Central Philippines State University (CPSU) is expanding its environmental work beyond campus by forging new partnerships with government agencies, civic groups, the Catholic Church, and a barangay for forest restoration, research, and community-based conservation.
The university formalized the partnerships through a series of agreements signed September 11 at its Main Campus, according to its Public Information Office (PIO).
Partners include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Negros Nine Human Development Foundation Inc. (NNHDFI), the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kabankalan, Ecological Developers’ Association (ECODEV), and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Camingawan.
Rather than a single project, the agreements cover several proposed initiatives—from restoring forest areas and supporting scientific research to developing community livelihood, renewable energy, and environmental education programs.
Under a Memorandum of Cooperation, CPSU, DENR, the Diocese of Kabankalan, and ECODEV will explore joint activities involving environmental rehabilitation, reforestation, research, and sustainable community development in validated portions of graduated National Greening Program areas in Paco and Gatuslao in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
CPSU’s College of Agriculture and Forestry will provide technical, academic, research, and extension support to activities that may be developed under the partnership.
Another partnership with NNHDFI will focus on the proposed Unibersidad de Bukid at the Santuario de San Columbano.
CPSU said the facility is envisioned as an environmental learning sanctuary where students and communities can engage in field-based learning, research, biodiversity conservation, watershed management, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and other environmental initiatives.
Meanwhile, in Camingawan, CPSU and the barangay government agreed to work toward the Camanga Resilient Ecology, Solar Energy, and Therapy (CREST) Forest Development Project.
The proposed undertaking includes forest restoration and monitoring, community-based forest governance, renewable energy and water-system development, forest therapy and ecotourism, and livelihood and capacity-building activities.
The partners also plan to develop Purok Camanga as a field laboratory for CPSU’s Bachelor of Science in Forestry program.
CPSU said the partnerships are part of efforts to promote ecological restoration while linking environmental protection with education, research, and community development.
The agreements were signed by outgoing CPSU president Dr. Aladino C. Moraca and representatives of the partner organizations, including NNHDFI President John B. Din, DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Forester Filemon B. Embalzado Jr., Kabankalan Bishop Most Rev. Louie P. Galbines, D.D., and ECODEV Chairman Max C. Magracia.
The agreements, however, set the framework for collaboration; the proposed projects will still require implementation, coordination, and other necessary processes before their intended outcomes can be realized.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.