Silliman, DLSU Explore Social Science R&D Collaboration and SDG Initiatives
The Silliman University (SU) Research, Publication, and Innovation Office (RIPO) hosted an exploratory meeting with representatives from De La Salle University (DLSU) on April 27, 2026, to discuss potential research collaborations, institutional partnerships, and initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants in the meeting included Dr. Francisco A. Magno, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance director; Dr. Betty C. McCann, SU president; Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II, executive director for RIPO; Assoc. Prof. Jan Antoni A. Credo, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – History and Political Science Department research coordinator; and members of the DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance delegation.
The meeting focused on three primary areas of engagement. First, both institutions explored opportunities for social science research and development collaboration between DLSU’s Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and SU’s History and Political Science Department, with an emphasis on governance, policy research, and community-based studies.
Second, discussions were held on the possible inclusion of SU in the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines (SDSN Philippines), led by Dr. Francisco A. Magno.
SDSN Philippines is part of the broader Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative launched in 2012 by then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and directed by economist Jeffrey Sachs. The network mobilizes academic and research institutions worldwide to advance the SDGs and, as of early 2026, includes more than 2,100 member institutions across six continents.
The meeting also examined how SDSN Philippines can help translate global development goals into locally driven solutions tailored to national and regional priorities. Among the concepts discussed was the promotion of the “SDG town,” a strategic approach to urban planning that integrates the 17 SDGs into local governance systems, particularly in small- to medium-sized cities and municipalities. SDSN Philippines also conducts national roadshows centered on localizing SDG solutions through collaboration among academia, government, and the private sector.
Finally, the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two universities was also explored. Together with Magno from the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance were Benz Felices, Program manager; Erika Pareja, Program and Research coordinator; and Research fellows Anthony Borja and Georgeline Jaca.
