2022 AUN-EEC Conference on Ecological Culture and Education

"Looking back: Sustainable indigenous beliefs and practices"

Jeanette L. Yasol-Naval, PhD
Professor at the Department of Philosophy, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), University of the Philippines, Diliman

She has served as the Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy and is currently the Director of the UP Padayon Public Service Office under the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, UP System. Her Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of Arts Degree are both in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines Diliman where she started her interest in Environmental Philosophy and Animal Ethics. She has a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies and furthered her scholarship in Environmental Ethics and the emerging area of Philosophy of Food through her Postdoctoral Fellowships at Kobe University, Japan in 2013, 2015, and 2016. Prof. Yasol-Naval has authored publications on the ethics and aesthetics of the land, indigenous environmental beliefs and practices, environmental stewardship and community seed banking, and the ethos of rice, among others. Her most current scholarship was published in the book, Medicine and Ethics in Times of Corona, 2021.

"Looking Forward: Social media and ecological education"

Andrew Freiband

Andrew Freiband is a filmmaker, producer, researcher, writer, educator, and multimedia artist who founded the Artists' Literacies Institute (ALI) based on several years of original research and development into the unique capacities - and imposed restrictions - of artists in contemporary society.

He has 20 years of professional experience in the film, television, museum, and fine arts fields, having worked in productions everywhere from the top of the unfinished skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan to post-earthquake Haiti to the slums of Nairobi and beyond. He has worked with the US Agency for International Development to form media narratives around transformative humanitarian development, and with high levels of the Federal Government to make the case for new innovations in international development and new engagement models for artists and filmmakers in humanitarian work.

At the Artists Literacies Institute, he teaches artists to be researchers and artists simultaneously, believes there is untapped knowledge in trained intuitions, and is sure the world will be a more just and equitable place if artists and culture producers were held in the same regard as scientists and technologists.

Source: Artists' Literacies Institute

Adriene Jenik

Adriene Jenik (she/they) is an artist, educator and end of life doula who resides in the high desert of California. Her computer and media art spans 3 decades, including pioneering work in interactive cinema and live telematic performance. She has been written about in The New York Times, published in The Drama Review, and recognized by the Rockefeller Foundation. Her current creative research practice spans “data humanization” performances, public climate future readings with her ECOtarot deck, and experiments in extreme experiential learning. She is also the creative producer of The Artists’ Grief Deck. Jenik serves as Professor of Intermedia at the School of Art, Arizona State University, affiliate faculty in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Deset Humanities Center, and a sustainability scientist in the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation.

Source: Arizona State University

"Looking forward: Promoting Ecological Education among the Youth"

Prof. Emeritus Michael Lim Tan

Dr. Michael L. Tan is a medical anthropologist who has worked with community-based health programs since 1975 and has been a university educator and administrator since 1984. He was chancellor of UP Diliman from 2014 to 2020 and is now Professor Emeritus, continuing to teach at UP Diliman, UP Manila and UP Los Baños. He also teaches in the Ateneo Graduate School of Business – MBA Health, where he handles a course called Health, Culture and Society, emphasizing the development of cultural competence.

In 2021 he was appointed president of Guang Ming College, a non-profit school dedicated to the human sciences. All the students are scholars from low income families. At Guang Ming College, he has introduced innovative courses for undergraduates, around gender and sexuality related to self-care, community care and the climate emergency.

He believes in reaching out to the public to raise science awareness, which he does through a weekly column Pinoy Kasi in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and through webinars and lectures.

Dr. Tan was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2012, which is the highest science advisory body in the country.

Sustainable Practices - Tapping into our History

This panel discussion addresses the question: How is sustainability reflected in our indigenous culture and history? While sustainability and climate action have been taking the center stage in many discussions in the last decade or two, this agenda is not new. Numerous historical and anthropological evidence indicate that beliefs, practices, and traditions that promote care and protection of the environment date back to our early ancestors. Many of which are still being maintained and even enriched by local and regional groups at present time. This panel discussion aims to put a spotlight on these various indigenous and cultural practices from Philippines and Malaysia and the rest of the region on advocating for climate action and spreading awareness on environmental conservation. This session is conceptualized with the notion that we can only move forward and further ecological education and culture with due consideration to our historicity.

