGs4HE orientation program, organized by the School of Arts and Sciences at ISU Cauayan served as the backdrop for this landmark agreement. The program, supported by various ISU offices including Research and Development, Extension and Training Services, Planning and Development/GAD, Academic Affairs, and the Executive Officer’s office, aimed to equip university administrators, faculty, students, and research professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate the 17 SDGs into their work.

The two-day event featured expert presentations from UP-CIFAL Philippines and other distinguished speakers. Dr. Palumbarit emphasized the critical role of higher education in driving sustainability. Other experts, including Dr. Ronald Allan S. Mabunga, Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Dr. Karen Ann Jago-on, Dr. Jowima Ang-Reyes, Dr. Arlene L. Gonzales, and Ms. Anna Floresca F. Firmalino, addressed various aspects of sustainability, from the spillover effects of social and environmental factors to the importance of international collaboration.

Participants engaged in interactive workshops, including the World Café discussion, to align academic programs and institutional strategies with the SDGs. The focus on practical application and collaborative learning reinforced the program’s goal of fostering a culture of sustainability within ISU.

With the MOA in place, ISU is viewed to become a regional leader in sustainability education. The partnership with UP-CIFAL will facilitate the continuous development and implementation of SDG-focused initiatives, ensuring that educators, students, and professionals are equipped to contribute to the 2030 Agenda.