MSEUF’s role in policy development, monitoring and partnerships for the SDGs
The Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation MSEUF in Lucena City, Philippines, has increasingly positioned itself as an academic partner in sustainable development policy processes. While its primary functions remain instruction, research and community service, the university is contributing meaningfully to national and regional SDG-aligned policy development, modelling, monitoring and collaborative adaptive management.
Identifying problems & developing policy strategies
MSEUF’s institutional mission emphasises that its programs are “supportive of national development goals and standards of global excellence.”
The University has adopted policies that reflect this orientation. For example, its “Sustainability Policy” outlines commitments to energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and compliance with the Philippines’ Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285) — thereby aligning campus infrastructure initiatives with national regulatory frameworks.
These efforts suggest that MSEUF is not only responding to government-led policy frameworks, but also integrating them into institutional strategy and operations bridging academia and policy implementation.
Partnerships, modelling futures and monitoring
MSEUF has entered into formal partnerships with government and non-government institutions to pursue SDG-relevant work. For instance, in 2024 it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Municipal Government of Sariaya and the NGO Herencia Sariaya, with its College of Architecture & Fine Arts providing technical assistance for cultural mapping and restoration of heritage landmarks.
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The MOU involves the preservation and restoration of significant historical landmarks in the town, including the Municipal Building and the Sariaya colonial park.
The MSEUF College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) headed by its dean, Ar. Jennifer Sanchez, will provide technical assistance for cultural mapping and the development of design guidelines, focusing on the preservation of Art Deco architecture and other historical elements in the heritage district zone. The University will also assist in restoring the Municipal Hall and the Rizal Park.
The Municipal Government of Sariaya, led by Mayor Marcelo P. Gayeta, will oversee the regulatory aspects of the project and ensure compliance with the National Heritage Act of 2009. The government will also handle procurement and facilitate the issuance of permits related to the projects.
This alignment positions the institution to generate relevant metrics and benchmarks for future policy-relevant modelling.
Reporting and adaptive management
MSEUF publishes its Sustainability Report (2024) which outlines the institution’s performance, strategic alignment and future pathways.
Its partnerships page further emphasises that through SDG 17 (“Partnerships for the Goals”) the university extends its impact via joint research projects, shared data, and institutional alliances.
This proves MSEUF pursues adaptive management: partnering, monitoring progress, publishing data, adjusting strategies in response to outcomes.