"Indigenous Knowledge on Sustainability: Muyong System"

Hon. Teodoro B. Baguilat
Angat Kalikasan Pilipinas
Indigenous People's and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCA) Consortium

"SEJAHTERA as Local Concept for Sustainable Development"

Associate Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin bin Sanusi
Director, Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, International Islamic University Malaysia

"Geopark as a tool for Sustainable Regional Development: 'Celebrating Earth Heritage, Sustaining Local Communities'"

Dr. Sharina Abdul Halim
Deputy Director, The Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), National University of Malaysia

"A Lifestyle for a Small Planet"

Prof. Emeritus Fernando N. Zialcita
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ateneo de Manila University

Looking Back at University Best Practices - Sustainability during the Time of COVID-19

This panel discussion addressed the question: What sustainability practices worked during the height of the pandemic and which of these we can continue to use moving forward? This session will cull from the rich and diverse experiences of the different member higher education institutions of AUN-EEC from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Looking at the experiences of different countries will provide a glimpse of their own culture, as well as its implications on their value for ecological education and culture. In addressing this question, member HEIs will heavily reflect on the policies and programs in the past two or so years which is a period of massive adjustments and compromise given the many state-mandated and university-imposed restrictions in pursuit of curbing the spread of the virus. The session centers on the experiences of AUN-EEC members as it is hoped that the sharing of AUN-EEC members can inspire the cascading of such initiatives to other universities within the Southeast Asian region and beyond.

"A Whole Ecological System in Teaching Sustainability"

Prof. Leong Choon Heng
Deputy Director, The Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development
Director, Education and Social Progress Programme, Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia Sunway University, Malaysia

"Leveraging Technology for Ecological Education: Adaptive and Collaborative Learning Strategies"

Arch. Sadaf Ansari
Senior Lecturer Ridge View Residential College, National University of Singapore

"CHULA Change Leader: Creating a Network of SDGs Change Agent"

Assistant Professor Dr. Vorapat Inkarojrit
Assistant to the President for Special Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Strategies Toward More Sustainable Behavior in the Context of the New Normal

This panel discussion intends to address the question: how can we promote sustainability to our circles and the greater community as we face what appears to be the tail-end of the pandemic? In addressing this question, best practices and working initiatives in the past need to be identified and examined, and then evaluated on their applicability as we face global challenges and move toward a “new normal”. This panel will also delve into the strategies that are deemed to be effective in communicating the sustainability initiatives to varied audiences and in inspiring others to practice ecological mindset and competencies to conserve and preserve the environment. Given that sustainability and ecological education are multifaceted topics, this panel will feature responses from an educator in the classroom and leaders of community-based humanitarian aid organizations. The panelists will cull from their rich experiences including their personal sustainable practices and the work that they do with their organizations. As the last panel discussion of the conference, this panel aspires to provide the AUN-EEC Conference participants with little nuggets of wisdom that they can carry with them as they head back to their respective institutions and communities.

"#NoFilter, #NowFiltered"

Ms. Jenica Dizon
Country Director, Waves for Water

"‘Laudato Si’ Goals: Sustainable Pathways"

Mr. Rodne Galicha
Executive Director, Living Laudato Si’ Philippines
National Convenor, Aksyon Klima Pilipinas

"The Importance of Field Trips in Ecological Modules: Post-pandemic Lessons"

Dr. Maxine Mowe
Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore

Limiting Global Warming to +1.5C - Climate Leadership in Times of Crisis

Dr. Laurice Jamero
Head, Resilience Collaboratory
Manila Observatory

Mr. Rex Ronter Ruiz
Founder, UP Systeam

EarthEd PH is a social enterprise that promotes climate education in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. We aim to shape culture and trigger societal transformation needed to achieve sustainability and resilience. To accomplish this, EarthEd PH designs and delivers fun and engaging climate science and leadership training to students, educators, government leaders and environmental enthusiasts, connecting them with the most vulnerable communities and showcasing best practices in resilience building. EarthEd PH believes that together and even individually we can fight the climate crisis.  We strive to inspire and empower people to create their own climate solutions, especially for their communities.

