International Forum on Sustainability Science - IFSS

07/10/2026

CLOSING CEREMONY | 4th IFSS 2026 | 7 October 2026

After three days of meaningful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, the 4th International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2026 formally concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the contributions and achievements of its participants.

The closing synthesis was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Michael Angelo C. Nicdao, Ph.D. of the Department of Biology, Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), who reflected on the key insights and discussions shared throughout the three-day forum.

The ceremony also recognized outstanding research and creative contributions through the Best Poster Awards, with “Integrating Geomorphic Risk and Community Knowledge for Sustainable Coastal Development in Dingalan, Aurora” by Audrei Anne Ybanez, Ada Beatrice Reyes, Lea Victoria Serrano, John Kenneth Suarez, and Julian Bernice Grageda receiving 1st Place. “Co-creating Bamboo-Based Construction Transitions in the Philippines” by Alvin P. Tejada, Maria Lourdes Espinoza, Melissa May Boado, Leonora Galleros, and Lo**ta Chu placed 2nd, while “Tourism Carrying Capacity of Western Slope of Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape, Philippines” by Jonnel Gutierrez and Leana Acson placed 3rd.

For the Best Paper Awards, 1st Place went to “Bridging the Four Pillars of Sustainability in Smallholder Coastal Aquaculture: A SAFA-ASC Integrated Framework” by MD. Akhtaruzzaman Khan, MD. Nasimuzzaman Sabbir, and Rasmus Nielsen. “From Risk Maps to Resilient Communities: A LIDAR-Enhanced and Co-Created Framework for Green Urban Transformation in Iriga City” by Regine Ibasco placed 2nd, while “Exploratory Clustering of Local Government Units of Calabarzon Region, Philippines Based on Organic Agriculture Adoption and Certification Readiness” by John Bryan Lawas, Katsumori Hatanaka, Nina Shimoguchi, Rika Terano, and Tomohiro Uchiyama placed 3rd.

The Agriculture Systems and Technology Student Council (ASTech-SC) was also awarded with the Best Sustainability Showcase Award.

In his closing message, Dr. Geraldine Sanchez, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension and Training of PSAU, congratulated the plenary speakers, presenters, participants, and everyone who contributed to the success of IFSS 2026. She challenged the participants to reflect on how the best practices and knowledge shared throughout the forum can be carried forward to other communities and areas that need them, while also celebrating the new connections and friendships built over the past three days.

The 5th International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2027 will be held alongside ICDE 2027 on 15–19 November 2027, continuing the collective pursuit of knowledge, collaboration, and transformative action for sustainable communities and a resilient future.

07/10/2026

DAY 3 | 4th IFSS 2026 | 7 October 2026

The 3rd and final day of the 4th International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2026 continued with meaningful discussions on community resilience, inclusive sustainability, ecological governance, and nature-positive solutions.

The day featured Plenary Speaker Dr. Byung Cheol Kim of Handong Global University, South Korea, who discussed *“From Recipients to Providers: An Asset-Based Approach to Building Resilient Communities — Lessons from the Ulleung Island Living Lab in Korea.” Drawing from the Ulleung Island Living Lab, Dr. Kim shared how communities can discover and build upon the assets they already possess, gradually moving from receiving external support toward creating and finding solutions of their own. He highlighted how individual assets can become collective community assets, while local networks, voices, and knowledge serve as valuable foundations for sustainable communities.

The program also featured Panel Session 4: “Rights of Nature and Inclusive Sustainability Transitions: Reimagining Communities, Livelihoods, and Ecological Governance,” alongside five parallel sessions covering sustainability governance, innovation and partnerships, sustainable tourism, social inclusion, equity, and community resilience.

For the final plenary session, Dr. Russell Clark Smith III, President and CEO of Rizome, highlighted the potential of bamboo as part of our sustainable future. He raised the question of whether economies can be designed to restore nature, emphasizing bamboo’s regenerative qualities, structural applications, potential to produce sustainable materials, and capacity to generate long-term economic value.

From recognizing the assets within communities to exploring nature-positive economic solutions, Day 3 of IFSS 2026 underscored the importance of empowering communities and working with nature in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.

06/10/2026

DAY 2 | 4th IFSS 2026

The 2nd day of the 4th International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2026 continues with engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing on pathways toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

The day opened with a plenary session led by Dr. Prakash Murgeppa Bhuyar of Maejo University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, who discussed “Environmental Stewardship Through Biotechnology: Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture and a Circular Bioeconomy.”

The program also features 10 parallel sessions covering key themes including sustainability governance, innovation and partnerships, social inclusion and equity, community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive economies, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism and resilient destinations.

The day further brings together researchers, practitioners, and sustainability advocates through poster presentations, providing opportunities to share research, innovations, and practices that contribute to advancing sustainability science.

