Further affirming its commitment towards sustainability, Saint Louis University (SLU) launched its Three (3)-Year Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Plan on 21 October 2025 at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, SLU Main Campus.
The program gathered representatives from the Diocese of Baguio, City Government of Baguio, United Nations Development Programme, Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region, along with university administrators, and partner suppliers to establish a stronger partnership among the offices of the University, rooted in the shared commitment to sustainability.
SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, highlighted in his welcome message that collaboration brought the plan to life. “Today we take a meaningful step toward a life, aligning our academic, operational and committee practices to the call of Sustainable Development and ecological conversion…This is more than just a University initiative, it is a collective commitment, it stewards our common home and agents of transformative change,” he stated.
Fr. Sales further presented the President’s Report on the SLU SDG Activities, highlighting the SLU SDGs Future Directions. “Since 2022, SLU has been committed to actively promoting the United Nations SDGs, beginning with a focus on seven key goals. We pursued programs and activities that promoted No Poverty; Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Climate Action; Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and Partnerships for the Goals,” he said. “In 2023, we broadened our efforts to cover all 17 SDGs through a structured, yearly implementation plan… integrating sustainability into our academics, extension projects, and campus operations,” he further discussed.
Beginning this Academic Year 2025-2026, Fr. Sales stated that the University will embark on a more strategic and intensified approach through the 3-year plan from 2025 to 2028 under the university’s flagship program called ‘INAYAN’ — Invigorating Network and Alliance for Sustainability Achievement and Ecological Preservation. The program aims to align all university activities with the SDG key indicators, conduct periodic evaluation and assessment, and strengthen research related to sustainability and development.
Rev. Fr. Roland P. Buyagan, Vicar General of the Diocese of Baguio, delivered the message on behalf of His Excellency, Most Reverend Rafael T. Cruz, DD. “This initiative is a concrete expression of the church’s mission to promote integral human development,” he said. Rev. Fr. Buyagan highlighted the opportunities for partnership that are established in the areas of formation and programs on Catholic social teachings. “The Diocese of Baguio expresses its openness and commitment to collaboration in support of Saint Louis University and similar institutions,” he stated.
Dr. Marjorie Balay-as, Local Government and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist under the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership co-led by the European Union (EU) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delivered a special message stating, “In a world grappling with pressing challenges such as climate change, inequality, and social injustice, the commitment demonstrated by SLU to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is both commendable and necessary. This launch simplifies institutional pivot towards sustainability but also embodies a collective recognition for a shared responsibility,” she said.
Shortly after, Arch. Donna R. Tabangin, City Planning, Development and Sustainability Coordinator, Local Government of Baguio, stated in her special message, “SLU’s SDG Center stands as a beacon of hope and purpose, a space for research, innovation, and moral conviction. Converged to guide our collective response to the challenge of our land.”
On behalf of Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, City Mayor of Baguio City, Hon. Councilor Yuri K. Weygan also delivered a message highlighting , “Today we are not only witnessing the institutional milestone but also affirming our commitment…through a future that is sustainable, inclusive and life giving,” he said. “Ang inyong pagsisikap na isulong ang United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at ang Laudato Si ng simbahang katoliko ay malinaw na patunay na ang iyong misyon ay hindi para lamang sa kaalaman, kundi para sa kalinga at sa kapwa ng pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan,” he further said.
Preceding the message from Mayor Magalong, was speaker Mr. Albert Martin C. Yazon the Service Delivery Manager from Data Mobility Corporation who expressed the importance of connections to improve sustainability stating, “As suppliers and service partners we recognize that our role goes beyond business transaction, we are collaborators in much larger purposes. Sustainability is not a task for one institutional work, it is a collective journey that requires all of us from the church, the government, education, private sector and local communities, to move forward together,” he elaborated.
The SDG Year plan was presented through a video presentation featuring all school and office programs aligned with SDGs. To signify and confirm the University’s commitment to the three-year direction, a symbolic pledge and commitment signing was done by the attendees and participants.
The awarding of tokens and certificates followed led by Fr. Sales along with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD; Vice President for Administration, Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced; and Vice President for Finance, Roberto M. Arguelles, PhD.
Concurrently, a bloodletting activity was held at the Diego Silang Lobby, SLU Main Campus to launch the 3-Year SDG Plan initiated by the Office of the University President (OUP) and the Office of the Vice President for Mission and Identity, in partnership with the Parish Pastoral Council – Social Action and SLU-Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU-SHMC), in line with the 48th Anniversary Celebration of SLU-SHMC.
Organized by the OUP and the Finance Office, the event directly aligns with the UN SDG No. 17 on Partnerships for the Goals and CICM advocacies on Justice, Peace, and Ecological Integrity. (Article by John Erick Cortez, UIO Intern, Photos by: Trisha Andreah Visperas, UIO Intern)
