By Dimpna C. Castigador

Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, project leader, during a recent tree-planting activity. Also in picture is Prof. Ishmael Almajar, Jr.

The Board of Trustees of the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia has approved the Faculty Development Grant on Integrated Scholarship Addressing Sustainable Development Goals for Central Philippine University (CPU). This is for the initiative that was proposed by CPU in response to the call for proposals of the United Board.

Through the project “Waterwise: Promoting Environmental Sustainability through Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation”, CPU aims to address SDG11 and 12 (environmental sustainability and responsible consumption and production) in five most endangered villages through environmentally sustainable and viable community-centered initiative for rainwater harvesting and water conservation. In the process, CPU also expects to develop changemakers and environmental sustainability advocates among faculty and students. The total approved grant is US$19,818.

Dr. Pareena Gupta Lawrence, President of the United Board, announced the approval of the grant through an email to CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy last November 27, 2023.
Dr. Stella G. Fernandez (in picture above), Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and member of the Sustainable Campus Committee, will lead the project. Dr. Fernandez is a Biodiversity on Wheels advocate and implementer for the CPU-Haribon Foundation program.