MESSAGES

Warmest greetings to all participants of the 3rd National Sustainability Conference!

On behalf of the Officers and Board of Directors of the Philippine Association of Research Managers, Inc. (PHILARM), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organizers and participants of this remarkable event. Once again, we are honored to be a co-host of the 3RD NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE, which has grown to become an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action among higher education institutions, government agencies, and communities of practice in the Philippines.

This year’s theme, “Sustainable Futures and Innovation for the New Philippines (Bagong Pilipinas),” is timely and significant as it aligns with our shared vision of a sustainable and progressive society. The conference’s focus on the Sustainable Development Goals and the futures thinking framework resonates deeply with PHILARM’s mission to enhance research management in the country and abroad and support initiatives that drive forward-looking and innovative solutions.

The conference’s aim to promote sustainability in Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and government agencies is crucial in our quest to build resilient communities and foster sustainable development across the nation. By sharing best practices, research outputs, and strategic foresight, we can collectively explore diverse pathways that will lead us toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.

As part of PHILARM’s internationalization initiatives, we continue to forge partnerships with various international organizations, broadening our association’s and members’ exposure to a global perspective. These collaborations provide valuable opportunities for networking, linkages, and joint efforts with institutions worldwide. Notably, this endeavor led PHILARM to join the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS), making us proud to be the first Asian country accepted into this esteemed society. This initiative aligns with our strategic goal of enhancing PHILARM’s global presence and influence, advancing the internationalization of our programs and activities, and allowing us to adopt global best practices and standards. This global exposure will be particularly impactful as we prepare for the 2025 International RDE Management Congress in Vietnam.

Additionally, PHILARM is gearing up for its upcoming national event, the 2024 National Research Management Training (NRMT) and General Assembly Meeting, scheduled for October 24-26, 2024. This event aims to bring together RDE managers, allied professionals, and research organizations to equip and enhance their skills with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of research management effectively. We also look forward to engaging and partnering with the Kaugmaon sa Lambuang Nasud, Inc. (KaLambuan) as one of the co-hosts for this event. We are confident that this partnership would bring significant milestone in our ongoing journey to elevate the standards of research administration and foster a culture of excellence and innovation within our research community.

Moreover, I commend the KaLambuan, the Central Visayas Consortium of State Universities (CTU, CNU, BISU, NORSU, and SSC), and our esteemed partners for their unwavering commitment to this cause. Your dedication to promoting sustainability and innovation sets a powerful example for others to follow. We are confident that this conference will catalyze meaningful conversations, inspire collaborative actions, and contribute to the national vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

As we come together for this significant event from November 13 to 27, 2024, let us embrace the opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire each other. Together, we can shape a sustainable future that will benefit not only our generation but also those who follow.

Once again, congratulations to everyone involved. Let us continue to work together in advancing the sustainable development of our country.

Thank you and Mabuhay!

MELVIN B. CARLOS, Ph.D.

PHILARM National President and

DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director

On behalf of The Department of Agriculture-Livestock Biotechnology Center, I am truly honored and delighted to participate in the 3rd National Sustainability Conference organized by The Kaugmaon sa Lambuang Nasud (KaLambuaN) in collaboration with various agencies. I extend my warmest greetings to all the esteemed participants, eminent experts, academics, and enthusiasts attending this significant event focused on “Sustainable Futures and Innovation for the New Philippines (Bagong Pilipinas).”

In our pursuit of economic growth, technological advancement and, societal development, let us aim at creating sustainable futures through innovation– envisioning a path where progress can transpire without instigating harm to the environment or depleting natural resources. Collective efforts toward sustainable innovation would not only benefit the environment but also the future generations. It is a privilege to share insights into the importance of embedding sustainability principles within innovation practices to guarantee a thriving environment for future generations.

I hope that this conference will serve as a platform to delve into the various possibilities for a sustainable future and innovation in the Philippines, exchange creative concepts, develop new strategies, address sustainability concerns, and collaborate on projects that bolster national sustainability initiatives.

MARVIN A. VILLANUEVA

Center Chief

Department of Agriculture – Livestock Biotechnology Center

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome you to the 3rd National Sustainability Conference, themed “Sustainable Futures and Innovation for the New Philippines.” This annual gathering is a cornerstone event that brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including higher education institutions, government agencies, and various communities of practice, all united by a common vision: to advance sustainability in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our theme this year underscores a pivotal moment in our journey toward a more sustainable future. As we face the many challenges of our time—from climate change and environmental degradation to social inequality and economic uncertainty—innovation and collaboration have never been more crucial. This conference is designed to be a platform where these essential elements converge, enabling us to share insights, forge new partnerships, and collectively drive progress.

