In high hopes to enhance environmental governance, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has officially introduced Graduate Diploma and Master’s Degree Programs in Environmental Planning (EnP) in Northern Samar.
This initiative was launched on December 6, at the Ibabao Hall in the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol.
The launch coincided with a gathering of the Provincial Development Council of Northern Samar.
The event saw participation from various provincial councils, municipal mayors, agency heads, and sectoral representatives who gathered to mark this milestone.
The introduction of these programs aims to enhance the technical competencies of local officials, educators, and researchers in environmental planning.
This collaboration between UPLB's College of Human Ecology, the Professional School for Agriculture and the Environment, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS), and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) is a progressive step towards sustainable development in the region.
Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan urged local unit heads and mayors to nominate their technical officers engaged in development planning to enroll in the newly offered programs.
"This is your chance to dream big and equip yourselves with the tools to build a brighter future," Ongchuan emphasized, encouraging active participation.
UPLB representative Dr. Jennifer Marie Amparo reasserted CHE's commitment to developing human resources through practical training and degree programs centered on environmental planning and sustainability.
Meanwhile Dr. Edgar Reyes of the college of human ecology provided insights on the courses available in the Diploma and Master in EnP programs, highlighting the application requirements, with its deadline of submission being last December 10 for the upcoming academic semester.
Further discussions took place among UPLB and UEP officials regarding collaboration strategies, with UEP pledging to send faculty to bolster the program's success.
A positive commitment was made, with at least 20 enrollees confirmed from the Provincial LGU, DOST VIII, and UEP as of the launch date.
Photo courtesy of Northern Samar PPDO
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