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From classrooms to communities, CNU is united in advancing the SDGs through collaboration and compassion.

CNU continues to make significant progress in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Barangay San Antonio in Boljoon, implementing the “From Farm to Market: Co-creating the Cinnamon Industry in Cebu, Philippines “ project under the NEDA National Innovation Grant 2024. In addition to strengthening community-based enterprise development and environmental stewardship through science- driven capacity building, this initiative aims to uplift cinnamon growers by enhancing sustainable cultivation, creative product development, and local market integration for Cinnamomum mindanaense, or “ mana.”

The project’ s main results include farmer ’ s training on sustainable and innovative harvesting practices, skills enhancement on cinnamon-based development, stakeholders meeting for policy consultation, training workshop for the development of cinnamon-based educational materials and cultural presentations, and the current building of a cinnamon processing facility in Alegria, Cebu. Through this partnership, CNU advance sustainable resource management and knowledge exchange. This collaboration ensures the growth of the cinnamon industry to remain inclusive, community driven, and environmentally responsible.

From Farm to Market: Co-creating the Cinnamon Industry in Cebu

FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE AND SUSTAINABILITY-ORIENTED HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

The 2024 Leadership Development Program for Higher Education Institutions (LDP-HEIs) in Southeast Asia served as an important platform for international and cross-sectoral dialogue on sustainability, innovation, and future-ready university leadership. With its theme, “Designing and Leading Your University to the Desired Future, ” the hybrid regional program brought together higher education leaders across Southeast Asia to examine the evolving role of universities in addressing global challenges anchored on the SDGs.

This was an opportunity to recognize and learn the function of HEIs and their reliance on essential stakeholders, delve into potential partnerships with various universities, and evolve into strategic thinking leaders. Dr. Jay Picardal, Director of the Research Institute of Tropical Biology & Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB), championed his project “From Farm to Market: Co-creating the Cinnamon Industry in Cebu, Philippines” which focuses on sustainable and innovative harvesting practices for farmers and developing cinnamon-based educational materials and cultural presentations.

OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIP

Through shared action and meaningful partnerships, CNU empowers communities and drives progress toward the world we all envision

Active Aging: Enhancing Wellness Through Physical and Recreational Activities For Older Persons

In dynamic display of international cooperation CNU, in partnership with Republic Polytechnic (RP) of Singapore, conducted Active Aging, an initiative showcasing international collaboration in promoting health, education, and inclusion. The program aimed to enhance community wellness and intergenerational engagement through creative and recreational activities for older adults, reflecting CNU’ s commitment to best practices of “internationalization-at-home ” providing meaningful learning and collaboration without the need for overseas mobility.

The collaboration served as a model for integrating sustainability, research, and education into community-based practice. Through interactive sessions, cultural exchange, and evidence-based engagement, the project supported SDG 3 (Good Health and Well- being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening institutional ties and promoting inclusive, healthy aging. Through this partnership, CNU continues to cultivate international best practices in research, education, and community service aimed at addressing global challenges aligned with the SDGs.

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH

Researchers from the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) – Dr. Jezyl Cutamora, Dr. Laurence Garcia, and Dr. Daisy Palompon – contributed as co-authors to the international research article “Resilience, the 6 Vital Sign: Conceptualizing, Contextualizing, and Operationalizing All Six Vital Signs.” This global collaboration involved scholars from the University of Pittsburgh, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and other institutions engaged in advancing health innovation. CNU’ s involvement reflects its strong research culture and its commitment to health-focused Sustainable Development Goals through the promotion of holistic health metrics, as well as by engaging in cross- border academic cooperation.

The study proposes resilience as the “ sixth vital sign,” arguing that it should be assessed alongside temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain. Drawing from extensive international evidence, the authors found that higher resilience – psychological and immunologic – is strongly associated with improved health outcomes, longer healthspan, reduced inflammation, and enhanced survival in conditions like infections, chronic illness, and stress. The article demonstrates that resilience is not only measurable but also modifiable, emphasizing its importance for clinical care, public health, and wellness across the lifespan.

CNU Nursing Faculty Advance Global Health Research Through International Collaboration on the “Sixth Vital Sign”

EMPOWERING LEARNERS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES

Tara Basa! Tutoring Program

In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Social Technology Bureau (STB), CNU proudly participated as the lone higher education institution tapped for the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program. From July 1 to 26, a total of 445 tutors and 231 Youth Development Workers (YDWs) – all pre-service teachers from CNU – were deployed to 68 schools across Cebu City, reaching 3,761 learners and their parents. As a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, CNU continues to champion quality and inclusive education by addressing the urgent challenge of reading literacy among children and adults in Cebu.

The Tara Basa! initiative not only strengthens foundational learning but also empowers future educators to engage in nation-building through community-based service. By expanding to additional municipalities including Barili, Argao, Malabuyoc, Balamban, and the cities of Toledo, Talisay, and Lapu- Lapu, the program aims to reach 22,000 students in areas with high rates of non- readers and poverty.

