2023 – Reports | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Support on Arts and Heritages

Public Access to Libraries

Isabela State University provides dynamic environment for our stakeholders, dedicated to fostering learning and collaboration. We provide public access to our extensive collections—from academic texts to digital archives—we support the varied needs of students, faculty, and researchers alike. The Isabela State University Library offers a thoughtfully designed array of sections and collections, each serving a unique purpose to support learning, research, and community engagement. These sections reflect the university’s dedication to academic excellence and providing an inclusive, resource-rich environment.

Public Access to Museums

The ISU mini-museum of natural history and archaeology serves as a remarkable showcase of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, offering an impressive collection of artifacts that narrate the nation’s history. Among its carefully curated displays are stunning antique “banga” jars, rustic utensils, traditional irons, and historical currencies. Each artifact provides a vivid glimpse into the past, thoughtfully presented to emphasize its artistic and cultural significance.

Open to the public from Monday through Thursday, the mini-museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the stories behind these treasures. With free entry, it warmly welcomes students, local residents, and curious visitors alike to explore and appreciate the artistry and history embodied in its exhibits.

Public Access to Open Spaces & Green Spaces

The University is proud to highlight the vibrant activities taking place in the open park located in front of the ISU Library. This inviting green space is open, free, and accessible to the public, fostering a sense of connection and creativity among students and community members alike.

The park has become a popular gathering spot where individuals can relax on the lush grass, engage in bubbly conversations, and share laughter and stories. It’s a space that encourages light reading, providing the perfect backdrop for students to immerse themselves in their favorite books surrounded by the serene, shady greenery.

In addition to informal gatherings, the park is a lively hub for artistic expression. Students often practice dances and performances, showcasing their talents to the delight of passersby. Artists also find inspiration here, creating beautiful paintings and other artworks amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The ISU administration has wholeheartedly embraced this initiative, recognizing the vital role of providing free public access to open spaces and green areas. Strategically located just in front of the university library, this park enhances the library’s role as a center for learning and community interaction. By establishing such accessible venues, ISU not only fosters community engagement but also promotes the overall well-being of students and residents alike.

Arts and Heritage Contribution

At Isabela State University, a vibrant commitment to the arts and heritage is embodied through its diverse performing arts groups. These organizations reflect the university’s dedication to fostering extra-curricular engagement, providing a dynamic platform for students to explore and showcase their talents.

The campus comes alive as a stage for expression, discovery, and cultural celebration. Students are invited to participate in a rich array of socio-cultural activities that honor the indigenous traditions of North-eastern Luzon while embracing the broader spectrum of art, humanities, and creativity.

Through these performing arts groups, individuals can contribute to a growing repertoire of talent and artistry, finding inspiration and purpose within a supportive and inclusive community. Isabela State University’s vibrant arts culture not only enriches campus life but also reinforces its role in preserving and celebrating heritage.

Record and Preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage

Isabela State University takes pride in being a steward of the cultural heritage of North-eastern Luzon, dedicating itself to recording and preserving the intangible traditions that shape Filipino identity. This dedication comes to life through the university’s Filipiniana Section in its library and the beautifully curated exhibits of its mini-museum.

The Filipiniana Section serves as the heart of the university library, a sanctuary for history, literature, and cultural exploration. Here, visitors will find an extensive range of materials—from rare manuscripts and archival documents to modern works by Filipino authors—all thoughtfully preserved. This section plays an essential role in keeping the narratives of the past alive while sparking curiosity and pride in the hearts of future generations. Students, researchers, and the broader community are welcomed to immerse themselves in this treasure trove of knowledge, uncovering connections to their roots and the wider story of the nation.

Equally inspiring is the university’s mini-museum, a space where history steps out of textbooks and into reality. The museum showcases artifacts that reflect the daily lives and customs of Filipinos, such as antique “banga” jars, traditional tools, and old currencies. Each piece tells its own story, offering a glimpse into the practices, values, and craftsmanship of the past. Beyond their physical beauty, these objects serve as a bridge to intangible cultural heritage—rituals, oral traditions, and skills passed down through generations.

Together, these facilities embody Isabela State University’s commitment to nurturing a deep respect for indigenous traditions and the stories that define North-eastern Luzon and the Philippines as a whole. They remind everyone who visits that preserving cultural heritage isn’t just about the past—it’s about inspiring the future. Through these efforts, the university ensures that the richness of Filipino heritage continues to thrive, educate, and connect people for generations to come.

Sustainable Practice

Sustainable Commuting

Travelling around the premises of Isabela State University Echague Main Campus is easier, more convenient, and eco-friendly as transport bikes were made available to every ISUan!

By eliminating transportation costs as a barrier to education, the free transport bikes for ISU students seek to lessen the effects of poverty. Students can readily access transportation by using the transport bikes, which are available for use at designated bike stations close to the main gate of the campus, colleges, and student residences. The university community’s mobility and accessibility should be improved by the transportation bikes, which will also lessen the carbon imprint left by using traditional forms of transportation.

Pedestrian Priority on Campus

Remote Working

Isabela State University (ISU) has adopted a structured system for remote and flexible work arrangements under its Four-Day Work Scheme with a Work-from-Home (WFH) arrangement. Employees work on campus from Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as a WFH day.  

This setup enables employees to fulfill their weekly work hours over four on-campus days, minimizing commuting while maintaining operational efficiency. It fosters work-life balance and sustainability while upholding the university’s dedication to service and accountability.

Affordable Staff Housing

Isabela State University (ISU) offers affordable housing options for its employees through the ISU Staff Housing program. These units are designed to provide comfortable and cost-effective accommodations, particularly for faculty and staff who are relocating or require convenient housing near their workplace.

The availability of staff housing across multiple campuses demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting employee well-being. By providing affordable on-campus housing, ISU helps reduce financial strain on employees, fostering a stable and productive work environment. This initiative promotes work-life balance, enabling staff to focus on their academic and administrative responsibilities without the added stress of securing distant or expensive housing. It is part of ISU’s broader effort to cultivate a supportive and sustainable campus community for both employees and students.

Affordable Student Dormitory

Isabela State University (ISU) offers affordable on-campus housing through its ISU Student Dormitories, providing safe, comfortable, and budget-friendly accommodations for students from various regions of the Philippines. These dormitories make it easier for students to focus on their academic goals without the added pressure of high living expenses.  

The dormitories also provide economical utility services, free Wi-Fi, and electricity, significantly alleviating financial challenges for students from low-income families. Male and female students are housed in separate dormitories, each managed by dedicated dormitory matrons who also offer counseling services to support the well-being of residents.  

By offering affordable housing, ISU not only eases financial burdens but also promotes greater accessibility to education, fostering a positive and supportive campus experience for all students.

Local Authority Collaboration Regarding Planning and Development

To ensure the safety and well-being of all the students residing outside the University, the ISU Student Housing and Residential Services Unit is conducting annual accreditation of boarding houses and dormitories through monitoring and inspection with the partnership of the Office of Health Services, Security, Barangay Officials, Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Sanitation Office.

The University has established and organized partnership with the ISU-Owners of Accredited Boarding Houses and Dormitories Association (ISU-OABHDA). The ISU-OAHBDA is registered to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Company Registration No. CN201111606. Its general objective is to unite and organize all the owners of Registered and Accredited Boarding Houses and Dormitories of San Fabian, Echague, Isabela, and provide an avenue to safeguard the common interest and welfare of students residing in their care.