(from left to right) FMDS Dean Serrano, Ms. Mary Grace Campollo, and Dr. Wong planting one out of the five atis seedlings during the commemorative planting ceremony
In partnership with the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Kaohsiung, the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) launched the International University of Social Responsibility (IUSR) collaborative program, through a commemorative tree planting initiative on 20 January 2024 at the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition) UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. This historic event of planting sugar apple trees, or commonly known as atis in the Philippines, signifies the commitment of both academic institutions to strengthen their partnership while contributing to social development and local community services.
A field discussion on IUSR and Perma G.A.R.D.E.N with (from left to right) Dr. Lu, Dr. Su, Dean Serrano, Dr. Wong, and Ms. Campollo prior to the conduct of the event
The commemoration ceremony was attended by various stakeholders from FMDS, Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Kaohsiung, and IUSR committee. Among those present from FMDS were Dean Joane V. Serrano, permaculture expert and designer Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores, and Perma G.A.R.D.E.N caretaker Ms. Maryjane Reondanga. Representing Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Kaohsiung were Senior Managing Adviser Dr. Eing Ming Wu and Executive Director Dr. Yong-Chao Su together with the IUSR representatives, Dr. Chafing Lu and Dr. Yu-Feng Wong. It was also attended by twelve Taiwanese and seven Filipino youth participants of the second batch of Project LAKBAY (Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth). Participants successfully planted a total of five atis seedlings on the west portion of the garden.
Dr. Wu spearheaded the commemorative planting ceremony through a welcoming message
Dr. Wu expressed his excitement about this partnership which holds immense potential for fostering positive social change through education and research. He led the ceremony by acknowledging the presence of the FMDS Dean and the importance of permaculture in achieving sustainable development.
FMDS Dean Serrano during her opening message
FMDS Dean Serrano emphasized the event’s objectives of showing the adherence of both Philippines and Taiwan in terms of university social responsibility. Atis IUSR, as the name she then formally introduced, aspiring to be seen and nurtured by the previous and future batches of Project LAKBAY.
This commemorative event between UPOU-FMDS and UISR represents a significant step forward towards building local linkages and interdisciplinary learning in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Dr. Jabez (left) and Ms. Reondanga (right) showing the significance of Alitaptap Community Currency in Perma G.A.R.D.E.N production during the orientation with Project LAKBAY fellows
Prior to this event, participants of the recent Project LAKBAY engaged on a hands-on experience of planting various seedlings such as tomato and cassava, after a brief orientation with Ms. Reondanga and Dr. Flores.
Written by Raizza Anna Alforja ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Crossposted from FMDS Website
#UPOpenUniversity
