The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) hosted an exploratory meeting with the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) on 4 July 2024 at the Teaching and Learning Hub Conference Room, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna to discuss potential collaboration on the Rights of Nature campaign. This meeting aimed to enhance environmental education and promote sustainable practices. 

Dean Joane Serrano welcomed Ms. Yolanda Esguerra, PMPI National Coordinator; Ms. Candy Hidalgo, PMPI Deputy Coordinator and Ms. Raevene Morillo, PMPI Staff. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores, FMDS Senior Lecturer, and permaculture expert, Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, FMDS University Extension Associate II, and Ms. Raizza Anna Alforja, FMDS Research Support Staff. Ms. Esguerra introduced PMPI and its extensive network of about 200 civil society organizations, rights groups, peace, and faith-based institutions dedicated to social development, peace, human rights, and environmental advocacy. 

FMDS and PMPI identified several specific areas for collaboration, including:

  • Development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Creating MOOCs related to the Rights of Nature;
  • Learning Resources: Developing learning resources, including case studies, to support environmental education.
  • Public Service Initiatives: Establishing permaculture gardens in the communities conducting actual permaculture practices in the community and proposing related programs for the UPOU-FMDS Earth Ambassadors Project for four partner elementary schools

The meeting concluded with several key action items, including the creation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will outline the collaboration details. Additionally, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled to discuss course development and module content.

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

Sustainable Development Goals

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