Education for sustainable development among higher education institutions in Panay Island: Basis for an action plan

Abstract

This study determined the adoption of Education for Sustainable Development by the selected Higher Education Institutions in Panay, Island in terms of policies, programs, practices and in curriculum and instruction, research and development services, and in extension and community services. The study revealed that when taken as an entire group, the Higher Education Institutions showed “Significant Progress” in the adoption of Education for Sustainable Development. The Higher Education Institutions exhibited “Significant Progress” in adopting Education for Sustainable Development in their programs, policies, curriculum and instruction, research and development services, and extension and community services, and “Preliminary Efforts” in their adoption of ESD in terms of practices. Financial constraints, lack of priority given to ESD, and lack of training for ESD were the top 3 barriers experienced by the Higher Education Institutions in adopting Education for Sustainable Development in terms of their programs, policies, and practices. For the adoption of Education for Sustainable Development in their curriculum and instruction, research and development services, and extension and community services, Financial constraints, lack of training for ESD, and time to implement ESD were the barriers perceived. The best Education for Sustainable Development practices of the Higher Education Institutions includes: Biodiversity Conservation Program; Tree planting activity which resulted to a seedling bank named as the Regional Seed Production Center (RSPC) and ASU-DENR clonal nursery project and the Production of Pina fiber with the establishment of the first National Fibers Technology Resource Center (NFTRC); Solid Waste Management initiative of the University which make use of disposal using vermicomposting, Material Recovery Facility and practice of 3R’s; Energy conservation drives of the University; Presence of signage reminding the students and faculty and staff about different policies related to Smoking, Waste Disposal and Conservation; Integrating environmental awareness during classes, student activities and classroom management thus developing the students love for environment and to become an eco-friendly student; The “ Adopt a Barangay Program” and the establishment of research and extension linkages among other higher institutions, LGU, NGO, NEDA and other agencies. Based on the findings, an action plan was validated to enhance the adoption of ESD by the Higher Education Institutions in Panay, Island.