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The University of Rizal System (URS), the lone state university in the Province of Rizal, actively promotes sustainable development, particularly in food security, agricultural innovation, and rural development. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to "End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture," the university demonstrates its commitment through innovative curricular offerings constituting wide-ranging educational programs, research, and extension, and community projects aimed at ending hunger and food insecurity.
To ensure education and awareness, URS offers curricular programs in its three campuses, namely, Cardona, Rodriguez, and Tanay, specifically for fisheries and aquatic sciences, agriculture, and agricultural engineering programs. These programs emphasize the importance of food security, sustainable farming practices, and nutrition in the agriculture sector and the community benefitting from it. These courses equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address food security challenges in both local and global contexts. Students are not only trained in traditional farming techniques but also exposed to modern agricultural practices, such as, but not limited to, organic farming, agroecology, and sustainable resource management.
The university also advocates for better awareness of the interconnectivity of nutrition, poverty, and hunger, made more pronounced and evident in conducting various seminars, conferences, and workshops. These activities highlight the critical role of nutrition in public health and how sustainable agricultural practices can help ensure that everyone has access to sufficient and highly nutritious food.
Another significant aspect of URS’s commitment to SDG 2 is its involvement in research and innovation to combat hunger. The university’s research agenda, coined in the term “HANDA,” and its extension agenda’s thrusts and priorities seek to improve food security by developing new agricultural techniques, increasing crop yields, and promoting sustainable farming methods. URS also works on projects that aim to reduce food waste, increase food production efficiency, and ensure that small-time farmers in the region can access the resources they need to grow nutritious food.
URS Panalo Caravan
Feeding Program
Furthermore, URS actively supports the local communities surrounding its campuses through community engagement and outreach programs that directly address hunger and food insecurity. These programs often involve partnerships with local farmers, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote sustainable agriculture, improve food distribution, and encourage nutritional awareness. One of the critical initiatives includes training and technical support to farmers in the province on sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, integrated pest management, and crop diversification. By helping local farmers increase their yield and productivity and reduce their dependence on harmful chemical inputs, URS supports the development of more resilient and sustainable food systems that greatly benefit not only the generation of today but also the generations to come.
Additionally, the university has been involved in food assistance programs, distributing food to its stakeholders and communities in need during times of crisis, made more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the occurrence of natural disasters like typhoons and volcanic eruptions. These initiatives help address immediate hunger needs and promote long-term food security solutions through education and empowerment.
URS also promotes local food systems, prioritizing sustainability, equity, and nutrition. By advocating for farm-to-table initiatives and supporting local food producers, particularly the university-produced agricultural products sold to its students and personnel, the university encourages the consumption of locally grown, nutrient-rich foods that contribute to healthier diets and, thus, healthier bodies. This approach helps reduce the environmental impact of food production and transportation and supports the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the region. Also, to protect its students from consumption of unhealthy food choices, the university canteen operations ensure that only healthy food choices are being sold to students, as evidenced by the signed contract agreement restricting food concessionaires from selling unhealthy foods.
Likewise, the university collaborates with local municipalities to establish community gardens or engage in urban farming projects, providing access to fresh produce for low-income households. These community-driven initiatives promote self-sufficiency, reduce food insecurity, and foster greater solidarity among community members.
The University of Rizal System’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2—Zero Hunger—is deeply embedded in its academic programs, research efforts, community outreach, and student initiatives. URS looks forward to educating the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture and nutrition, researching food security, and supporting local communities through programs, projects, and activities aligned with these intentions. As the university continues to grow and innovate, its efforts to combat hunger and promote sustainable agriculture will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the province and other adjacent provinces. Through these actions, URS aspires to be a key player in the global effort to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.
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