MSEUF joins DOST-CALABARZON’s 'iSTART' workshop to strengthen Lucena’s climate and innovation roadmap
The Department of Science and Technology DOST–CALABARZON, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños–Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning UPLB-DCERP, successfully concluded the Phase 2 implementation of the Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development iSTART program on September 3 at Ouans The Farm Resort, Lucena City.
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Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) took part in the two-day iSTART workshop as part of its ongoing collaboration with local government and national agencies in crafting a sustainable and climate-resilient development plan for Lucena. The workshop aligns with MSEUF’s institutional commitment to environmental stewardship, science-based innovation, and community engagement under its University Climate Action Plan, which emphasizes data-driven decision-making and partnership with local communities for sustainable urban growth.
The event aimed to mainstream Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) into local development plans to support smart, sustainable, and inclusive regional progress. Opening messages were delivered by City Administrator Anacleto Alcala Jr. and DOST Provincial Director Maria Esperanza Jawili, followed by a presentation from Dr. Edgar Reyes Jr., Associate Professor at UPLB-DCERP, on futures thinking and development planning.
City officials and department heads worked with academic experts to refine Lucena’s socio-economic and physical profile using an STI lens and to identify key programs, projects, and activities aligned with smart city and climate resilience goals. Councilors Americo Lacerna, Wilbert Mckinly Noche, Patrick Norman Nadera, Benito Brizuela Jr., Jose Christian Ona, Elizabeth Sio, Rhaetia Marie Abcede-Llaga, and ABC President Reil Briones participated in the sessions.
A highlight of the workshop was the Smart City Road Mapping session facilitated by Dr. Reyes, which resulted in the creation of a collaborative framework for Lucena’s smart city transformation. The event concluded with DOST-CALABARZON reaffirming its commitment to support Lucena’s transition into a sustainable, climate-smart city.
Through its involvement, MSEUF continues to contribute to Lucena’s environmental and urban innovation agenda, demonstrating how universities can serve as catalysts for evidence-based climate action and local development.
In line with its University Climate Action Plan, MSEUF also partners with local non-government organizations and community-based groups to advance climate adaptation efforts in Lucena and nearby municipalities. These collaborations focus on environmental education, disaster risk reduction, coastal resource management, and sustainable livelihood programs that empower communities to respond effectively to the impacts of climate change.
This initiative supports MSEUF’s goal to implement a University Climate Action Plan that engages the local government and community sectors in developing sustainable and adaptive solutions to climate change. By integrating research, innovation, and public service, MSEUF upholds its mission to foster environmentally conscious leadership and regional development partnerships.