Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), through its Master in Public Resource Management (MPRM) Graduate School students, with its strong partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Matalom, successfully conducted the Community-Based Training on Climate Change Adaptation, Carbon Stock Conservation, and Environmental Sustainability on June 20, 2026, in Barangay San Juan, Matalom, Leyte.
Community residents of Barangay San Juan and local officials gathered for discussions to strengthen environmental awareness at the barangay level. For these residents, the training served as a platform for community engagement and shared responsibility at a time when climate-related challenges continue to affect our communities.
The activity builds on the momentum established through the signing of the Phase 2 Implementation Agreement of the Biodiversity Enhancement and Sustainable Solutions for Local Development (BESOLD) Extension Program on January 24, 2026. The second-year implementation focuses on community education and environmental awareness campaigns to promote sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
Demonstrating strong support for the initiative were representatives from the LGU of Matalom: Municipal Administrator Mr. Romulo Gula, representing Hon. Mayor Elvie Pajulio; Sangguniang Bayan Member Ronald Gilo, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment; MPDO Engr. Gregorio Pada; MENRO Arnold Gerona; Mr. Alfred Prince A. Aldave III of the MENRO-Hilongos General Services Office as Resource Person; and barangay officials led by Barangay Chairman Rufino Lastra.
The MPRM students were joined by Dr. Rose Anna L. Refuerzo, Dean of the School of Accountancy, Management and Entrepreneurship and Dr. Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice, Program Team Leader.
BESOLD initiatives demonstrate how partnerships between higher education institutions and local governments can translate knowledge into meaningful grassroots action.
The extension program strongly aligns with the university’s efforts towards becoming a national university for resiliency and climate action (NURCA).
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 03: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Via | Prof. Pearl Aphrodite Carnice
