The City College of Cagayan de Oro proudly represented Northern Mindanao as Dr. Ma. Aira Chenessa Aguilar, Director for Quality Assurance and Planning Office, together with Prof. Benedict Candia of Velez College, presented their collaborative research at the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE) National Conference held on October 9, 2025, in Baguio City.
Their study, “Integrating Sustainability Performance Pillars in Higher Education: An Education for Sustainable Development Approach in the Philippines,” examined how colleges and universities can translate sustainability principles into everyday academic and community practices. Findings revealed a balanced integration of the environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainability, with Partnership (SDG 17) emerging as the strongest enabler of success.
Highlighting the crucial role of collaboration, Dr. Aguilar shared, “Partnerships make sustainability real. When schools work with communities and organizations, learning becomes more meaningful and life-changing.” She further emphasized that sustainability begins when teachers are supported, students are engaged, and learning transforms communities.
Her presentation was met with positive feedback for underscoring how teacher education can shape future educators into agents of change—empowering learners to act with compassion, care for the environment, and build more resilient communities.