The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through its Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), hosted an exploratory meeting with representatives from Compassion International Philippines on 27 June 2024, at the Oblation Hall, UP Open University Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The meeting aimed to discuss potential collaborations focused on promoting environmental sustainability, sustainable livelihood practices, and resilience building among communities supported by Compassion International.

Compassion International Philippines is part of Compassion International, a global child development organization committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The organization focuses on holistic development, including educational, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores, FMDS Senior Lecturer, and permaculture expert, Mr. Larry Cruz, University Researcher, Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, University Extension Associate, and Ms. Raizza Anna Alforja, Research Support Staff. Attendees from Compassion International Philippines were Dr. Carl Ureta, Senior Program Specialist Climate Change Adaptation; Mr. Jing Ocampo, Senior Project Manager; Ms. Sofia Jingco, Manager of Program Support; Ms. Cristine Joy P. Castro, Food Security and Livelihood Specialist; Mr. Joab Afuang, Health Specialist; Ms. Mary Lou Valera, Health Coordinator; Ms. Sarah Lois C. Gellar Hidalgo, Youth Development Specialist; Ms. Mary Ann Manzano, Child Protection Specialist; Ms. Frances Sison, Child Protection Specialist; and Mr. Ronilo A. Oyanib, Complementary Intervention Specialist. 

Mr. Cruz began the meeting by introducing the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, and Entrepreneurship). He described it as a living laboratory at UPOU dedicated to showcasing sustainable agricultural practices. The garden serves as an educational resource, demonstrating the principles of permaculture and sustainable farming.

During the discussion, Dr. Flores provided a comprehensive overview of the Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. through https://angusmaps.my.canva.site/upou-perma-garden-map. He highlighted the garden’s various features, explaining how it integrates sustainable practices and serves as a model for similar initiatives. 

Dr. Ureta discussed the environmental and structural context surrounding the Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. He pointed out that the garden is adjacent to a river and a subdivision, with other infrastructures managed by entities like the International Rice Research Institute, Organic Agriculture Research Development and Extension Center (OARDEC) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He emphasized the implications of these surrounding areas on the garden, including challenges related to land erosion.

After the meeting, the group had a tour around the project site with the assistance of Ms. Maryjane Reondanga, Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. Caretaker. 

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both UPOU and Compassion International to work together in advancing sustainable practices and building resilience within the communities served by Compassion International. This collaboration holds the promise of creating meaningful impacts by empowering individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices and build a resilient future. The event is in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty); SDG 2 (Zero Hunger); SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Written by: Dona Lyn Piamonte • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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