DLSU, City of Manila strengthen partnership on localizing UN SDGs
De La Salle University (DLSU) formally presented its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) City Partnership initiative to the City of Manila during a briefing session and courtesy call with Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on August 29, 2025, at the Manila City Hall.
Vice President for Lasallian Mission Fritzie Ian De Vera and Board of Trustees Member Gina Romero led the DLSU delegation. The presentation was spearheaded by Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JRIG), who conceptualized the SDG City model as a knowledge partnership between the local government unit (LGU) and the university. The model is designed to accelerate the achievement of localized SDG targets and priorities.
The SDG City model aims to harness academic expertise, research, and innovation to support the City of Manila in identifying development gaps and co-creating solutions. As part of the initiative, DLSU will conduct a baseline assessment which is an initial measurement of how the city is performing across the different SDGs through relevant local data and indicators. This evidence-based approach will guide the LGU in determining priorities, designing responsive programs, and monitoring progress.
Mayor Moreno welcomed the collaboration, recognizing the role of universities in shaping innovative and sustainable pathways for local governance. The collaboration underscores Manila’s commitment to inclusive, data-driven, and future-ready development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under this joint program, DLSU will strengthen its contributions to SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) by building a strong relationship with the local government for SDG policy. It will support SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by providing expert advice to the local government, and will help enhance SDG 4 (Quality Education) by undertaking educational outreach activities in the community. It will promote SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by delivering outreach programs and projects to improve health outcomes in the local community).
This partnership between DLSU and the City of Manila reflects the Lasallian mission of service to society, fostering transformative solutions through education, research, and community engagement.
Knowledge and Technology for Local Solutions
Through its wide range of academic units and research centers, DLSU committed to provide technical support and innovative solutions to address Manila’s development challenges. Highlighted initiatives and their proponents include the following:
- Lasallian Health Education, Accessible Resources and Training Services (L-HEARTS) – Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA)
- Air Quality Monitoring System – Dr. Edgar Vallar
- Pediatric Tuberculosis (TB) Clinical Decision Support System – Dr. Michelle Renee Ching
- Community-led Mental Health Support – Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta
- Social Enterprise Development – Dr. Norby Salonga
- Detection, Treatment, and Detoxification System for Emerging Contaminants of Concern in Wastewater (DETOXS) – Dr. Arnel Beltran and Dr. Aileen Orbecido
- Rainwater Collection and Stormwater Management System – Dr. Marla Redillas
- Titan: Vision-based Vehicle and Pedestrian Monitoring System – Dr. Joel Ilao and Salie Siao
- Women and AI for Solid Waste Management – Gina Romero and Dr. Francisco Magno
- Gintong Pamana Scholarships for First-Generation Students – South Manila Education Consortium (SMEC)
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