Mirasol speaks on BukSU’s sustainability framework to Ph young legislators

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol presented the university’s sustainability initiatives and LUNTIAN framework during the Sustainability for Local Impact Congress of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) on September 16, 2026 in Chali Beach Resort, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

The presentation, titled “Unpacking Sustainability: Creating Local Impact through Sustainable Development,” was part of the 3rd Quarter National Council Assembly of the NMYL, a three-day gathering of 280 Philippine young legislators and local leaders held from September 16 to 18.

Mirasol discussed how BukSU’s sustainability initiatives developed from small-scale actions into broader institutional efforts under the university’s Smart BukSU Hexa-Helix framework.

She said the university’s role has expanded from preparing students for the present to preparing them for a changing world affected by climate change, resource scarcity, waste, disasters, inequality, and technological developments.

The presentation introduced LUNTIAN, which Mirasol used to describe BukSU’s approach to sustainability. The framework consists of Lead with Action, Unite People, Nurture Local Impact, Transform through Results, Institutionalize the Change, and Amplify and Navigate.

The congress also featured learning sessions on responsible consumption and fast fashion and waste reduction, and circular communities.

The initiatives discussed during the presentation are aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education, through sustainability education, research, and capacity-building;
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, through renewable energy and energy conservation;
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, through community resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable local development;
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, through waste management, responsible consumption, circular practices, and green procurement;
• SDG 13 – Climate Action, through climate initiatives, carbon reduction, and disaster risk reduction;
• SDG 15 – Life on Land, through biodiversity conservation, tree-growing, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous ecological knowledge; and
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration among academic institutions, local governments, communities, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, industry, and other partners.

The presentation positioned the LUNTIAN framework as an approach for connecting sustainability initiatives with local action, measurable results, institutional systems, and long-term planning. (Astred Jill A. Catolpos/ Head, Presidential Technical Operations)