Turn It Around - The Power of Art to Transform Our Planet

Ms. Saiarchana Darira
Youth Engagement Lead
Turn It Around! Flashcards for Education Futures

How can art be used as a tool to transform our climate crisis? “Turn It Around! Flashcards for Education Futures” is a global creative tool that works to communicate the environmental visions of youth with policymakers and educators. This tool consists of a deck of cards, where each card has a piece of artwork and writing depicting how youth feel about this climate crisis and the visions they have for healing it. This ongoing movement is gathering artwork and writing from youth throughout the world to share the visions of youth with world leaders at global conferences, including the United Nations COP27. This workshop is intended to show educators and student leaders how to use these cards and empower youth to create their own pieces of art and writing to contribute to the global card deck collection and communicate with world leaders what changes youth hope to see from environmental policy and education. The workshop will explore ways people can connect with their creative sides, build meaningful relationships with one another, and use art as a form of revolution. For more information about the card deck, go to turnitaroundcards.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: This workshop can only accommodate 30 participants, on a first come, first served basis. Participants of this workshop are asked to prepare paper and something to draw with (such as a pen or crayon).

Best Practices in Ecological Education and Culture part 1

Moderator:

Ms. Maria Katrina C. Constantino
Instructor
Department of Biology
Ateneo de Manila University

"Incorporating Ecology Concepts in the General Education Course"

Dr. Joseph G. Campang

Joseph G. Campang, Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, Romella T. Beringuela, Kristine O. Abenis, Zhereeleen M. Adorador, Rodelina C. Deyto, Ronilo Jose D. Flores, Ivy Amor F. Lambio, Therese Julienne T. Medina, June Owen O. Nacorda, Domini Theresa M. Pecundo, John Vincent R. Pleto, Noel G. Sabino, Ma. Gregoria Joanne P. Tiquio, and Eleanor C. Villaverde
Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos

"Blended, Relevant, and Upskilled: Jumpstarting the Redesign of an Undergraduate Ecology Curriculum"

Prof. Charina Gracia B. Banaay

Damasa M. Macandog, Ireneo L. Lit, Jr., Aimee Lynn B. Dupo,Analinda C. Manila-Fajardo, Daniel Edison M. Husana, Ronilo Jose D. Flores, Rodelina C. Deyto, Ma. Gregoria Joanne P. Tiquio, Ivy Amor F. Lambio, Faith S. Maranan, Joseph G. Campang, Kristine O. Abenis, Mark Anthony F. Rabena, Zhereeleen M. Adorador, John Vincent R. Pleto, John Mark A. Encinares, Romella T. Beringuela, Charina Gracia B. Banaay
Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos

"Law and Policies Apropos of Early Childhood Development (ECD) on Climate Change: Overview of Selected Countries in Asia Pacific Region"

Mr. Nurul Hidayat Ab Rahman

Nurul Hidayat Ab Rahman, Ng Soo Boon, Yanti Rosli
Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

"Sustainability in the Curriculum, Sustainability as Culture: From SDGs to IKSPs in Environmental Education"

Mr. Danesto B. Anacio

Danesto B. Anacio
School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), University of the Philippines Los Baños

Promoting Ecological Education Among the Youth

Moderator:

Dr. Maria Inez Angela Z. Ponce de Leon
Associate Professor
Department of Communication
Ateneo de Manila University

"The Covid-19 Pandemic Online Shopping Spree: Awareness vs Practice of Filipino E-Shoppers on Combatting the Environmental Impact of Plastic Packaging Waste"

