We are within the Decade for Education on Sustainable Development. The decision to launch this decade on ESD came after the realization that despite best efforts and initiatives, the present world is still challenged by too much inequality, poverty, and environmental destruction.
Hence, the United Nations University, particularly its Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) decided to launch the concept of establishing RCEs (Regional Centers of Expertise) on Education for Sustainable Development throughout the world. Ten such centers were accredited last year. Last week, RCE-Cebu joined the City of Yokohama in having been accredited by the UNU to be part of the early group of 12 global RCEs. Cebu has the distinction of being the first RCE ever in the Philippines.
Initiated last year by Dean Enrique Avila of the University of the Philippines Cebu College, and upon the encouragement of UNU-IAS and AIT consultant Dr. Mario Tabucanon, RCE-Cebu was formalized after two multisectoral consultative workshops held last December and January.
Composed of enthusiastic representatives from the major sectors from the academe, business, civil society, youth, differentially able, local government units, local government agencies, and mass media, an interim RCE-Cebu core group has been selected to decide on policies and projects relating to education for sustainable development for Cebu.
The active participation of Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Tomas Osmeña was specially noted by the international participants of the last January international conference at UP Cebu as a major factor in the accreditation of RCE-Cebu over 9 other RCE candidates from various parts of the world. The oral presentation was lauded as excellent by UNU Director A.H. Zakri while the written report was recommended by the ASEAN representative to be used as a model for subsequent RCE candidates.
The April 13 accreditation of RCE-Cebu would not have been possible without the kind assistance and support of UPV Chancellor Glenn Aguilar, UPV Vice Chancellor Meloy Mabunay, Loise of the Chancellor's office, Fr. Ted Murnane of USC, of Ms. Lorna Manila of NEDA, of Prof. Karl Roque, Dr. Robert Roxas, Prof. Tess Rodriquez, Crina Escabarte, Ian Manticajon and other members of UP Cebu's Committee on International Linkages, Dave Sabang, Orly Ballescas and many others who deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation.
What is expected of RCE-Cebu, now that it has been internationally accredited?
Three focal projects were suggested to be pursued within a 3-year period. The first project is entitled I-WARM-CEBU. The letter I stands for individual and integrated, WA stands for Water and R for Resource and M for Management. Hence, the I-WARM-Cebu project is intended as an integrated water and resource management project for the province. It calls on all individuals to join hands in saving, harvesting, taming precious Rainwater. This year, Cebu will be hit by La Niña while it continues to meet the challenge of depleting water supply. Hence, I-WARM-Cebu hopes to link everyone concerned about increasing and conserving rainwater for themselves and this province. RCE-Cebu, through this project, hopes to link up with other groups and organizations engaged in IWRM (integrated water resource management) like CUSW and USC.
The second project is REPORMA (RE stands for resource, PO for Poverty, POR for Poverty Responses and MA for Management and Mapping). The project hopes to create a solid database and map of Cebu's precious resources (human and natural) and resource management. It also intends to clearly map out the challenges of poverty within the province as well as inventory, monitor all poverty responses and management schemes within Cebu. The aim is to know enough about what resources are available and that may be utilized to be able to respond to the challenges of poverty within the province.
Hopefully, the two initial projects will make valuable resources sufficiently available for all in Cebu, in a sustainable manner, to extend to future generations.
The 3rd project is RC-ESD which envisions the establishment of structures or centers on education for sustainable development throughout Cebu where multi-media information can be readily available for all to learn and know about sustainable development, ESD, and other best ESD practices, locally and globally. The intention is to make everyone know their world enough for them to want, to love, to protect their precious world.
All those interested to know more about RCE-Cebu and to assist in whatever they can to implement the I-WARM-CEBU and REPORMA projects are most sincerely welcome. You can reach us at cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com