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| (From left) Dr. Ro-ann Bacal, Capiz Board Member James Magbanua and Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. |
With reports from Fatima Sustento and Martin Villaluna, Mae Dumapig and Elisa Delmindo
In the two days of the convention, PASSAGE invited a number of resource speakers coming from private and public entities to share their insights on education, climate change, biodiversity and entrepreneurship.
These included no less than Cong. Eulogio Magsaysay of the Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) party list and Gov. Victor Tanco of the province of Capiz. They also sought the expertise and experience of Dr. Ro-ann Bacal of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 6; Dr. Juan Pulhin of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB); Capiz Board Member James Magbanua; and Cong. Antonio del Rosario who was represented by Mrs. Melanie Arancillo.
In the first day assembly, Gov. Victor Tanco stressed that his government will prioritize tourism in his province that national events such as the PASSAGE convention.
In his speech read by Dr. Arnulfo Ecleo, Cong. Magsaysay noted the crucial problem facing the environment. Foremost, Magsasay considered the vital role of the educators in creating a productive research culture across SUCs that will produce results in the institutions and the communities. Magsaysay stressed that educators imbibe in their students basic critical skills which could virtually prepare them for life. Provided with needed competencies, graduates will be well equipped with what they need to market themselves.
The second day featured Dr. Roann Bacal, regional director of NEDA 6 who shared key information and insights on how institutions can beef up the efforts of climate change mitigation and biodiversity assessments. Bacal also presented on how the government considers its country’s outlook through achieving something concrete to counter the effects of climate change.
Then, Mr. James Magbanua, a noted businessman in Capiz who also works in the medical field, shared invaluable insights on how individuals can effect change in the community in the face of helping the society to undertake survival mechanisms. A success story, Magbanua said that the change comes from within. Before he can effect change in the community, an individual must work hard and be determined to weather the odds in his endeavors.
For her part, CapSU President Editha Magallanes hoped that the convention will not only be an avenue for participants of knowing research results that can help mitigate climate change but also inspire them in helping provide solutions to problems in the environment.