Ms. Julia Kirsten T. Bagnol

Eirah Mehriell S. Ang, Julia Kirsten T. Bagnol, Zennia Marielle M. Cervantes, Aniela Tricia S. Mendoza, Joshnare A. Ong, Melinda Cobar
Ateneo de Manila Senior High School, Ateneo de Manila Universit

"Taking Care of Plants as a Communal Coping Mechanism within the Ateneo Senior High School Community"

Ms. Almira Chynna A. Dickson

Almira Chynna A. Dickson, Jamina Angel A. Eclarin, Sophia Margarette V. To, Luvic Marie E. Venancio, Melinda T. Siega Cobar
Ateneo de Manila Senior High School, Ateneo de Manila University

"Front and Center: Popularizing Ecological Concepts Through an Original Online Show PAK! Para sa Agrikultura at Kalikasan (For Agriculture and the Environment)"

Dr. Ronilo Jose D. Flores

Maria Catalina T. de Luna, Ronilo Jose D. Flores, Mark Lester M. Chico, Pamela A. Custodio, Ryan Jay L. Galang, Christopher Calamlam, and Christine Grace V. Mapacpac
Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños

"Web-GRiD: The Role of Academe in Building Resilience"

Mr. Dexter S. Lo

Dexter S. Lo, Gina S. Itchon, Jefferson R. Vallente Jr.
Social Development Office, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

"Learning from the Past: Disaster Memories in the Case of Typhoon Washi"

Ms. Gretchen A. Abuso

Gretchen A. Abuso
Sociology and Anthropology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro

Best Practices in Ecological Education and Culture part 2

Moderator:

Dr. Maria Isabel P. Martin
Chair
Department of Educational Leadership and Management
Ateneo de Manila University

"Teaching and Learning Ecological Agriculture at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB): Before, During and Beyond the Pandemic"

Dr. Maria Fatima O. Mercado

Maria Fatima O. Mercado
Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Banos

"Planetary Health Education Framework in Focus: Scoping A University’s Graduate Course Offerings and Ecology-Related Activities for Planetary Health Education Potential"

Dr. Ronilo Jose D. Flores

Ronilo Jose D. Flores, Romella T. Beringuela, John Vincent R. Pleto, Fevi Rose C. Paro
Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños

"Knowledge and Practical Gaps in Introducing the Ecology-incorporated Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to the Stakeholders"

Dr. Yanti Rosli

Nennie Trianna Rosli, Ng Soo Boon, Nurul Hidayat Ab Rahman, Yanti Rosli
Program Sains Bioperubatan, Pusat Kajian Toksikologi dan Risiko Kesihatan (CORE) Fakulti Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

"Consumer Objects and Aesthetic Reflection: Possible Directions in Ecological Art Education"

Mr. Jc Quirong

Jc Quirong
Department of Art Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman

Intersectionality of Ecological Education and Ecospirituality

Moderator:

Dr. Emilyn Q. Espiritu
Executive Director, Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering
Professor, Department of Environmental Science
Ateneo de Manila University

"Promoting Food Justice through Religious Education: An Ecological and Intersectional Impetus for a Post-Pandemic World"

Dr. Justin Joseph G. Badion

Justin Joseph G. Badion
Theology Department, Ateneo de Manila University

"Laudato Si’ and Ecological Education: Teaching Environmental Ethics to College Students"

Mr. Reuel Rito Seño

Reuel Rito Seño
Theology and Philosophy Area, School of Multidisciplinary Studies, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

"Climate Change Changes Ecotheological Education"

Dr. Ma. Maricel S. Ibita

Ma. Maricel S. Ibita, Ma. Marilou S. Ibita
Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University

"The Ecological Ethics of Laudato Si', Its Pedagogy for Greener Schools"

Dr. Antonio Levy S. Ingles, Jr.

Antonio Levy S. Ingles, Jr.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde