Mariano Marcos
State University

ADB assesses MMSU’s social safeguards for ASCEND project

By Myrrha Prima Rosa Muli

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) reviewed potential social impacts and safeguard measures for the Advancing Skills, Competitiveness, and Enterprise Development (ASCEND) Project during a two-day due diligence mission on October 27-28 at the Center for Flexible Learning.

The activity aims to ensure compliance with ADB safeguard requirements, particularly on possible involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples (IP), and to identify potential risks and measures to promote inclusive access to project benefits.

Earlier, ADB consultant Kristine Mae Sumalinab paid a courtesy call to MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. to discuss matters related to the ASCEND Project, the university’s role in its implementation, and the importance of addressing social safeguards during project preparation.

In his welcome remarks, Vice President for Resource Generation and Management and ASCEND Focal Person Bjorn Santos said the project presents an opportunity to strengthen both the university and the region’s contributions to regional development, research, innovation, and enterprise development.

”This mission will help us ensure that the project benefits are accessible, particularly to Indigenous People and other stakeholders,” he said.

During the session, Ms. Sumalinab reiterated the importance of preventing adverse impacts on communities and the environment, minimizing unavoidable risks, and strengthening implementing agencies’ capacity to manage social and environmental concerns.

As part of the process, the mission includes document reviews, consultations with university officials and stakeholders, site inspections, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with students, particularly IP students, to assess participation, access to project opportunities, and grievance mechanisms.

MMSU is one of four state universities and colleges participating in ASCEND, alongside the University of the Philippines, Batangas State University, and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines. The university serves as the project’s North Luzon hub, focusing on renewable energy, climate technology, and green transition.