The Regional Center of Expertise-Bohol (RCE-Bohol), an initiative of Bohol Island State University (BISU) under the leadership of its Director, Dr. Bernabe M. Mijares, Jr., conducted a benchmarking visit to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) on November 21-22, 2024. The activity aimed to learn from PCSD’s outstanding initiatives in sustainable development (SD) and education for sustainable development (ESD).

The delegation, led by Dr. Mijares and supported by faculty members who are actively handling ESD, Jo Kariza Celeste D. Ebojo and Ivan Palarao, met with PCSD staff, headed by Executive Director Atty. Teodoro Jose S. Matta to explore strategies to strengthen sustainability efforts in Bohol by adopting best practices observed during the visit.

Over the two-day visit, RCE-Bohol gained valuable insights from PCSD’s innovative approaches to sustainability, with Palawan often celebrated as the Philippines’ ecological frontier. Key discussions covered PCSD’s structure, research and extension initiatives, curriculum integration of SD and ESD, development of educational materials, dissemination of research, and networking to amplify sustainability goals. The delegation also focused on how these practices could guide the creation of a comprehensive ESD workbook to enhance sustainability education in Bohol.

Among the visit’s highlights were PCSD’s legislative foundation through Republic Act 7611, which institutionalized the council to protect Palawan’s ecological integrity. The team also examined PCSD’s efforts in managing biodiversity corridors, promoting sustainable consumption, and fostering global collaboration through international conferences. Tools such as the E-Sumbong platform for environmental reporting and the Palawan Knowledge Platform (PKP) for collaborative research were recognized as pioneering solutions to drive sustainability. Additionally, PCSD’s teacher training programs and biennial research symposiums were identified as effective in advancing ESD.

On November 22, the team toured the Palawan Biodiversity Resource Center and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, gaining firsthand knowledge of the region’s conservation initiatives. These visits emphasized Palawan’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity.

Inspired by the visit, RCE-Bohol returned to Bohol equipped with actionable insights to enhance its sustainability initiatives. A key focus will be developing an ESD workbook that incorporates the innovative practices observed during the benchmarking activity. By integrating these strategies, BISU and RCE-Bohol aim to advance sustainability education and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Philippines.