On August 23, 2025, two representatives from the Office of Global Engagement and Partnerships of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Dr. Fernan Q. Abragan, Global Outreach Specialist, and Ms. Darlene M. Reble actively participated in the significant forum on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Integration held at Savoy Hotel Manila. The summit, hosted by ADREM Project and themed “From Policy to Practice: Turning ESG Frameworks into Action”, was attended by leaders and experts from government, business, and academia where innovative strategies in embedding ESG practices across sectors were discussed.

The plenary discussions offered critical insights for higher education and governance. Mr. Arnaud Peral, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in the Philippines, emphasized the importance of aligning ESG initiatives with global development priorities. Assistant Secretary Roger B. Masapol of the Department of Education highlighted the theme “Sustainability in Basic Education: No Learner Left Behind”, giving importance to the urgent challenges such as high rates of stunting among learners, inadequate learning environments, and declining learning outcomes. He also stressed the need for resilient classrooms, alternative learning modalities during natural disasters, and support systems that protect the physical and mental well-being of learners. His presentation outlined five priority goals: cultivating high-performing teachers, protecting learners’ welfare, ensuring efficient governance, providing quality education, and producing empowered and employable Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Director Rachel Esther J. Gumtang-Remalante of the Securities and Exchange Commission presented updates on Sustainability Reporting Compliance, focusing on the institutionalization of ESG through mandated sustainability reports. She emphasized that proper compliance and transparent reporting are essential in advancing corporate accountability and social responsibility.

Dr. Engelbert C. Pasag of Panpacific University provided a dual perspective by discussing both the role of ESG in global university rankings, particularly the QS Sustainability Rankings, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and UI GreenMetric Rankings, and the challenges and opportunities in sustainability reporting roadmap. He highlighted the need for institutions to build credibility through consistent reporting while also seizing opportunities to strengthen their positioning in the global academic and sustainability landscape.

In addition, participants were given the opportunity to present their outputs on sectoral ESG integration and reporting roadmaps, where they identified opportunities and practical steps for advancing ESG integration. This collaborative exercise allowed delegates to learn from peers of the same mindset, exchange innovative approaches, and gain insights on how different institutions are navigating sustainability challenges.

Through these discussions and interactive sessions, MSU at Naawan representatives gained valuable knowledge on governance alignment, educational sustainability, regulatory compliance, and institutional positioning. These insights will help strengthen the university’s initiatives in global engagement, sustainability, and responsible leadership, reinforcing its commitment to advancing ESG principles in higher education and beyond.