Breaking News

CMU co-organizes 1st Philippine Human Ecology Consortium Conference

Central Mindanao University (CMU) played a significant role as a co-organizer in the 1st Philippine Human Ecology Consortium (PHEC) Conference, held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Sculpture Garden from September 30 to October 1, 2024.

The event marked the official launch of PHEC, a professional organization aimed at advancing human ecology as an academic discipline and fostering collaboration among higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines.

The consortium was formally established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by seven institutions, including CMU, UPLB, Marinduque State College, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Palawan State University, and the University of Southern Mindanao, along with HUMEIN Philippines Inc. PHEC’s objectives include the promotion of human ecology in the country and strengthening cooperation in academic exchanges, research, and professional development.

During the conference, CMU was represented by Dr. Rubie A. Arroyo, Dean of the College of Human Ecology (CHE), who delivered a presentation titled “Conceptualizing Human Ecology in Philippine Higher Education Institutions.” In her talk, Dr. Arroyo highlighted CMU-CHE’s vision, mission, and goals and the achievements of the university in improving the quality of instruction, research, extension, and production.

The PHEC initiative is also supported internationally, with the involvement of the Australian National University (ANU) and its Fenner School of Environment and Society. One of the consortium’s goals is to train faculty in teaching “Introduction to Human Ecology” (HUME 100), facilitated by UPLB and ANU, further aligning HEIs’ human ecology programs with international standards.

In recognition of CMU-CHE’s contributions to the consortium and the event, Dr. Arroyo received a certificate of recognition on behalf of the university. The consortium is expected to lead to future collaborations between CMU and international human ecology organizations, including the Southeast Asian Consortium on Human Ecology and the International Society for Human Ecology.

Moreover, Dr. Arroyo believes that this collaboration is an integral step toward progress. “The partnership through PHEC will bring valuable insights to our college, enhancing instruction, research, and extension programs through international collaborations,” Dr. Arroyo added.

PHEC is poised to become a significant platform for advancing human ecology in the Philippines, linking CMU College of Human Ecology with regional and global institutions dedicated to the field.
[Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from Dr. Rubie A. Arroyo, Dean, College of Human Ecology]

Check Also

CMU, FFAIC sign MOA for tech assistance on bamboo resource mgt

Central Mindanao University and First Fruits Agro-Industrial Corporation (FFAIC) formalized their partnership through the signing …