UNVEILING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS
Dr. Naguit champions sustainable solutions to achieve the Bagong Pilipinas

Championing sustainable solutions to bring out the “Bagong Pilipinas” framework, Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit, the esteemed President of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), took the stage as the Keynote Speaker during the Engineering and Technology leg of the 3rd National Sustainability Conference held at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), November 18.

With the theme “Sustainable Futures and Innovation,” Dr. Naguit brought together multiple solutions for a sustainable future, highlighting the transformative potential of renewable energy by harnessing the power of the sun, wind, and geothermal energy to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources—which addresses environmental concerns and promotes energy independence and economic growth—while underscoring the importance of building resilient roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems that can withstand climate change impacts, prioritizing sustainability and longevity for future generations.

Moreover, Dr. Naguit also advocated for the development of technologies that facilitate efficient waste management and resource recovery to ensure resources are reused and recycled, minimizing environmental impact and creating sustainable consumption patterns, and emphasized the necessity of disaster risk reduction through comprehensive strategies to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, thereby safeguarding communities and promoting resilience.

Central to Dr. Naguit’s discourse was the collaborative partnership between JRMSU and various government agencies. Notably, the University’s collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through the SIDLAK Technology Business Incubator, which focuses on smart solutions in the tourism industry and fosters a robust ICT-tourism startup ecosystem. Another key collaboration is the research funded by DOST-PCAARRD, titled “Attaining Sustainability in the Fisheries for Sardines and Other Small Pelagic Fish Off the Zamboanga Peninsula,” in partnership with the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). This research emphasizes collective efforts to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of sardine fisheries.

In addition, Dr. Naguit highlighted the RIZAL framework, a guiding principle for Jose Rizal Memorial State University’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which articulates multiple pillars as an integral part of achieving a “Bagong Pilipinas” where economic growth and environmental protection are intertwined, fostering a future where the next generations can thrive in a healthy and prosperous environment. The framework includes:

R – Restoration of the Ecosystem where we protect natural resources and sustain local traditions and livelihoods connected to our ecosystem.
I – Illumination of Historic Paths where we preserve and promote the Philippines’ cultural heritage by valuing history and sustain cultural identity.
Z – Zeroing-In on Waste Management to help reduce pollution, fostering a culture environmental responsibility
A – Attraction of Tourists to sustain tourism programs, create jobs, and attract visitors who value our culture and environment, and
L – Leadership on Good Governance as exemplified in the JRMSU community that promotes transparency and active citizen participation.

The summit concluded with a collective sense of inspiration and determination for future research initiatives and collaborative efforts in sustainable engineering and technology. This innovative potential brought by Dr. Naguit’s insights reinforced the urgent need for sustainable practices in building a more resilient Filipino, a more resilient Philippines, for the Bagong Pilipinas.

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