As part of the collaboration between The University of the Philippines Open University – Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS) and the Sekiguchi Global Research Association (SGRA) of the Atsumi International Foundation (AISF) for the Sustainable Shared Growth Seminar Series, the 75th SGRA Forum / 45th Sustainable Shared Growth Seminar was held last 12 April 2025 at J.F. Oberlin University in Tokyo, Japan and online via Zoom.

Dr. Ferdinand C. Maquito, a senior lecturer at FMDS, delivered the keynote presentation, introducing the concept of Local-to-Local Across Border Schemes (LLABS). He highlighted how LLABS can serve as a complementary mechanism to regional integration and local decentralization efforts in East Asia. Dr. Maquito presented a case study involving a collaboration between Barangay Maahas in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, and Fujino in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, demonstrating how local communities can engage in cross-border partnerships to promote sustainable development.

UPOU Chancellor and FMDS Professor Dr. Joane V. Serrano also played a prominent role, presenting during the Citizen’s Opinion segment. She shared insights from UPOU’s ongoing initiatives, including LAKBAY (Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth) and the Maahas-Fujino collaboration, both of which exemplify how LLABS can foster inclusive, grassroots-driven development through education, community engagement, and sustainability.

Distinguished speakers from Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan joined the dialogue to share comparative perspectives:

  • Dr. Sato Koichi (J.F. Oberlin University) examined LLABS through the lens of ASEAN growth triangles and multicultural integration in Japan.
  • Dr. Li Kotetsu (Institute for Northeast Asian Future) discussed China’s cross-border development frameworks.
  • Dr. Nam Ki-jeong (Seoul National University) presented South Korea’s local government-led trilateral initiatives with Japan and China.
  • Dr. Lim Chuan-Tiong (University of Tokyo) analyzed Taiwan’s non-governmental partnerships with ASEAN countries beyond formal diplomacy.

Additional regional perspectives as part of the Citizen’s Opinion came from:

  • Dr. Jakfar Idrus (Kokushikan University), representing Indonesia.
  • Mr. Motoki Luxmiwattana (Waseda University), sharing views from Thailand.

The session was moderated by Dr. Brenda Tenegra, a Filipino academic and consultant, who ensured a dynamic and inclusive exchange of ideas while the synthesis remarks were delivered by Dr. Hitoshi Hirakawa (Nagoya University, Professor Emeritus) and closing messages from Ms. Junko Imanishi of the Atsumi International Foundation to formally close the event. UPOU faculty and staff from various offices attended the event.

This activity aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Written by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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