[Candoni, Negros Occidental | August 3, 2026]—Central Philippines State University (CPSU) was honored as one of the principal institutional partners during the Launching and Blessing of the Laudato Si' Protected Area and Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Demo Farm held in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental.

 The recognition underscores the University's enduring partnership with the Diocese of Kabankalan in advancing environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the principles of Integral Ecology.

The initiative forms part of the Diocese's Laudato Si' Program, spearheaded by the Commission on Integral Ecology under the leadership of Rev. Fr. John Philip P. Palacios, in close collaboration with the Social Action Center headed by Rev. Fr. Ivan D. Cantor.

 Both priests are distinguished alumni of the then Negros State College of Agriculture (NSCA), now Central Philippines State University (CPSU), with Fr. Palacios, a newly ordained priest and graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF), now leading the Diocese's ecological ministry, and at the same time, Fr. Cantor continues to champion community development and social action programs throughout the Diocese.

 Composed of representatives from both the CPSU-Main Campus and the CPSU-Candoni Campus and reflecting the institution's unified commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and faith-based ecological action, the University delegation received a certificate of recognition in appreciation of its invaluable partnership.

 Representing the CPSU–Diocese of Kabankalan Laudato Si' Partnership Project and joining the representatives from the CPSU Candoni Campus were the following CPSU-Main Campus faculty members and environmental advocates, who continue to provide technical expertise, research support, and leadership in advancing the Diocese's ecological initiatives:

     1. Dr. Aladino C. Moraca – Consultant

     2. Dr. Marc Alexie Caesar B. Badajos – Consultant

     3. Prof. Mary Ann S. Dagunan, PhD – Consultant

     4. Dr. Lycel L. Pacheco – Project Leader

     5. Engr. Michelle Ann B. Lumagbas - Project Assistant

     6. Mr. Gregorio D. Predo, MEM – Director, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Services (NREMS), CPSU

     7. Dr. Dominic L. Billen – Program Head, Bachelor of Science in Forestry

 Furthermore, Prof. Mary Ann S. Dagunan, PhD serves as the Consultant to the Diocese of Kabankalan's Commission on Integral Ecology, having been officially appointed by Most Rev. Louie P. Galbines, SThD, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan, providing technical leadership and expert guidance in the planning and implementation of the Diocese's Laudato Si' Program.

 Her technical expertise extends to biodiversity conservation, forest landscape restoration, agroecology, sustainable natural resource management, environmental research, and community-based extension initiatives, with her appointment further strengthening the strategic partnership between CPSU and the Diocese by integrating faith, science, and environmental stewardship while expanding opportunities for instruction, research, innovation, extension, and experiential learning.

 A significant outcome of this collaboration is the establishment of the Laudato Si' Protected Area and Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Demo Farm in Candoni, which is envisioned to serve as a living laboratory for CPSU students, faculty, researchers, and partner institutions.

 The site provides great chances for students to work on undergraduate and graduate projects, study biodiversity, research agroforestry and forest restoration, explore sustainable farming, manage watersheds, examine climate resilience, educate about the environment, and run community-based extension programs.

 As CPSU continues to champion sustainability and environmental excellence, this partnership reaffirms the University's commitment to its vision and mission, contributing directly to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—while advancing as a leading institution in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

 Photo Credits: Diocese of Kabankalan and Prof. Mary Ann S. Dagunan, PhD