In line with its Sustainable Advocacies through Vendor-Supplier Engagement (SAVE) Program, Saint Louis University (SLU), through the SLU Finance Office, conducted the second Suppliers Summit held at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus, on 6 August 2025.
With the theme, “Strengthening CSR through Sustainable Development Goals,” the summit aimed to fortify partnerships, promote sustainability, and provide a platform for SLU to enhance its collaboration with its partner organizations while practicing and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, officially welcomed the participants with a warm message, highlighting the impact of this summit on the growth of the university, its partners, and the community. “In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of collaboration between universities and suppliers extends beyond mere transactions. It becomes a powerful driver of positive change. By working together, we can implement sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and promote social responsibility and also ensure economic viability,” he stated.
Executive Assistant to the President and SDG Center Officer-in-Charge Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD, elaborated the summit rationale, enumerating the advantages of the initiative. “This stands as a vibrant testament to the CICM founders’ profound insight that our actions embody the noble mission entrusted to us. Through dedicated efforts, we demonstrate that our commitment to sustainable development reflects our core values and sense of purpose,” he explained, adding the university’s role in upholding its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a Catholic institution.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer II, Mr. Cyr Bagayao, from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of the City Government of Baguio, discussed the SDG Key Indicators in his talk titled, “Measuring Progress, Building Hope.” He reviewed how each goal was measured and why it was necessary in determining its efficiency. “LGUs, schools, businesses, and barangays play a critical role in ensuring these goals translate into real progress on the ground,” Mr. Bagayao emphasized.
Furthermore, Dr. Gutierrez presented SLU’s SDG activities and programs encompassing five sectors: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. He also cited the various projects of each university office and school that offered possibilities for collaboration with the participating organizations.
Afterward, the guests signed an SDG Commitment Form to formalize their partnership with SLU.
The Suppliers Summit is aligned with SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, serving as a testament to SLU’s efforts in contributing to the betterment of the community. As Fr. Sales said, “Together, we can build a future where education and sustainability go hand in hand, empowering our students and communities to thrive in sustainability.” (Article by Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Volunteer | Photos by Kyla Moreno, UIO Volunteer)
