QCU Joins National Forum on Climate Action and PAGTANAW 2050 at Manila Observatory
Quezon City, Philippines – August 6, 2025 — Quezon City University (QCU) joined leading national and academic institutions in a high-level hybrid forum on “Facing Environmental Challenges and Climate Change in the Philippines’ Future: Actions in Line with PAGTANAW 2050,” held at Heyden Hall, Manila Observatory, Ateneo de Manila University. The forum was organized by the Department of Science and Technology–National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) in partnership with the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST).
Representing QCU were Ms. Elaine Tandoc from the College of Education and Mr. Angelito P. Bautista Jr., Director of the Research Management Office.
The forum highlighted the Philippines' pressing environmental challenges and the need to align national development with PAGTANAW 2050, the country’s science and technology foresight plan. The event forms part of a series of preparatory activities for the upcoming PhilAAST National Convention in September 2025.
Keynote speaker Asst. Secretary Romell Antonio Cuenca of the Climate Change Commission underscored the importance of science-based climate resilience policies and the central role of academic institutions in generating data and advancing anticipatory adaptation strategies. DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David followed with a presentation on ecological governance, nature-based solutions, and the urgency of integrating environmental protection with economic planning.
A panel discussion featured Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ (Manila Observatory), Jose Leviste Jr. (PCCI), and Dr. Carlito Tabelin (MSU-IIT), who shared insights on science-informed policy, private sector involvement in sustainability efforts, and innovations in hazard mitigation at the community level.
During the open forum moderated by Dr. Asuncion De Guzman of PhilAAST, participants raised key questions on climate education, data sharing, and inter-sectoral coordination for climate governance.
The event concluded with the oath-taking ceremony of new PhilAAST members. QCU’s Ms. Tandoc and Mr. Bautista were officially inducted, reinforcing the university’s active engagement in national scientific and environmental dialogues.
Mr. Bautista also discussed potential collaborations with Manila Observatory, including student internship placements, and emphasized QCU’s role in advancing research and curriculum efforts related to climate action and sustainability.
QCU’s participation in the forum aligns with its institutional thrusts under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The event also strengthens QCU’s partnerships with national stakeholders and affirms its commitment to contributing to long-term STI-driven solutions for environmental resilience.
#1QCU
#QCURISETogether
#IbangKlaseSaQCU
#Innovation
#QCUxPhilAAST
#QCUxDOSTNCR
#DOST
#OneDOST4U
