In observance of the 1st International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering, and Agriculture (IRICEEA), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 11 colleges and universities and government agencies for the SINAG Consortium: ASEAN+ Network for Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking. The ceremonial MOU signing happened at the DMMMSU International Convention on December 4, 2023.

SINAG is designed to capacitate the consortium/network members in promoting innovations, future thinking, and SDG initiatives that adopt the UN Framework for Sustainable University. It consists of four core areas: teaching and research, administration and governance, people and society, and environment and climate. It involves activities such as, but not limited to, capacity building, research collaboration, and policy and governance. The consortium desires to achieve the following outcomes: integration of circular economy within the institution, sustainable institutions and communities, entrepreneurial spirit, ASEAN+ sustainability hub, and university decarbonization efforts.

Partner schools and agencies include:

1.            Udon Thani Rajabhat University (Thailand)

2.            Van Lang University (Vietnam)

3.            Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office 1 (La Union)

4.            Ilocos Consortium of Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (La Union)

5.            University of Northern Philippines (Ilocos Sur)

6.            Pangasinan State University (Pangasinan)

7.            WCC Aeronautical and Technological College (Pangasinan)

8.            President Ramon Magsaysay State University (Zambales)

9.            Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (Mountain Province)

10.         University of Eastern Philippines (Northern Samar)

11.         Central Mindanao University (Bukidnon)

The Filipino word “Sinag” translates to “ray of light” in English. Symbolically, “Sinag” represents illumination, enlightenment, and positive energy. In the context of collaboration among schools and agencies for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Sinag” embodies the collective efforts and shared knowledge that institutions bring to address global challenges. It underscores the idea that collaboration among schools and agencies can bring about positive change, just as rays of light collectively brighten a space.

Aside from the SINAG Consortium, DMMMSU signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the 11 schools and agencies for research undertakings. With this partnership, DMMMSU and the 11 partners will continue to collaborate in the conduct of research conferences. (By Jerald Saculles)