Central Mindanao University (CMU) took a significant step towards promoting sustainable development through environmental education by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Network of Environmental Educators (PNEE). The MOU was formalized during the 15th PNEE Conference and the International Conference on Environmental Education in Southeast Asia held in Hanoi, Vietnam from October 25-27, 2023.
The PNEE is a collaborative network comprising State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), civil society, individual faculty, and researchers. Their collective mission is to promote sustainable development through a robust and independent network of Philippine institutions that can offer advice and expertise on environmental education policies and programs tailored to the needs of local and regional conditions.
During the ceremonial signing of the MOU, Dr. Angela Grace I. Toledo-Bruno, Department Chairperson of the Environmental Science Department, College of Forestry and Environmental Science represented the University President, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe.
The primary objectives of this collaboration include the creation of a network of regional colleges, universities, research centers, and NGOs to promote environmental education at all levels and sectors. Additionally, the MOU aims to facilitate collaborative activities leading toward the sustainable management of the Philippines’ natural resources.
According to Dr. Toledo-Bruno, the collaboration seeks to enhance educational and academic research in the field of environmental education through various activities such as faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research projects, and the organization of lectures, symposia, and training programs.
During the event, a new set of Board of Directors was elected, and Dr. Toledo-Bruno was among the new board members. She was also chosen as the new Vice President of PNEE, serving a term of two years.
In addition to the MOU signing, Dr. Toledo-Bruno together with EnP. Eric N. Bruno, Chief of the Geomatics Center for Research and Extension in Mindanao (GeoMin) had a back-to-back paper presentation at the International Conference on Environmental Education in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Toledo-Bruno presented a paper titled “Agriculture and Environmental Education in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs): State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Role in Quality Education for Sustainable Development.”
Simultaneously, EnP Bruno presented his paper on “Students’ Knowledge, Environmental Awareness, and Practices on Solid Waste Management: A Case Study in Central Mindanao University, Philippines.”
This showcase of research not only highlights CMU’s dedication to environmental education but also underscores the importance of academic research in addressing critical issues related to sustainable development
