Knowledge transfer on environmental sustainability and climate adaptation from the Filipino diaspora
In partnership with
Programme of activities
In partnership with Palawan State University (PSU), we are modernising higher education curricula on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as university curricula in the province have not yet integrated an interdisciplinary ESD approach, one that is strongly recommended by both UNESCO and the Philippine Commission on Higher Education.
In parallel, we are equipping the staff of PCSDS and local government units (LGUs) of Palawan with the knowledge on how to access local and foreign climate grants. Enhancing capacities in this area can lead to implementing climate adaptation projects tailored to the specific needs and priorities of their communities.
A survey and key informant interviews determine the objectives and capacities of PCSDS, PSU and other stakeholders to deliver a curriculum on ESD. More than 800 responses were collected.
Based on the existing local curriculum and international guidelines, the diaspora expert Denise Matias developed a new curriculum for PSU to adopt. It is centered on multinational and local environmental agreements and laws, local environmental issues and solutions.
Over 20 teachers joined the training of teachers took place in Puerto Princesa at PSU, learning how to deliver the curriculum to students in the coming years.
Taking a student-centered approach, the expert runs a 5-day pilot of the training with 25 students, assisted by trained teachers who will deliver some of the training topics along her side.
EUDiF and the diaspora professional will ensure the curriculum meets PSU's requirements for endorsement.
Investigation of the current objectives and capacities of LGUs and PCSDS.
The diaspora expert will develop training materials for in-person and online sessions. She will also prepare a list of resource persons to support LGU officials to access climate adaptation networks.
More than 40 LGU representatives will participate in training sessions and practice applying to climate adaptation grants.
To reinforce the capacities of LGUs and PCSDS to implement climate change adaptation projects after, EUDiF organises a project cycle management training. Diaspora expert Lovelaine Basillote conducts a survey and a focus group discussion to better understand the needs of participants.
The material covers different aspects of project management (e.g., including a basic overview of the principles and concepts, typical planning biases, and tools/software for project implementation). The training programme also included hands-on exercises that built on the previous outputs of the action to promote continuity of learning from previous activities.
The training programme was delivered online to 16 members of PCSDS and LGU staff over a 5-day period. The training programme was designed to be interactive despite the online format.
