State universities in the region attended a workshop aimed at identifying concerns and direction towards future-proofing the Cordillera.
The Ifugao State University (IFSU) and the six state universities and colleges (SUCs) of the region attended the Regional Futures Consortium Workshop: High Level Anticipatory Leadership and Governance Executive Course from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 in Tagaytay City.
The six SUCs in the region identified their focal concerns and direction for Futures Thinking and Foresight development.
IFSU identified the Ifugao Rice Terraces as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System as their focal concern; Kalinga State University for the development of a silk industry; Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology on bamboo; Benguet State University on smart farming; Apayao State College on sustainable biodiversity; and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College for globalization.
Another highlight of the workshop is the signing of two memoranda of agreement among the Cordillera SUCs to create the CAR Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight Consortium and collaboration with the Philippine Futures Society.
IFSU President and Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges Chairperson Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon reiterated the need for future-proofing of higher education institutions in the region.
“As SUCs, we need to anticipate and plan for the future. Our workshop is crucial in the development of a regional framework on futures thinking; foster linkages and partnerships and operationalize these plans through instruction, research, extension, and production,” she said.
She added the newly established Regional Consortium of Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight among Cordillera SUCs is a way forward towards forecasting alternative futures, especially in the region being the culturally dynamic and geographically rich region to engage and apply futures thinking and foresight concepts. The Regional Futures is an initiative of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking Chaired by Sen. Pia S. Cayetano, in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School and the National College of Public Administration and Governance. – Jude C. Baggo