13th ESD Forum at MMSU explores education’s role in global challenges
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) hosted the 13th Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Forum of the JPTI6 Sustainable Development Consortium on December 4 at the Center for Flexible Learning, where participants examined education’s important role in addressing global challenges.
Themed “Education 2030 and Beyond – The Role of Education in Addressing Global Challenges through the Sustainable Development Goals,” the forum featured discussions covering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of higher education in achieving them.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. underscored the importance of education in promoting sustainability, noting that the event resonates with the university’s vision of becoming a premier university in Southeast Asia.
“Embedded in our strategic plan is the integration of education for sustainable development across all areas of our operations, and at the heart of this aspiration lies the functional and meaningful collaboration with our ASEAN partners,” Dr. Manzano said.
Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHEDRO1), delivered the keynote address, emphasizing CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis’s ACHIEVE Agenda in advancing the SDGs.
She focused on two fundamental pillars. The “Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning” pillar emphasizes inclusive and expanded access to higher education through lifelong learning initiatives, adult education, microcredentials, open and flexible learning, and strong digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, the “Harmonized SDG-based Research and Innovation” pillar promotes a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem that develops solutions aligned with the SDGs, leading to a unified national higher education research agenda responsive to local, national, and global challenges.
Panel speakers of the event were MMSU’s Sustainability and Futures Thinking Director Arlene Gonzales and Ms. Maria Rodriguez; Prof. Toshihiko Dozono from Japan; Dr. Peeradet Prakongoan and Dr. Pakanat Chanthanavaranont Sompongta from Thailand; and Dr. Rini Solihat Si from Indonesia. Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Director Jeanette Dials served as moderator along with Dr. Yanika Lunrasri.
After the panel discussion, the speakers proceeded with four parallel sessions.
Parallel Session 1 on Social SDGs: Forging Inclusive Growth featured Dr. Atsuko Sano, Dr. Mark Joseph Pastor, Dr. Ganies Riza Areistya, Dr. Wasan Sakulkijkarn, Prof. Ari Widodo, Dr. Nattharmma Namfah, and. Dr. Ranadheer Reddy.
Parallel Session 2 on Economic SDGs: Integrating SDGs Into Economic Policies and Practices involved Prof. Hiroki Yokota, Dr. Eva Jean Viernes, Dr. Muhammad Prasetya Kurniawan, Dr. Suttipong Woraurai, and Dr. Eliyawati.
Parallel Session 3 on Planet SDGs: Charting a Sustainable Future had Prof. Makoto Kusakabe, Dr. Dionisio Bucao, Mr. Janu Muhammad, Dr. Suppanunta Romprasert, and Dr. Rini Solihat.
Finally, Parallel Session 4 on SDGs: A Call to Action for Peace and Partnerships included Prof. Noriko Matsuda, Atty. Lorma Auria Cuadro, Mr. Muhammad Karim Amrullah, Dr. Sipim Sornbanlang, Mr. Suhendar, Dr. Anabelle Francisco, and Dr. Paratchanun Charoenarpornwattana.
The speakers represented the consortium’s founding institutions, namely MMSU, Burapha University (Thailand), Shizuoka University (Japan), Srinakharinwirot University (Thailand), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), and the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. There were also speakers from the Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand) and the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College.
Faculty members and students from MMSU participated in the panel discussion and sessions onsite, while other partner universities joined virtually via Zoom.
Srinakharinwirot University President Cholvit Jearajit and Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Services, and Alumni Arie Sujito of Universitas Gadjah Mada sent their recorded message in support of the event.
As the host institution, MMSU facilitated the event through the leadership of Dr. Gonzales, who served as the overall coordinator.
The discussions explored how education empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By focusing on interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and community engagement, the forum emphasizes the importance of education in building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient society.
Dr. Arlene Gonzales
Dec, 09, 2025 07:34:pm
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STRATCOM
