As part of the annual Mapúa University International Month, the Office of International Linkages, Relations, and Development Cooperation (ILRAD) successfully hosted “Sustainability Without Borders” on October 23, 2025. This high-impact, interdisciplinary event brought together the global academic sector to explore sustainable solutions that transcend geographical and disciplinary boundaries, directly reinforcing Mapúa’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Held at the Intramuros Campus, the forum provided a vital platform for students, faculty, and international visitors to actively engage with crucial themes of sustainability and global practice.
From Farm Discard to Fuel: Global Expertise on Bioeconomy
Dr. Delia Senoro, Head of ILRAD, has presented the Certificates of Appreciation to Prof. Roeder, Ms. Vargas, and Dr. Stenicka, for participating in the Mapúa University’s International Month event entitled: “Sustainability Without Borders”
The morning session was headlined by an influential figure in sustainable materials, Prof. Mirjam Roeder of Aston University (AU, UK). Her lecture, “Enabling a Sustainable Bioeconomy: Approaches for Assessing the Sustainability of Bioenergy Systems,” captivated the audience.
Prof. Roeder compellingly emphasized the necessity of integrating bioenergy derived from agricultural discards—known as biomass—into the renewable energy stream. Crucially, she highlighted the Philippines’ abundant resource of rice hulls and rice straw as prime, integral components for producing biodiesel or bioethanol.
Following this technical deep dive, Ms. Alison Vargas, Outgoing Mobility Officer from the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT, France), showcased global learning opportunities, extending an invitation for Mapúa students to gain hands-on experience in advancing sustainability practices at UTT.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Action
The success of “Sustainability Without Borders” was driven by unprecedented internal collaboration. The event was made possible through the dedicated support of key academic schools and offices, ensuring a holistic view of sustainability:
- Engineering & Science: School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences (CBMES), and School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering (CEGE).
- Design & Foundations: School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment (ARIDBE), School of Foundational Studies and Education (SFSE), and School of Multimedia and Digital Arts (SoMDA).
- Institutional Support: The Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS), the Office of the Partnership Executive Director (OPED), and the Office of the Student Affairs and Alumni Relations (OSAAR), along with support from the Urban International Academic Association (UIAA) and the International Student Buddies (ISB).
Creative Competition and Global Judging
The afternoon segment shifted focus to a high-stakes competition. Undergraduate and graduate students showcased their original mixed-media poster art, turning complex sustainability challenges into visually compelling masterpieces.
Serving as the esteemed panel of judges were the visiting lecturers and Dr. Martin Stenicka, a visiting researcher from Tomas Bata University of Zlín, Czech Republic. This collaboration provided students with direct, intercontinental critique and mentorship, reinforcing the global standards of the research and creative output at Mapúa.
The entire event serves as a powerful demonstration of Mapúa’s educational philosophy: integrating sustainability into higher education not just as a required subject, but as a mandatory, interdisciplinary engagement that challenges students to solve both local and global environmental crises.