The Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) strengthened its commitment to international academic cooperation and sustainability after participating in the 2nd General Assembly of the Philippine-Canada Network for Sustainability (PCNS) hosted by the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB).
SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, together with Mr. Champ Ragde A. Bontia, represented the institution during the assembly, joining Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and other network members in advancing collaborative initiatives focused on sustainability, academic cooperation, and international engagement.
As a member of PCNS, SPAMAST took part in discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships among Philippine higher education institutions while opening opportunities for future collaboration with Canadian universities. The gathering provided a platform for institutions to explore areas of mutual interest, including academic cooperation, research exchange, faculty and student opportunities, and other initiatives that can contribute to sustainable institutional development.
The participation also supports SPAMAST’s continuing internationalization efforts, particularly its objective of expanding academic linkages beyond the country. Through engagement with international networks, the institution can strengthen opportunities for knowledge exchange, broaden academic partnerships, and expose its faculty and students to wider perspectives and practices in higher education.
The assembly further highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation among academic institutions in addressing shared challenges. By bringing Philippine SUCs and Canadian institutions into a common network, PCNS provides opportunities to establish relationships that may lead to collaborative research, educational programs, institutional exchanges, and other initiatives that promote innovation and shared learning.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of membership to participating Philippine SUCs and exploratory discussions with Canadian institutions, marking another step toward stronger international academic connections.
SPAMAST’s participation reflects the institution’s continuing efforts to build meaningful partnerships that support education, research, innovation, and sustainable development. The initiative is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, with SDG 17 serving as the primary framework for strengthening cooperation toward shared and sustainable progress
