SDRC Partners with COSCA-LSEED Host #WeCAN International Research Colloquium

Showcasing local and international researches of faculty members, students and researchers on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the #WeCAN International Research Colloquium was held on September 12, 2019 at The Verdure of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall. The Colloquium was hosted by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) through the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) in cooperation with the Social Development Research Center. It is a feature of the #WeCAN or Collaborations among ASEAN Nations’ Higher Education Institutions through SDGs for Sustainable and Inclusive Development, which COSCA through LSEED developed as De La Salle University’s social development arm and as part of its vision and mission to be at the forefront of social formation and engagement. Papers that were presented were in the categories of Inclusive Growth/Decent Employment, Environmental Sustainability, Inclusive Education, and Universal Health Care.

Among the paper presenters were three teams of students of SDRC Research Fellow Dr. Rhoderick Nuncio. One presentation by Christian Carandang, Cristel Torculas, and Angeline Gubat for the Environmental Sustainability category was entitled “Muling Buhayin Ang Ilog Pasig: Mungkahing Proyekto sa Paggamit ng Microbubble Technology at Biofilters.” The team discussed how these biotechnologies can help clean and sustain Pasig River as an environmental and economic hub of the city. A second presentation by Jiro Mervin Duron, Mike Vincent Quito, and Krisalle Reyes for the Inclusive Growth category was entitled “Partnership for Employment Awareness and Opportunities for Filipinos: Consciousness-raising, Social Media Application and Training intended for Underprivileged Filipino Workers.” The team tackled the issue of lack of opportunities to train marginalized people to be part of the workforce. A third presentation by Blessie Diaz, Jono Gonzales, Haniel Parba, Jose Santos, and Tony Garcia for the Universal Healthcare category was entitled “Tugon Kontra Malutrisyon: Makamit ang Seguridad sa Pagkain, Tamang Nutrisyon, At Paunlarin ang Pagpapanatili ng Agrikultura sa Bansa.” It identified NGO involvement and cooperatives as efforts that could help to attain the second SDG of zero hunger, particularly in ARMM/Marawi City where stunting and malnutrition are widespread.

The Colloquium was attended by representatives of the ten ASEAN countries as well as from COSCA partners Bukluran ng mga Migranteng Manggawa at Kapamilya, Inc., Erinyos Kaingin I Community Chapter, Inc., Kababaihang Yumayabong Tungo sa Kagalingan, Inc. Parañaque and Quezon City chapters, Kababayan Samahan ng Bagong Barrio, Caloocan, Inc., Las Piñas PWDs, Magkakaisang Magkakapit Bahay ng Tullahan Rd., Inc., Samahan ng mga nanay sa Julian Felipe, Inc., Sta. Rosa City Planning Development Office, St. Vincent Foundation for Children and Aging, Inc., and Toyota Sta. Rosa City Gawad Kalinga Village, and from DLSU, DLS-Laguna, and DLS-Lipa.

The #WeCAN program is a positive response to the dearth of information on SDG localization initiatives and the limited venue for collaboration among ASEAN nations in areas of social entrepreneurship/innovations.