UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 2 - ZERO HUNGER
University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Initiatives in Support of Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Food security and sustainable agriculture are fundamental to human well-being and societal development. In line with the global commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) has implemented several initiatives that directly and indirectly contribute to SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
UNP’s dedication to SDG 2 is evident in its various programs and activities that promote research, innovation, and community engagement in the areas of food security and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives not only align with the global goals but also address specific needs and challenges within the university’s region.
Key Initiatives and Their Impact on SDG 2 Targets
UNP’s initiatives are diverse and address various targets within SDG 2, showcasing a comprehensive approach to tackling hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering, and Agriculture (IRICEEA)
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) and 11 other institutions partnered with Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) to hold the 1st International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering, and Agriculture (IRICEEA). The conference aimed to facilitate professional discoveries, support the UN’s sustainable development goals, and promote innovation in agriculture. The event included a keynote address by Dr. Eric Van Bochove, the launching of the SINAG: ASEAN+ Network for Sustainable Development Goals, and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DMMMSU and UNP. The conference also featured presentations by faculty members from UNP.
The 1st International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering and Agriculture (IRICEEA) directly contributes to SDG target 2.a by fostering international collaboration and innovation in agriculture. The conference, with its focus on “creative innovations and futures thinking,” promotes investment in agricultural research, extension services, and technology development. By bringing together experts from 12 institutions, including universities from Thailand and Vietnam, the conference exemplifies enhanced international cooperation to address food security challenges. This collaborative effort supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by seeking solutions to improve agricultural practices and productivity. Ultimately, IRICEEA aims to enhance agricultural capacity and contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Regional Research Congress
The Regional Research Congress, co-organized with the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), provides a platform for researchers to share findings and contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security. This initiative supports SDG Target 2.3 by promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, focusing on improving honeybee health for better pollination and food production.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The congress was a collaborative effort between UNP and DMMMSU. By hosting and co-organizing the event, UNP provided a platform for researchers, including those from DMMMSU, to share their findings and contribute to the broader goal of sustainable agriculture and food security. This collaboration fosters knowledge exchange and strengthens the research capabilities of both institutions.
Regional Impact: UNP, as a leading university in the region, plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development in Northern Philippines. By hosting the congress and showcasing research on improving honeybee health, UNP contributes to raising awareness and encouraging actions that support SDG 2 in the region.
Skills Development Training at Gawad Kalinga
The College of Teacher Education at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) conducted a skills development training program in Candon City. The training focused on enhancing participants’ knowledge and skills in meal planning, nutrition, and snack production, particularly buchi and churros making. The program aimed to equip participants with valuable skills for income generation and food security. It also covered crucial aspects of food safety and quality control in snack production.
The skills development training at Gawad Kalinga in Candon City directly contributes to SDG 2.1 by empowering participants to overcome hunger through income generation and access to safe, nutritious food. By providing training on snack production, the initiative equips individuals with skills to generate income, improving their ability to access food. The focus on vulnerable groups ensures that those most at risk of hunger and food insecurity are prioritized. Furthermore, the inclusion of meal planning and food safety education promotes access to safe and nutritious food, a key component of SDG 2.1. While not explicitly stated, the use of local resources like buchi and churros suggests a potential contribution to sustainable food systems and local food security, further supporting the goals of SDG 2.1.
Genderized Skills Training on Puto Cheese Making
The University Extension Office, in collaboration with the College of Business Administration and Accountancy and Articulo Uno Masigasig Eagles Club, spearheaded the “Genderized Skills Training on Puto Cheese Making” and “Training on Pricing and Costing on Puto Cheese Making” at Bantay West Integrated Central on February 23, 2023.
The “Genderized Skills Training on Puto Cheese Making” and “Training on Pricing and Costing on Puto Cheese Making” initiative directly supports SDG 2, Target 2.3 by empowering individuals, particularly women, to generate income through food production. By providing skills training on puto cheese making, participants gain the ability to engage in food production as a potential livelihood. Furthermore, the training on pricing and costing equips them with the business knowledge needed to successfully manage and grow their ventures. This focus on women aims to enhance their economic opportunities and contribute to doubling the incomes of small-scale food producers. Ultimately, this initiative fosters the development of small-scale food businesses, leading to increased income, improved food security, and reduced poverty, all of which are crucial for achieving SDG 2.
UNP’s commitment to SDG 2 extends beyond individual initiatives, with the university playing a vital role in promoting sustainable development within its region. By hosting conferences and workshops, collaborating with other institutions, and providing community-based training programs, UNP contributes to raising awareness and encouraging actions that support SDG 2 in the Northern Philippines.
The university’s focus on research, innovation, and community engagement not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also builds capacity for long-term food security and sustainable agricultural practices. UNP’s efforts serve as an example of how educational institutions can contribute to achieving the SDGs and creating a more sustainable future.