The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) have officially signed an agreement, solidifying Negros Power’s sponsorship for the upcoming International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2025. This significant event, held on 08 July 2025 at The Row, Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Philippines, was led by Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer of Negros Power, together with the UPOU Doctor in Sustainability (DSus) program students and IFSS co-chairs, Engr. Glady T. Reyes, Negros Occidental Assistant Provincial Science and Technology Director, and Mr. Ariestelo A. Asilo, founder and CEO of Varacco.
This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing both sustainability conversations and initiatives in the pluralities of Asian perspectives. This year’s theme, “Circularity, Renewability, and Regenerative Futures for Food Systems,” signals a call to action to reimagine how we produce, distribute, consume, and govern food. Building on successful forums in 2023 and 2024, this year’s conference will deepen the conversation by embracing circularity, renewability, and regeneration as critical paradigms for the future of food systems.
As part of the sponsorship, interested individuals from government, academia, industry, and civil society will have the opportunity to witness Negros Power experts present their latest initiatives and research outputs during a dedicated parallel session. This platform will highlight practical solutions and innovations in renewable energy and sustainability, directly from a leading industry player.
The IFSS 2025 is set to happen on 17-18 September 2025 at the Negros Residences, Bacolod City, Philippines.
Written by Raizza Anna Alforja • Edited by Larry N. Cruz
#UPOpenUniversity
A digital lantern that shines with hope this Christmas season![]()
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As we welcome the Christmas season, we look back at the digital lantern created last year by UPOU students Myne Zamora and Rhod Ezekiel DS Vallo. Their work included a short film, an Instagram filter, and the parody itself. Today, we are highlighting just the video, which reveals the lantern at the end.![]()
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Inspired by stained glass windows, the lantern's vibrant colors and shifting patterns symbolize the resilience of Filipino communities. ![]()
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Recognized by the Culture Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Lanterns, organized by UPOU and the President’s Committee for Culture and the Arts (PCCA),![]()
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Their work was recognized at the “Culture Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Lanterns", organized by UPOU and the President’s Committee for Culture and the Arts (PCCA).![]()
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To see their work in full, you may visit: sites.google.com/up.edu.ph/kungtala/tala ![]()
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#ChristmasSeason2025 #HolidayInspiration #UPOU ![]()
#DigitalArt
