VSU, SFFI ink partnership for forester capacity building

As the country faces increasing environmental pressures from climate change, deforestation, and natural disasters, VSU forged a partnership with the Society of Filipino Foresters Inc. (SFFI) – Eastern Visayas to strengthen the capacity of foresters and reinforcing forestry education in Eastern Visayas through the newly initiated project CAPABUILD.

Officially signed on April 11, 2025, at the VSU Board Room, Project CAPABUILD, short for Capacity Building for Forestry Professionals in Eastern Visayas and developed by the joint expertise of VSU and SFFI, aims to create comprehensive training programs that enhance both technical skills and sustainable management practices tailored to the region’s forest ecosystems.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was inked to strengthen the capacity of foresters and forestry practitioners in the region through a series of specialized training programs that will promote environmental stewardship, updated scientific-knowledge, and community-based forestry development.

The partnership also aligns with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) requirement for license renewal since the series of programs lined up can be credited as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

Among those who will be part of the program’s goals of enhancing the participants’ technical competencies are the individuals working in Local Government Units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions.

 VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes expressed her gratitude and emphasized the importance of partnerships like this in building climate-resilient communities.

“In VSU, we understand the importance of advancing sustainable development and supporting projects that align with this mission. Through Project CAPABUILD, we take another step toward helping our foresters reach their full potential to make sure they have the knowledge and tools needed to make a positive impact on our natural resources.” said Dr. Yepes.

Further, the collaboration between VSU and SFFI contributes to VSU’s effort to lead community-responsive initiatives in environmental sustainability.

Dr. Angelica P. Baldos, Head of the Department of Forest Science of VSU and the Project Leader of CAPABUILD, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in bridging knowledge and practical field applications.

“By building local forestry capacity, the partnership helps ensure the region’s forests are managed sustainably, supporting both ecological resilience and economic development in rural communities”, she said.

She added that this initiative represents a model for how academic institutions and professional organizations can work together to strengthen regional environmental stewardship and professional development.

During the MOA signing, key representatives from the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) VIII, SFFI, and VSU’s Department of Forest Science were present.

As VSU continues its effort toward research and community engagement, the partnership further reinforces the university’s role as a champion of environmental advocacy that will serve as a foundation for the future of forestry and drive sustainability for both people and the planet.

This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

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