University of Rizal System

Zooming in on the beautiful Province of Rizal, the University of Rizal System (URS) stands tall, with its ten campuses representing different cultural identities. Regardless of the differences, the commitment to pursuing one mission of ensuring that it contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals remains the ultimate agenda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving and making ways that seemed impossible has leveled the playing field across the region as they search for ways to manage and mitigate its impact on their respective countries. It has left economies struggling, businesses closing, unemployment rising, and the future seems bleak and uncertain. Nonetheless, this pandemic has also brought out the best of us, the humanity in us that has long been hidden, and finally shared our sense of compassion with one another regardless of our differences. In the middle of this sapphire darkness, little light is at the end of this pandemic tunnel. And that light comes from all the small acts of kindness many show despite their needs. Although the years that passed have been rough and uncertain, the university has stood its ground and continued to “light up” the spirit of hopefulness among its studentry, the faculty and non-teaching personnel, parents, the community, and the nation at large. It served as an eternal source of joy and inspiration among those about to give up on their dreams and rally the multitude to look for a better future ahead. The URS, comprised of many offices, units, and centers, is likewise a community. Within its enigmatic image as a premier higher education institution in the Province of Rizal are the many differences among its components. However, despite these differences, it has kept its eye on fulfilling its mandates to the people and their communities. Hence, it has continued to pursue excellence in its four-fold functions as a university: instruction, research, extension, and production services, against all odds.

URS paved the way for its students and the administration to continue their mission for continuous sustainability in all facets of life. Despite the many challenges, URS remained instrumental in continuing its quests for the success of nightmares turned into beautiful dreams, believing that someday, just like what's being aimed by the SDGs, a bright future awaits crowned with “achievements and recognition” dedicated to the efforts made today for the people of the future. It might be a tough year, but the University of Rizal System was able to withstand it and even shine far brighter as it takes its rightful place in the constellation of premier universities in the country. Displayed in all the programs, projects, activities, and connections made, the initiatives for sustainability are a beacon of success for the URS community.

The university was given the gift of renewed hope and the opportunity to pursue dreams and aspirations. In accomplishing its mandates and delivering targets, it highlights the importance of global partnerships, collaboration, and resource mobilization in tackling the complex challenges of poverty, inequality, climate change, and innovation. As the world looks to the future, the role of partnerships in achieving these goals is recognized. Partnerships are the key to unlocking the full potential of the SDGs. It encourages the pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise across sectors and geographies to ensure that all countries, especially the most vulnerable, can benefit from global efforts to achieve sustainable development. By fostering multilateral collaboration, SDG 17 acknowledges that sustainable development is a shared responsibility and requires collective action.

Leadership plays a big part in delivering even beyond what is expected. While other educational institutions were caught in what seems to be an “eternal state of bewilderment” due to the effects of the pandemic, the university takes pride in the fact that relatively the SDG targets were met and groundbreaking projects were unveiled. These were achieved through the sound and compassionate leadership of the University President, Dr. Nancy T. Pascual, the competent and dedicated university and campus officials, faculty, non-teaching staff, students, and other stakeholders. Setting aside personal interests, the URS community's people have displayed an ideal form of convergence. Such unity has given rise to the testament that magic can happen when everyone’s efforts point to a common direction. URS can build a more resilient world that leaves no one behind by harnessing the power of collective action, leveraging technology, and ensuring inclusivity.