José Rizal University (JRU) officially launched its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) campaign on June 19, 2025.
Through a university-wide event titled “Unveiling the Eco Hero in Us,” signaling its strengthened commitment to sustainability in education, operations, and community engagement.
Held at the JRU Centennial Building Auditorium, the event gathered university leaders, faculty, students, and special guests to support the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The campaign aligns with the United Nations’ 17 SDGs, addressing issues such as poverty, education, climate action, and environmental sustainability.
“This is not just a launch — this is a legacy. Sustainability is part of our identity. It is Taos-Pusong Rizal in action,” said Dr. Kathleen G. Apilado, Chair of the JRU SDG Committee and Dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She emphasized that the initiative reflects the university’s core values and long-term commitment to future generations.
JRU has integrated over 50 SDG-related activities across academic units, including student-led research and outreach efforts focused on environmental awareness, mental health, and inclusive education. The university has also begun implementing green campus programs to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.
The event formally introduced the JRU SDG Committee, a multi-sectoral team of faculty,
administrators, and consultants led by Dr. Apilado, with Engr. Joseph S. Dela Cruz and Ms. Hiromi M. Lascano as co-chairs. The committee is responsible for developing policies, monitoring progress, and fostering sustainability across institutional functions.
An audiovisual presentation highlighted sustainable practices from organizations including Manila Water, Meralco, GMA Network, WWF, BDO Unibank, Globe Telecom, Prestige Quality Paper Products Corporation, the Coast Guard Investigation and Detection Management Service, and the Mandaluyong City Government. Their inclusion served to inspire through real-world examples of environmental and social responsibility.
Cultural performances under “Talentong Rizal” featured JRU performers using music, dance, and storytelling to spotlight social and environmental themes. “When sustainability is expressed through art, it becomes meaningful and personal,” said host Mr. Enrico C. Rayos of JRU’s Marketing and Communications Office.
JRU President Dr. Vicente K. Fabella was honored as a Champion of Modern-Day Heroes for his leadership in embedding sustainability into the university’s strategic direction. “True change doesn’t begin with grand gestures — it begins with conviction, collaboration, and consistency,” he said. “We collaborate, because heroes don’t work alone.”
Dr. Fabella reaffirmed the university’s goal of becoming a model for sustainability in Philippine higher education by 2026 through continued reforms in curriculum, policy, and infrastructure.
The event concluded with the launch of the Green Campus Challenge, a year-long initiative
encouraging the university community to adopt eco-friendly practices. Members of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines were also recognized for promoting climate education and youth engagement on campus.
We are Rizalians. We are Eco Heroes.
Chynna A. Tamayo
Writer, Rizalian Student Focus