September 4 to 9, 2025
Representing Partido State University, Vice President for Administration and Finance Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Dr. Mariel R. Estrella, ย Director of Museo de Isarog Ms. Karen Eyre Moshie Ortua-Artiaga, and Assistant Professor II Ms. Sherry A. Combis actively participated in the Transnational Workshop on Indigenous Knowledge, Co-Governance, and Nature-Based Solutions held in Taipei, Taiwan, from September 4 to 9, 2025. The week-long workshop, hosted by National Chengchi University (NCCU) in partnership with Taiwan's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, brought together academics, indigenous leaders, and environmental advocates across Asia and beyond.ย
The sessions explored themes of indigenous land rights, ecological conservation, circular economies, participatory governance, and integrating traditional knowledge systems into climate resilience and sustainable resource management. Highlights of the program included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and field visits to Pakasan Community in Penglai Village, Nanzhuang Township, and Miaoli County, where participants engaged directly with local stakeholders on co-management practices, forest economies, and cultural heritage preservation.ย
Meanwhile, Dr. Estrella served as a moderator in the discussion on decolonizing resource regimes, while Prof. Balagtas delivered closing remarks on the first day. Ms. Combis also contributed feedback during the post-community visit seminar, reflecting on lessons from Taiwan's circular economy initiatives.ย
ParSU reaffirms its commitment to building reilient communities and promoting sustainability, while opening doors to future collaborations that protect the environment, preserve culture, and strengthen climate action, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
With reports:ย
Ms. Sherry Combis
Photo credits:
Lin-wen Hsu
CTPILS
Ms. Sherry Combis
