by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Jul 25 2025
A manifestation of the University’s commitment to the sustainable development of the nation and the global community is its implementation of the 91精品黑料吃瓜-IIT Sustainable Policy. This move serves as a guiding principle in the various activities and areas of the University, assuring that the decisions of constituents involved are all geared towards creating an institutional culture of sustainability.
To further advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that research conducted in academia is recognized for its worth, 11 research studies by 91精品黑料吃瓜-IIT graduates were awarded the first-ever Sustainable Future Research Award (SFRA) during the Second Semester Graduation of the 55th Commencement. This initiative is headed by the 91精品黑料吃瓜-IIT Institute for Policy Innovation and Leadership (IPIL), where graduating students are recognized for their exemplary works as they culminate their undergraduate and graduate years.
These studies, integrating a sustainable development perspective, underwent a screening process where they were assessed according to the studies’ environmental, social, and economic sustainability impact. Let us take a look at these remarkable studies by our 91精品黑料吃瓜-IIT graduates and get to know about the recurring SDGs addressed.
Climate action and its intersections
Four awarded research studies were found to have primarily addressed problems and gaps related to SDG 13 (Climate Action), primarily in the fields of language and media, eco-innovation, agriculture, and aquaculture.
Graduates from the BA English Language Studies, Carlos Martin Benanwa, Crystal Faith N. Acera, and Katherine C. Dela Cruz, looked into the multimodal elements present in forwarding SDG 13 using Facebook reels in their study entitled, “ReelTalk on Climate Change: Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Short-Form Content Advocating SDG 13 Climate Action.” The paper highlighted how climate action is “shaped, reinforced, or subverted in short-form content,” in the context of the digital space in the Philippines. Upon analyzing the interplay of multimodal elements–visuals, audio, texts, and symbols–the paper revealed the following themes from the data: Recognizing Community Vulnerabilities to Climate-Related Disasters, Governance and Leadership for Climate-Resilient Policies, and Strengthening Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness. These findings show how the climate crisis is packaged and perceived in communities and point to actions needed to lessen its impact. Notably, the study proposed a tailored framework to enhance SDG messaging and advocacy in digital media. Their objectives and results also support the following SDGs– SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 14 and 15 (Life on Land and Life Below Water), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Aside from the media, it is also important to understand the climate crisis in the areas of business and innovation. Graduates from the BSBA Business Economics, Michaella G. Abing, Beverylyn G. Alucilja, Kylia Rejiel M. Bag-ao, and Nurnaharah P. Pundogar, authored the paper entitled, “An Analysis of the Influence of Eco-Innovation on Climate Change Risk in Asia and Europe (2012-2018).” Their research sought to understand and examine how eco-innovation influences climate change risk. Asia and Europe were chosen to be the focus locations since they were identified as highly vulnerable to threats of climate change. 20 Asian countries and 31 European countries were selected and analyzed using the Climate Change Risk Index (CRI) to assess how these countries’ eco-innovation influenced climate change risk between 2012 and 2018. High-income countries were found to exhibit results indicating that eco-innovation positively impacts their CRI score, showing a significant influence on climate change risk. Meanwhile, the eco-innovation impact of low-and middle-income countries appears to be insignificant, suggesting that this could be a result of financial constraints and limited technological capacity. Ultimately, the paper concludes that eco-innovation strengthens a country’s economic resilience and implementation of effective environmental regulations. The study also contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure), SDG 16, SDG 11, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Another promising research study not only provides a framework for propagating best practices and strategies contributing to Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) but also advances SDG 13 by promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. “Exploring the Best Practices and Strategies of Sustainable Learning Sites for Agriculture: The Case of Lanao del Norte” by Master's in Business Administration graduate, Dhevine C. Paninsoro, provided a qualitative perspective through a phenomenological approach to discovering the patterns, practices, and contextual factors that affect the sustainability of LSAs in Lanao del Norte. Nine Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for LSA sustainability were identified after a thorough thematic analysis of structured interviews: (1) diverse agricultural stakeholders, (2) practical training for technology adoption, (3) ongoing support and mentorship, (4) multi-touchpoint engagement, (5) diversified revenue streams, (6) effective farm operations, (7) critical assets and partnerships, (8) strategic government and community collaboration, and (9) resource optimization. This research reinforces the need to build frameworks for identifying key sustainability strategies using the lens of the Resource-Based View (RBV). By studying 10 LSAs in Lanao del Norte, where KPIs were identified using the Business Model Canvas (BMC), the findings of the study reveal that LSAs thrive if there is stakeholder engagement, operational resilience, and strategic resource utilization. Targeting the following SDGs–4, 8, 15, 17–this research empowers agricultural sustainability by “offering practical insights, policy, practice on resilience and community-anchored learning models.”