06/10/2026

A Night of Music, Culture, Fellowship, and Movement

The 1st day of the 4th International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2026 concluded with a vibrant celebration of culture and fellowship through the Cultural Night.

The celebration featured captivating performances by PSAU students, showcasing the richness and diversity of Philippine culture.

More than a celebration, the Cultural Night served as a reminder that sustainability is enriched by the diverse cultures, traditions, and communities that bring it to life.

05/10/2026

DAY 1 | IFSS 2026 Afternoon Sessions

The afternoon session of Day 1 of the 4th International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2026 featured three panel discussions exploring diverse approaches to advancing sustainable development and building resilient communities:

Panel Session 1: AAWS Panel Session: Co-Creating Gender-Inclusive Sustainability Transitions, Care Economies, and Resilient Asian Communities
Panel Session 2: Towards a Community of Practice (COP) on Land Value Taxation (LVT)
Panel Session 3: Localizing Creative Industries, Nature-based and Climate Solutions through Academe-LGU-NGA Mobilization

The afternoon program also included the introduction of the Philippine Network for Satoyama Initiatives and Sustainability Studies (PPNSISS), with UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano serving as President.

Together, the sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration across communities, institutions, government, and other stakeholders in shaping inclusive, locally grounded, and resilient pathways toward sustainability.

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

SDG Fair and Poster Gallery | IFSS 2026

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Fair and Poster Gallery officially opened today as part of the International Forum on Sustainability Science 2026. The program began with a short opening introduction by Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, Chair of the SDG Fair and Poster Exhibit Committee.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano; UPOU FMDS Dean Finaflor Taylan; Representative of the PSAU President Dr. Evelyn Totaan; Plenary Speakers Dr. Byung Cheol Kim, Dr. Prakash Murgeppa Bhuyar, Ms. Ni Nyoman Clara Listya Dewi; Dr. Gerald M. Salas, Co-Chair of IFSS 2026; and Dr. Aileen Park, AAWS Panel Speaker.

The poster exhibit is open from 5–7 October 2026.

05/10/2026

IFSS 2026 kicks off with a shared call for collaboration and action

The International Forum on Sustainability Science (IFSS) 2026 formally opened on 5 October 2026 at Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) with a collective call for stronger collaboration, research, innovation, and action toward building resilient and sustainable communities.

Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, DProfSt., Overall Chair of IFSS 2026 and Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), emphasized that sustainability cannot be achieved by one discipline, institution, or sector alone. She described resilience as going beyond enduring adversity toward rebuilding and innovating with justice, dignity, and shared responsibility.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Anita G. David, SUC President IV of Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), highlighted the role of higher education, research, innovation, and partnerships in translating knowledge into meaningful action for communities.

In a recorded message, Dr. Dave Centeno, Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation – Convergence and Translation of the University of the Philippines, discussed the importance of translating research and innovation into real-world impact through interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration.

Formally opening the forum, Prof. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of UP Open University, emphasized shared responsibility and encouraged participants to turn sustainability discussions into partnerships, solutions, and concrete action. Serrano and David also exchanged institutional gifts, symbolizing the partnership between UPOU and PSAU.

Assoc. Prof. Gerald M. Salas, Ph.D., Co-Chair of IFSS 2026, presented the conference rationale, setting the context for collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability.

The opening was followed by the keynote, “Who Gets to Imagine the Future? Art, Youth and Co-creating Sustainable Worlds,” delivered via videoconference by Assoc. Prof. Kathryn S. Coleman, Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. Dr. Coleman highlighted the role of education, creativity, art, youth participation, and collective imagination in co-creating sustainable futures.

Ms. Ni Nyoman Clara Listya Dewi led the discussion on community-based tourism in practice, highlighting the vital role of local communities in building resilient destinations. As emphasized in the session, Bali cannot become a resilient destination without the people who sustain its communities, livelihoods, and household economies.

Dexter Andrew O. Manalo of PSAU served as Master of Ceremony, with the PSAU Imago Dei Chorale leading the National Anthem and prayer and the La Granja Modelo Dance Troupe presenting the opening salvo.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from IFSS 2026 as conversations on sustainability continue.

04/10/2026

SEE YOU AT IFSS 2026!

Researchers, practitioners, educators, students, policymakers, and community leaders come together to share ideas, spark meaningful conversations, and co-create solutions for a more sustainable future.

Three days of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and conversations for sustainability await.

We’re excited to have you with us!

🔗 Visit ifss.upou.edu.ph for more information.

04/10/2026

Everything we will witness at would not be possible without the hearts, hands, and minds behind this event.

We warmly recognize our organizers, partners, sponsors, and supporters whose invaluable contributions helped bring this conference to life.

Thank you for being part of and for helping create a space for meaningful conversations, connections, and shared action toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.