Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
By IADalipe
Three CMU representatives joined in the third ASEAN University Youth Summit held at the De La Salle University on Jan. 9-13.
The delegation was composed of Mr. Efren Leo John V. Aribal, International Relations Office chief and CMULHS instructor; Neil Maynard Conde, 4th year Development Communication student; and Mark Ryan Fuego, MA Education student.
“We are grateful that we are chosen among the 150 participants of the 10-member states of ASEAN Community,” said Mr. Aribal.
This year’s theme was “ASEAN Youth: Advocates of Environmental Sustainability” which focused on the state of the environment and biodiversity in the ASEAN, the issues and challenges of climate change, and capacity-building on youth engagement and environmental education.
The delegates comprised of students and faculty members who discussed the roles and best practices of youth volunteers in environmental sustainability. De La Salle University, which ranked 1st in the 2016 UI GreenMetric green university ranking in the country and 50th in the world, led the universities in the sharing of practices.
As for CMU, its regular tree-growing projects were highlighted.
In 2012, 2.11 hectares of Mt. Kalayo or “Musuan Peak” was planted with 9,444 seedlings of white lauan, narra, kalomata, kalumpit, and other locally grown trees. This activity, which was participated by students, faculty, and staff, continued especially after the university became a part of the National Greening Program.
In 2014, the university also participated in the “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW,” an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most trees planted simultaneously in multiple locations.
According to Mr. Aribal, the CMU delegates were planning to contribute to the rehabilitation of Panlibatuhan River at Valencia City.
“We already had initial talk with Tabang Youth Organization and Valencia City Youth Council which I am also a member and they have a very positive response about this project,” he added.
The group had an ocular visit at Panlibatuhan River last January 19 and was hoping that the project will be materialized soon.
Mr. Aribal also encourages other youth especially CMU students to join next year’s ASEAN youth summit which will be held at the Thaksin University, Thailand.
The ASEAN University Youth Summit (AUYS) is a meeting program of ASEAN students, youth and young professionals as a platform to exchange ideas, to plan collaborative action, networking and to build a common understanding about ASEAN Community.
There were 50 participants from the Philippines and 100 participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore.