Offering adaptive strategies for aquaculture systems facing global warming, research by a graduate, Derly Nemeño, from the Master of Science in Marine Biology called "Optimization of Temperature for Scylla serrata Broodstock in a Recirculating System with a Polychaete-assisted Biofilter," offers a “holistic approach to aquaculture combining ecological engineering, species-specific physiological optimization, and environmentally responsible system design.” It examines how controlling temperature can improve broodstock performance of Scylla serrata (mud crab) and maintain water quality in aquaculture systems, while incorporating a nature-based solution via polychaete-assisted sand biofiltration. The sustainability of aquaculture remains a challenge; with the findings of this research, a leap towards making this sector more efficient has been made. The study has the following objectives: (1) to assess broodstock survival and spawning rates at varying temperatures (ambient, 27°C, 30°C, and 33°C), (2) to analyze stress responses through gene expression of hsp60 and prophenol oxidase (proPO), and (3) to evaluate water quality under these conditions. Results revealed that: “broodstock reared at 27°C showed the highest survival (86.67%) and spawning rates (60.00%), with significantly lower stress gene expression compared to those exposed to 30°C and 33°C. The polychaete-assisted biofilter contributed to maintaining water quality and offered a sustainable alternative to mechanical filtration systems.” Overall, this study makes a big impact by contributing not only to SDG 13 but most importantly, to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Innovations from the community for the community
Studies that provide innovative solutions to improve current mechanisms in various fields, with a focus on SDG 9, were also recognized. Among this set of winners, 3 papers coming from the College of Engineering, the College of Computer Studies, and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies presented modernized solutions, aiming to uplift local communities.
Designed to address sustainable material development in the construction industry, Sandrew Rogel B. Eya and Jo Jane C. Nalam, graduates of the degree program BS Civil Engineering, wrote the thesis paper entitled, “Evaluating the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Lambooply: A Bamboo Plywood Reinforced with Lampakanay Fibers.” Using the Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and Lampakanay (Typha orientalis), this study sought to develop “Lambooply” as a sustainable alternative to commercial plywood, addressing the increasing reliance on imported timber. The paper tested Lambooply’s flexural strength, tensile strength, and water absorption, and the results revealed that it possessed significantly higher flexural and tensile strength in comparison to commercial plywood. The study affirms its durability and eco-friendly properties, providing a more sustainable option in the building sector of our community. Targeting other SDGS–SDG 12 and SDG 8–Lambooply is an invention that can definitely bring affordable, accessible, long-term solutions in the construction industry.
In an effort to modernize agricultural practices, a convenient mobile application was crafted to assist abaca farmers. This brainchild by BS Information Technology graduates, Mohammad Haroun Mamalo, Hanan Ramos, and Kerby Joy Tungal, is entitled “NEEvigator: A Mobile Application for Detecting Abaca Bunchy Top Virus Using Machine Learning.” This study provided early detection of the Abaca Bunchy Top Virus (ABTV) in abaca farming. Through this Android mobile application, a future in farming where crop loss is minimized, farmers are empowered by technology, and economic sustainability in the abaca industry is preserved, is a foreseen reality. It promises to offer convenience in rural livelihoods through a low-cost approach. Four key phases were done before its fruition: dataset preparation, model development, mobile application development, and system evaluation. 6000 images of healthy and infected abaca leaves were collected from Salvador, Barangay Rogongon, and Kalilangan, Iligan City. The paper concludes that the mobile application demonstrated high accuracy in detecting ABTV and was found to be user-friendly for small-scale farmers. Indeed, technology is a powerful tool to bridge the gaps in the agricultural sector, and mobile applications such as the NEEvigator can be a revolutionary force to resolve community problems.
Another groundbreaking work targeted to aid the problem of water scarcity was presented by Sahawi Salazar Malik as their dissertation, entitled “Rainwater Harvesting System for Green Buildings and Smart Communities using Internet of Things (IoT).” An infrastructure framework that incorporates sustainable construction techniques by investigating the application of IoT-enabled rainwater harvesting systems, this unique system “employs sensors and real-time data analysis to enhance water conservation effectiveness and operational sustainability.” The study encompasses the making of a prototype rainwater harvesting system designed to optimize water collection, distribution, and management, which demonstrated complete automation. At length, this research underscores not only SDG 9 but, more importantly, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13, as its main goal is to lower reliance on municipal water supplies and boost urban resilience.
Championing goals through partnerships
In order to champion and realize the various goals projected, there should be strong partnerships and collaboration among different sectors for collective action. Two out of 11 studies articulated the importance of connecting with local communities and agencies by putting prominence on SDG 17.
