November 18  2024 - Romblon State University marked another milestone in its commitment to sustainable development with the Ceremonial Launching of the SDG Academy in the municipalities of Tablas Island, Province of Romblon earlier today, November 18, 2024.

This initiative of the International Relations Office - SDG Center is designed to empower local communities by advancing knowledge and skills aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The momentous event began with a central launch at the Municipality of Odiongan, graced by RSU President Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, alongside the University’s Vice Presidents. Following the ceremonial program, the Vice Presidents traveled to their respective assigned municipalities to lead the simultaneous launches.

Highlights of the Ceremonial Launch:

𝗢𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 (𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵):

President Mani officially inaugurated the SDG Academy with the unveiling of the SDG Information Board and the installation of SDG advocates.

𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗙𝗲:

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya spearheaded the launch, facilitated by Dr. Rey P. Rasgo, Campus Director of RSU Santa Fe. They were joined by Mr. Dave Lota, Head of the SDG Center, and Ms. Angelica Galindez, Head of the Faculty Mobility Unit.

𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮:

Vice President for Legal and Student Affairs and Services Atty. Glenn Niño M. Sartillo led the ceremonies in two municipalities. The San Andres event was facilitated by Dr. Mario Fetalver Jr. and Dr. Alfredo Fortu, Jr., while the Calatrava event was facilitated by Dr. Leila Fabella. They were accompanied by Mr. Jayson Reeves Mani, Head of the Global Rankings Unit, and Mr. JRden Fadallan, Head of the Website Administration Unit.

𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻:

Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero guided the launch in San Agustin, supported by Dr. Poly Banagan, Campus Director for RSU San Agustin, together with Dr. Gianinna Labicane, Director of the International Relations Office.

𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮:

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Tomas T. Faminial presided over the event in Santa Maria. The program, facilitated by Dr. Joemar Manzo, showcased the operational and logistical aspects of the Academy with the assistance of Mr. Kevin Mar Meñez, Logistics and Operations Officer.

Each launch featured the installation of SDG advocates among the municipal mayors and campus directors and  a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SDG Information Board, and messages on the importance of aligning local initiatives with global goals.

The SDG Academy represents RSU’s bold vision of fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future by integrating education, research, and community engagement. It also underscores the university's leadership in driving regional progress in sustainable development. This historic occasion has set the foundation for a transformative journey, uniting Romblon’s municipalities in a shared commitment to achieving the SDGs. The entire province looks forward to the significant impacts that the SDG Academy will bring to local communities and beyond.

Source: RSU International Relations Office