DLSU collaborates with Manila LGU, universities on SDG Policy

De La Salle University (DLSU) in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Manila led a consortium of 16 colleges and universities for the localization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the city. 

The consortium, set to be formally launched this coming June, seeks to support the creation of an “SDG City”, which is anchored on SDG 17, otherwise known as Partnership for the Goals. 

DLSU and the LGU signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2020 for the initial phase of the SDG City project.  Virtual meetings with the Manila universities were conducted in December 2021 and June 2022 to discuss the rationale for the alliance, as well as the roles and responsibilities of members. 

The first physical meeting of the consortium was held last February 28 on the DLSU Manila campus, with institutional support from the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and the La Salle Institute of Governance. 

Participants of the meeting shared the importance of scoping the problems and challenges, monitoring development interventions, and recommending policy strategies that would help lead to the attainment of SDG outcomes.

Fritzie Ian de Vera, Vice President for Lasallian Mission, emphasized the importance of integrating barangay development and community engagements of universities with city-level initiatives. On the other hand, Joy Dawis-Asuncion, Assistant City Administrator of Manila, urged the universities to allocate time to conduct research that are relevant to the city.

The participating university are Adamson University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, DLSU, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, National University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,

Philippine Christian University, Philippine Normal University, Philippine Women’s University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, St. Scholastica’s College, Universidad de Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, and the University of the Philippines Manila.