2023 – Reports | SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Partnerships for Goals
Smart Water Infrastructure and Management (SWIM) Research and Development Center: Collaboration with the University of the Philippines-National Hydraulic Research Center (UP-NHRC)
On March 16, 2023, ISU’s SWIM R&D Center established a formal collaboration with the University of the Philippines-National Hydraulic Research Center (UP-NHRC) to engage in research and offer technical guidance on water resources development and management, hydrology, hydraulic and coastal engineering, and associated disciplines. This partnership seeks to tackle water-related issues through collaborative research efforts and the sharing of scientific and technological knowledge.
National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Partnership: Science and Technology Promotion Services
On October 9, 2023, ISU signed a partnership agreement with the NRCP to advance science and technology promotion services in the countryside. This collaboration focuses on implementing NRCP Extension Services, sharing scientific information, and building the capacity of stakeholders and academic institutions in research. The partnership aims to foster a science culture across the region and establish linkages to promote breakthroughs and innovations in research.
Inauguration of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC)
On June 23, 2023, Isabela State University (ISU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), DOST Region II, DOST PCIEERD, the City Government of Ilagan, and the Provincial Government of Isabela, inaugurated the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) in Ilagan, Isabela. This partnership underscores ISU’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) by fostering collaboration with local and national stakeholders to strengthen the regional textile industry. RYPIC produces blended natural yarns from locally sourced fibers, supporting sustainable textile production and contributing to Northern Luzon’s economic growth. This facility, along with fiber innovation hubs in Apayao and Cauayan, exemplifies ISU’s commitment to sustainable, innovation-driven development. Through RYPIC, ISU showcases the role academic institutions play in regional industry advancement and sustainable economic resilience.
ISU and DOST aim to extend this model to other regions, highlighting ISU’s leadership in capacity-building initiatives that empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create sustainable textile products, thereby enhancing local livelihoods and strengthening the supply chain within the national economy.
Launch Of the International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (ISCENE) 2023
In March 2023, ISU partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cauayan City to officially launch the country’s first International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE 2023). This event convened smart city advocates from governmental, industrial, and both commercial and public sectors, including foreign participants, to deliberate on innovative solutions for sustainable communities within the smart city paradigm. As the academic partner, ISU is dedicated to facilitating intelligent solutions and methodologies in the region and nationwide by initiating novel research and development initiatives.
This cooperation supports SDG 17 by advancing sustainable, technology-driven community frameworks and enabling new research and development activities in smart city solutions.
Partnership With the Department of Education-Schools Division Of Isabela (DepEd-SDO Isabela)
On December 21, 2023, ISU forged a partnership with the Department of Education-Schools Division of Isabela to enhance the quality of education in rural areas. This collaboration seeks to promote cooperation between primary and secondary education, with ISU committing to uphold the Child Protection Policy and anti-bullying initiatives in primary school, ensuring the well-being and security of every learner.
Academic Partnership with SM Corporation
On December 21, 2023, ISU forged a new academic partnership with SM Corporation. This collaboration offers opportunities for internships for students, fostering a promising work environment and improving the quality of employment experiences in professional disciplines. The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to supporting the academe by creating avenues where students can explore their passions and become future trailblazers and leaders for the nation.
Engagement in the China-Asean Education Cooperation Week
In September 2023, ISU participated in the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, forming a partnership with Guizhou Minzu University in Guiyang, China. This collaboration supports SDG 17 by advancing the internationalization of higher education, promoting cross-border academic exchange, and synergizing efforts in research and education with East Asian institutions.
International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO 2023
In December 2023, ISU’s delegates showcased the university’s commitment to the global sustainable development goals during the International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO 2023. This engagement highlights ISU’s dedication to empowering the youth and fostering global initiatives aligned with the SDGs.
Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight Capacity Development
In April 2023, ISU led a seminar-workshop on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, designed to introduce the conceptual foundations, tools, and methodologies of futures thinking. The initiative sought to establish an Integrated Research and Development, and Extension Framework based on the university’s research, development, and extension agenda. The event was attended by administrators from the Department of Education – Schools Division of Isabela and research stakeholders from various government sectors, including the Department of Science and Technology, National Irrigation Administration, and Local Government Units of Isabela.
Isabela State University (ISU) has actively engaged in numerous partnerships through its research centers, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) by fostering collaborations that enhance research, innovation, and community development.
Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center (CVSRRC)
Partnerships with Local Enterprises: The center has signed agreements with various individuals and businesses under the DOST-PCAARRD-ISU Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Project. These partnerships provide technical assistance and support to incubate in marketing their products and establishing linkages to grow their businesses.
Source: https://research.isu.edu.ph/research-centers/cagayan-valley-small-ruminants-research-center/
Cagayan Valley Freshwater Fisheries Center (CVFFC)
Collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR): The center has ongoing projects funded by DOST-PCAARRD, such as the “Innovative Systems in Advancing Technology-Based Goat Production Program” and the “DOST-PCAARRD-ISU Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Project.” These initiatives aim to promote sustainable goat and sheep-raising activities, transforming them into profitable enterprises.
Source: https://research.isu.edu.ph/research-centers/cagayan-valley-freshwater-fisheries-center-dost-nicer/
ISU Upland Development Center (ISU-UDC)
Networks and Partnerships with Research and Academic Institutions: The center focuses on establishing networks and partnerships with different research and academic institutions involved in upland resource development, aiming to promote sustainable practices and technologies in upland areas.
Source: https://research.isu.edu.ph/research-centers/upland-development-center/
Moreover, the University has engaged in various research and development projects in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) to support agricultural productivity and resilience in Region 02. Key projects include:
- “Identifying Suitable Sites for Small Scale Irrigation Projects in Region 02 through GIS-based Water Resources Assessment”: This project utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to identify optimal locations for small-scale irrigation, addressing water scarcity and improving resource management.
- “Development of Weather-based Decision Support System for Corn Farmers in Cagayan Valley Region”: Aiming to assist corn farmers, this project focuses on creating a weather-based decision support system that enhances productivity by providing timely and accurate climate information.
Additionally, ISU has collaborated with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on multiple initiatives to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and water management across the region, which include:
- Planning and Design of Irrigation Development: Focusing on both basin and national levels, this partnership enhances water distribution and management strategies.
- Independent Monitoring and Evaluation of Irrigation Projects: ISU provides technical expertise in assessing irrigation project effectiveness, ensuring sustainable water management.
- Performance Assessment of Irrigation Infrastructure: ISU works with NIA to evaluate irrigation systems, aiming to enhance efficiency and resilience in agricultural water usage.
Furthermore, ISU is an active participant in ASEAN RiceNet, a collaborative network of research institutions, universities, and government agencies across the ASEAN region. Through ASEAN RiceNet, ISU has conducted agronomic evaluations of rice genotypes developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), contributing valuable insights to rice cultivation practices and food security.
In support of gender equality and social justice, ISU’s Office of Gender and Development partners with both local and international organizations to advocate for gender mainstreaming. These collaborations aim to create inclusive, equitable environments that empower individuals regardless of gender, reinforcing ISU’s commitment to sustainable and socially responsible development.
Source: https://research.isu.edu.ph/
ISU Education for the Goals
To help students improve their knowledge on sustainability, ISU offered an innovative and future-ready curriculum with four institutional subjects across all programs in the university from undergraduate to graduate levels: climate change and disaster risk management, creative and critical thinking skills, entrepreneurial management, and data science analytics, approved through Board Resolution No. 89, s. 2019.
In addition to taking three major exams, our students and graduates were equipped to educate communities on climate change mitigation through outreach and research, launch startups, and become technopreneurs and entrepreneurs. Data science analytics also assisted them in predicting trends, identifying gaps, and providing advice on policy improvements.
Moving forward, we use the results of departmentalized exams to assess student knowledge and refine strategies, ensuring continuous progress toward advancing the SDGs and better preparing graduates to address local-global challenges.
The University has offered full degrees and has dedicated professional and institutional courses that address the concept of sustainability and the SDGs.
Degree programs (Link: https://isu.edu.ph/course-offerings/):
- SDG 4, 11 and 13: Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management – Climate Change
- SDG 4, 11, and 13: Master of Science in Environmental Science
- SDG 4 and 14: Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
- SDG 4 and 15: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Institutional Courses:
- SDG 4, 11, and 13: Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation
- SDG 1, 4, and 8: Entrepreneurship
Through these diverse partnerships, ISU continues to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development, advancing research and education, and promoting community well-being in alignment with SDG 17.