The College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf), together with the Graduate School of Global Studies of Doshisha University and Daikin Philippines, co-organized a symposium on “Co-existence (Kyousei) and Co-creation in Developing Countries: From the Perspective of the Next Environment,” on Sept. 1 at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium.
This activity aimed to explore collaborations that drive positive development outcomes addressing environmental challenges and advancing the education and promotion of science and technology.
In her opening remarks, CPAf Dean Rowena DT. Baconguis highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives, emphasizing the symposium’s goals of strengthening connections between academe, government, and the private sector. She also emphasized that complex environmental issues “require integration of different perspectives which can better be accomplished with the engagement of various sectors.
Vice Chancellor Rolando T. Bello, speaking on behalf of Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., welcomed the guests to the UPLB campus. He emphasized the significance of the tripartite collaboration, particularly in science and technology. He also highlighted the importance of open dialogue on critical environmental topics.
In his message, Miki Takayoshi, Daikin president, highlighted the environmental impact of Daikin air conditioning while expressing hope that the outcomes of the joint system will help address climate challenges.
The joint symposium featured six speaker-presenters from diverse sectors, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration among participants with expertise spanning agriculture and natural resources, environmental leadership and governance, international agreements, Daikin’s presentation, and a synthesis of the discussions.
The first presenter, Dr. Marcelino U. Siladan of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), provided insights into how PCAARRD approaches the symposium’s theme and discussed the global impacts of climate change on food security, water supply, and ecosystems, particularly in the Philippines.
Dr. Miriam Caryl DL. Carada, a faculty member at CPAf, focused on the role of environmental leadership and governance in solving climate issues. Aside from the science aspect, she said that climate governance, which involves coordinated efforts, policies, and processes to address climate change and promote sustainable development, should also be considered. “In dealing with climate change, this is not something that we can solve just by using science, or just by using governance. It needs collaborative effort,” Dr. Carada added.
The third speaker, Engr. Cesar Luis DL. Lim, managing partner of Kilojoule Consultants Int’l. Co. and sustainability chair of ASHRAE Philippines Chapter focused on the latest and future alternatives to ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration. He explored various categories of refrigerants serving as alternatives to HFCs, highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly refrigerants and their implications for Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Pamela Cabacungan of ICLEI-Southeast Asia, on the other hand, discussed the Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (LEECP) Guidebook for Local Government Units (LGUs) and highlighted the role of local governments in adapting to evolving energy landscapes.
Lastly, JR Lacdang, the senior sales supervisor of Daikin Philippines, provided an overview of Daikin Industries and its operations in the Philippines. He emphasized Daikin’s commitment to energy efficiency in air conditioning systems and initiatives to develop energy-efficient products.
Synthesizing all of the insights shared, Dr. Wilfredo B. Carada, an adjunct professor at CPAf, emphasized the crucial role of environmental leaders in driving sustainable development, using the framework of the “5Ps” – peace and order, partnership, prosperity, people, and the planet. He stressed the importance of mobilizing society to transition from a problematic environmental state to a more desirable one.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Eiji Oyamada, a professor at the Graduate School of Global Studies at Doshisha University, expressed gratitude for the symposium and reflected on the importance of respecting different cultures and values when students travel to various countries. “I hope that our strong relationship will continue,” he added.
Over 50 participants from different sectors, such as the Daikin Osaka, Daikin Philippines, Kilojoule Consultants, Department of Science and Technology, Los Baños Local Government Unit, Doshisha University, and the University of the Philippines, attended the event.
This joint symposium was one of the activities that CPAf hosted for the Doshisha University delegates and Daikin Industries representatives in UPLB from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, aimed at strengthening academic-government-industry ties.
[This article is originally published in UPLB News and Updates]
Johnnelda P. Cosep
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Johnnelda P. Cosep#molongui-disabled-link