A study done in partnership with local government units, DENR, and national NGOs such as the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, BS in Biology (Biodiversity) graduate, Jessie Cris Mananon, authored the paper, “Cross-Taxon Congruence, Host Specificity, and Bats Ectoparasites Infestation: First Records of Periglischrus iheringi and Ischnopsyllus variabilis in the Philippines.” This study provides a more nuanced understanding of the ecological relationships between bats and their ectoparasites, particularly in the four key islands of designated faunal regions in the country– Panay, Negros, Dinagat Island, and Bukidnon. An ectoparasite is a parasite that lives on the outside of a host's body (like on the skin, fur, or feathers), rather than inside the body. Employing mist-netting and harp trapping to capture both fruit and insect bats, the research was able to look into 26 bat species with 1734 individuals, of which 111 were infested with ectoparasites. 24 ectoparasite species from eight families were observed, which include the following: dipteran flies (Nycteribiidae, Streblidae), mites (Spinturnicidae, Macronyssidae, Trombiculidae), ticks (Argasidae, Ixodidae), and fleas (Ischnopsyllidae), accounting for 422 individuals. All the bats examined from two species–Rhinolophus (horseshoe bats) and Miniopterus australis (long-fingered bats)-were found to have parasites. Notably, the study revealed that Periglischrus iheringi and Ischnopsyllus variabilis, species of mite and flea, were observed and reported, marking their first record in the country. There was a very strong positive link found between bats and their parasites, meaning that where certain bats are found, their parasites are likely to be found too. The intricacies of this research support and forward SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13, and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ultimately bringing a stronger foundation for “future research on bat-ectoparasite interactions, with promising implications for advancing our understanding of disease ecology and guiding effective biodiversity policy innovation and management.”
Focusing on the role of parental participation in the reading proficiency of Indigenous learners, the study by Christy Julianne Q. Aron, Micaila Angelika S. Elopre, and Marie Grace E. Taghap from the Department of Professional Education, entitled “Beyond the Classroom: Parental Involvement in Improving Reading Proficiency Among Indigenous Elementary Learners,” unearths underlying issues regarding the reading proficiency problem in the country, particularly within the locale of Rogongon, Iligan City. Three public schools in the said barangay were chosen, justified by literature saying that barriers such as limited reading materials, language and cultural differences, and low parental involvement remain prevalent. The study had the following objectives–describe the demographic profiles of respondents (age, gender, ethnicity, parents’ occupation and educational attainment, reading materials at home and family members’ participation), assess the extent of parental involvement, determine the learners’ reading levels, analyze differences in parental involvement based on demographic profiles, and look into the relationship between parents’ involvement and learners’ reading levels. Results showed that parents had a strong commitment to supporting literacy at home despite socioeconomic status and limitations in resources, with a variety of parental involvement. Most students reached instructional or independent reading levels, which emphasizes that meaningful literacy improvement requires stronger partnerships that align with SDG 17, highlighting the importance of collaboration among schools, parents, community leaders, local government units, and civil society groups. In turn, this also simultaneously supports SDG 4 and SDG 1 (No Poverty), as it deals with educational barriers attached to poverty.
Wellness for Women
Among the 17 SDGs, the call for gender equality (SDG 5) remains one of the strongest and most persistent advocacies within the institute, strengthened through its Gender and Development Center. Two studies focused on the wellness of women by developing an exercise program and emphasizing health education.
Applying the principles from the discipline of education to forward an exercise program for women and hitting two important SDGS–3 and 5–, Angel Michelle Tarranza, who finished the program Master of Science in Physical Education, wrote a thesis called “Biomechanical Analysis of Common Musculoskeletal Complaints Among the Housewives: Basis for Rehabilitative Rhythmic Exercise Program.” In the onset of developing an intervention exercise program aimed at improving body mechanics among housewives, this study firstly analyzed the common body discomforts of ten married women, aged 20 to 35, from Iligan City, in their daily chores at home. Through observation and interviews, the body parts that had recurring pain were identified: lower back, knee, and shoulder, guided by a biomechanical analysis in determining movement patterns that contribute to musculoskeletal strain. These results served as the basis for the making of a detailed and tailored Rehabilitative Exercise Program. Five fundamental patterns were included in this program and were labeled as follows: Kugos sa Bata, Sag-ob, Pagtrapo sa Salog, Hugas ug Plato, and Laba. This program strengthens the quality of life and the general health of women with its timely and research-based techniques, promoting a culture of wellness intervention within the community.
Another mechanism highlighted in preventive health is observed in the study entitled “A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Three Educational Interventions on Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Practical Skills in Breast Self-Examination Among Maranao Female Senior High School Students,” by Sittie Aliah Alie, Adrajie R. Dida-agun, and Aisha Mohammad Daud, graduates from the College of Health Sciences. This study acknowledges the insufficient culturally appropriate and school-based breast self-examination (BSE) education among Maranao adolescents; therefore, an imperative analysis of the effectiveness of the targeted interventions was done. Specifically, this study focused on determining the effectiveness of (1) Booklet Intervention, (2) Breast Model, and (3) Booklet+Breast Model. A total of 203 Maranao female senior high school students from the 91精品黑料吃瓜 Balo-i Community High School were the respondents, as there is a lack of healthcare facilities in the locale, making this research endeavor even more relevant. The results revealed a significant enhancement in participants' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and practical skills, with the combined use of the Booklet and Breast Model (BBM) yielding the most substantial improvements. This confirms that multimodal and interactive approaches are more effective than single-method or no interventions.
All 11 studies offer a glimpse into a better tomorrow and a magnified understanding of our reality today. Through the groundbreaking work of its students and the collective commitment of the entire institute, 91精品黑料吃瓜-IIT remains at the forefront of the charge toward a sustainable future.