Embracing Internationalization-at-Home with Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS)

I. Introduction

In alignment with Cebu Normal University’s commitment to becoming a
SMART, globally engaged institution, we have embraced the paradigm of
Internationalization-at-home — a strategy that enables international and
intercultural learning without the need for physical mobility. This approach
ensures equitable access to international learning opportunities, particularly for
students who may be unable to participate in traditional outbound programs
due to financial or logistical constraints.

II. Best Practice Overview

A prime example of our IZN-at-home strategy is our ongoing collaboration with
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) of Indonesia. This partnership
exemplifies how CNU leverages digital tools and virtual platforms to deepen
international linkages and embed global perspectives into the student
experience.

III. COIL Initiative

CNU and ITS are currently developing a Collaborative Online International
Learning (COIL) project entitled “Assistive Technology to Improve Learning
Performance of Students with Language and Communication Disability.” This
virtual, curriculum-integrated collaboration between faculty and students from
both institutions promotes cross-cultural exchange and shared problem-solving
in a digital environment.
This initiative reflects CNU’s recognition that virtual exchanges are not simply
alternatives but are equally valuable components of international education.
They are cost-effective, scalable, and inclusive, enabling broader participation
and deeper institutional engagement across borders.
Preparations and ongoing discussions for the COIL Project are currently
focused on LMS navigation, class scheduling, and finalizing the COIL module.

IV. Participation in ITS CommTECH Program

In addition to joint academic projects, CNU actively encourages its students to join the CommTECH (Community and Technological Camp)—a flagship short-
term virtual program offered by ITS. CommTECH provides interdisciplinaryexposure to different themes and topics through technology, culture, and
community engagement, enriching CNU students’ understanding of Southeast
Asian contexts and international collaboration.

V. Impact and Significance
This best practice demonstrates how CNU has effectively operationalized
internationalization at home through:
 1. Continuous integration of international perspectives into the curriculum.
 2. Strategic partnerships with high-ranking institutions like ITS.
 3. Equitable access to international learning for all students.
 4. Promotion of global citizenship and intercultural competence.

VI. Conclusion
By fully embracing IZN-at-home through strategic digital collaborations like
those with ITS, Cebu Normal University is expanding the reach and impact of
its internationalization agenda. This best practice not only strengthens global
linkages but also prepares our students to thrive in an interconnected world—
reflecting our vision as a globally recognized institution as agile and
technologically-proofed SMART campus.

In order to better connect with local communities or to address a particular issue, CNU highly values collaborations and partnerships with other entities both inside and outside the university. Typically led by External Affairs and International Linkages, CNU has worked together with many barangays (e.g. Nangka, Sunog, and Gaas). The E-HELP program, particularly, was a collaborative effort of all the campuses of CNU.

CNU also values strong partnership with other state universities from both inside and outside the country. The university is active in organizing and participating in collaborative events such as the National Field Exposure Study Trip (N-FEST), the Silico Study, and outreach programs like with the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta for educational and charity work.

Building for The Attainment of SDG 2030

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Ms. Naila Y. Beltran (Director, EAIL), Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio (Regional Director, ATI VII), Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy (Vice-President for Research, Extension and Publication), Dr. Antonio Del Socorro (Extension Coordinator), Mr. Felojyn Sundo (Municipal Planning and Development Officer)

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At Barangay Nangka Balamban in Cebu, the Office of External Affairs and International Linkages successfully carried out the first day of training on “Collaborative Community Planning and Organization Through Partnership Building for the Attainment of SDG 2030” last February 6, 2023. The on-site program was spearheaded by Director Naila Y. Beltran and Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy with the coordination of the Barangay Nangka, Balamban, and Municipal Agriculture and Municipal Planning and Development of Balamban, Cebu.


“This training aims to conduct multisectoral partnership collaborative planning and organization with community stakeholders in four days, define a common vision for the community, combine complementary resources and competencies, and share risk in order to maximize the values of SDGs to benefit each of the partners.

The main objective is to identify what programs must be implemented in relation to agriculture and this training program will be led by CNU.

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The training program was graced by representatives from the Provincial and Municipal Planning and Development, Engr. Nemesis R. Almento, Mr. Felojyn Sundo, Municipal Agriculturists of Municipal Agriculture Balamban, Cebu as well as Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio, Regional Director ATI VII, Dr. Anthony Del Socorro, Extension Coordinator, CNU-FAII, Hon. Pablo P. Tagalog, Barangay Captain of Barangay Nangka, Balamban Cebu, Hon. Jocelyn T. Badili, Barangay Councilor, Barangay Nangka Balamban, Cebu and the beneficiaries of the Extension Project “Root Crops Production” and “Superwoman” attended this training.

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