Throughout this event, you will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, practitioners, and experts who are at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. From cutting-edge research and innovative technologies to policy frameworks and community-driven projects, our sessions will cover a broad spectrum of topics aimed at addressing the current pressing issues in our country. We encourage you to participate in these discussions, as they are the foundation of the future advancements to be built.

One of the key strengths of this conference is the diverse representation of its participants. The cooperation between academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations enriches our conversations and broadens our perspectives. By sharing successful initiatives and best practices, we not only highlight what has been achieved but also identify pathways for future endeavors. Your contributions are essential in this process, and we invite you to actively participate, ask questions, and think critically.

As we navigate through the sessions and networking opportunities, let us keep in mind the goal of our gathering: to craft innovative solutions that are both sustainable and impactful. Our collective efforts here will promote a resilient and thriving “Bagong Pilipinas”, where sustainable practices are not just aspirational but deeply embedded in our daily lives and governance.

We are excited about the dialogues and collaborations that will unfold during this conference. Together, we can harness our collective expertise and passion to drive meaningful change. Thank you for joining us in this important endeavor. We look forward to a productive and inspiring conference that will set new benchmarks for sustainability in the years to come.

Dr. Casiano H. Choresca, Jr.

Head- DA-Fisheries Biotech Center

Filipinos dream of a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life. They also want the Philippines to be a “prosperous, predominantly middle class society where no one is poor.” These are the collective aspirations that have guided us in crafting a series of medium-term development plans to make Filipinos attain this vision for themselves and for their country by the year 2040.

Guiding our way to realizing the long-term vision—the AmBisyon Natin 2040—are various strategies laid out in the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028. These strategies aim to achieve economic and social transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society. Chapter 10 of the RDP on Advance Research and Development, Technology, and Innovation aims for the strengthening of basic research and development (R&D) and knowledge creation; advancing market-driven and customer-centered R&D; scaling up technology adoption, utilization, and commercialization; and accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship.

With Central Visayas being the fourth largest contributor to the country’s economy, we deem it imperative to strengthen our position by advancing research and development, technology, and innovation. The thrust of KaLAmbuaN towards sustainable innovation will also support the newly enacted Tatak Pinoy Act that targets to bolster the Philippines’ industrialization strategy by enhancing the competitiveness of local industries in the global market. A thriving innovation ecosystem will make it possible to translate ideas and knowledge into new and improved products and services, which will contribute to raising the standard of living for Filipinos and ultimately propel the Philippines to high-income status.

By having a futures thinking perspective in development planning, we can come up with appropriate strategies and initiatives that could help us achieve our long-term collective vision. These same inputs could also be instrumental in the policy-making process. Altogether, these efforts will be instrumental in attaining a revitalized Philippines as a forward-looking nation.

This year’s 3^rd National Sustainability Conference, which goes with the theme “Sustainable Futures and Innovation for the New Philippines”, is a testament to the growing need for key players in research and development and innovation to come together in making a smart and innovative Philippines a reality.

Our warmest congratulations to the organizers of this event. May you all be unwavering in your commitment to help us in achieving our goal of sustainable economic and social transformation, and in attaining the AmBisyon Natin of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay.

JENNIFER C. BRETAÑA, EnP, CESO III

Regional Director, National Economic and Development Authority 7

Member, CTU Board of Regents

The Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development, composed of 33 member institutions, congratulates Kaugmaon sa Lambuang Nasud (KaLambuaN) for organizing the 3^rd National Sustainability Conference with the theme “Sustainable Futures and Innovation for the New Philippines”. The three legs; namely, 1) Agriculture and Fisheries; 2) Engineering and Technology; and 3) Arts, Sciences, and Education, will cover almost all fields where the Central Visayas SUCs are involved.

Both our consortia thrive on innovation and futures thinking. We both anticipate the needs of our stakeholders, constantly innovate, listen to the feedback of our clients, ensure sustainability of projects, and concentrate on solving future problems.

As the participants share their initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, we hope to be part of the collaborative effort to achieve the 17 SDGs by 2030.

Congratulations once again to KaLambuaN for organizing this annual event and we hope for a lively discussion and forging of alliances through networking.

More power!

ENRICO B. GRUET, MD

Chair

Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development