Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) through its WellTecHCare Research Center with the office of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), conducted the Metro Davao Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Symposium, at the DSSC Minitheatre, on March 5, 2026.
With the theme “Grounded Solutions, Global Goals: Advancing Sustainable Development through Local Research in Metropolitan Davao,” the event was attended by various participants from different cities and municipalities across Metropolitan Davao.
DSSC’s Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF), Dr. Luciano D. Nasibog Jr, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming present research presenters, reactors, students, Deans and faculty members from different colleges, other university representatives, and government agencies. He noted, “Solutions to big challenges can begin with practical ideas and research coming from our local communities,” emphasizing the collaborative role between local governments and researchers in improving the quality of life.
The keynote presentation of the symposium was presented by EnP. Lemuel Manalo, IDIS Program Coordinator, on “How Research is Key to Grounded, Data-Driven Policy Actions for Shaping a Sustainable Metropolitan Davao.” He discussed the unceasing and unplanned urban sprawl, the need for metropolitan planning, and the role of SDGs as sustainability index for cities.
It was followed by a research presentation that featured studies aligned with different SDGs, with presenters including Engr. Franklin S. Retes, PhD, Arneil Zapantan, Vanness Lambaihang, Krishna Hernandez-Balaga, Justine Joshua Pungyan, Joshua Donato and Marguelle Faye Placer.
Afterwards, reactors from different government agencies including DSSC shared their insights on the different studies. These included DSSCs Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Siverlyn M. Camposano, and DSSCs Prof. Mark Jude F. Trondillo, PhD; Enp. Lemuel Manalo from IDIS, Enp. Marites Martel from the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO); Ace Niño Guieb from DOST; Arlene Datu form the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); and Ryan Tequin Revilla from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-PENRO.
The symposium concluded with a synthesis from the Knowledge Management Officer of IDIS and a closing remarks from DSSC RDI Director Dr. Cherry Ann P. Roxas.
The symposium showcased support to the United Nation SDGs particularly SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
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