Development of course modules on SDGs, carrying capacity, and Livability for All Education Levels in Baguio City (PHBAG0004)

Commitment ID

PHBAG0004

Commitment Title

Development of course modules on SDGs, carrying capacity, and Livability for All Education Levels in Baguio City

Problem

The commitment focuses on developing and integrating educational course modules on SDGs, Urban Carrying Capacity, and Livability. These modules aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools to understand and address these challenges. This initiative seeks to empower the next generation to actively contribute to sustainable urban development, thereby enhancing the city’s resilience and ensuring livability for current and future generations.

The commitment addresses the critical challenges of urban growth, environmental sustainability, and resource management stemming from the 2019 urban carrying capacity study conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), rapid urbanization—exacerbated by a significant influx of transient populations such as tourists and students—has pushed the city’s urban infrastructure beyond sustainable limits. This overburdening of infrastructure impacts essential services like transportation, water supply, waste management, and housing, creating strains on both resources and governance.

Uncontrolled urbanization results in the depletion of resources, increased pollution, and the deterioration of natural ecosystems. Socially, it impacts livability—a crucial measure of quality of life—which remains critically low in many of the city’s barangays. These challenges significantly hinder the city’s progress toward achieving its Sustainable Development Goals.

Status quo

Currently, the formal education system in Baguio City lacks integration of critical concepts such as carrying capacity, sustainability, and livability. While there are various policies and projects aimed at addressing urban sustainability, these efforts are fragmented and fail to adopt a comprehensive approach to public education. This gap is particularly evident among students, who represent the next generation of leaders and decision-makers.

Despite increasing recognition of the city’s challenges related to carrying capacity—such as overstressed infrastructure, environmental degradation, and declining livability—there is no structured educational program to raise awareness or build knowledge among schoolchildren or university students. This absence leaves the youth ill-equipped to understand and address the interconnected issues of urban growth, resource management, and sustainability, hindering the city’s long-term resilience and development.

Action

The commitment involves developing and integrating educational modules on carrying capacity, sustainability, and livability into the education system at all levels in Baguio City. These modules are designed to enhance students' understanding of the interconnected challenges the city faces, including urban growth, resource management, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.

To further enrich the learning experience, the program will include inviting resource speakers and experts from relevant fields to provide insights and practical knowledge. These sessions will offer students real-world perspectives on sustainability challenges and solutions, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

By embedding these concepts and exposing students to expert discussions, the commitment aims to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address these critical issues. The program seeks to cultivate a culture of sustainability among the youth, empowering them to actively participate in informed decision-making and contribute to sustainable urban development.

Expected Results are enhanced awareness and understanding of urban sustainability issues among students; a generation of future leaders and decision-makers prepared to address the city’s long-term challenges; and improved resilience and livability of Baguio City through informed participation in sustainable practices.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The commitment will contribute to solving public problem by addressing the critical gap in knowledge and awareness regarding the city’s carrying capacity, sustainability, and livability. By integrating these concepts into the education system, the commitment seeks to equip the next generation of Baguio’s residents with the tools, knowledge, and values needed to confront the challenges of urban growth, resource management, and environmental sustainability.

Expected Outputs are educational modules developed: comprehensive curriculum materials on carrying capacity, sustainability, and livability tailored to various education levels; resource speaker sessions: workshops and lectures to provide students with real-world insights and practical knowledge on sustainability challenges and solutions; and student engagement activities.

Expected Outcomes are increased awareness and understanding of sustainability issues among students, with an emphasis on how urbanization, resource management, and environmental sustainability are interconnected and empowered youth leadership; a generation of students who are informed, motivated, and ready to take on leadership roles in advocating for and implementing sustainable urban development practices; and long-term impact on policy and governance, as informed future leaders, students will influence and advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment relates to the long-term goal of fostering inclusive and transparent governance within Baguio City's Open Government Strategy. By integrating education on sustainability, carrying capacity, and livability into the education system, the commitment aligns with the goal of empowering citizens, particularly the youth, to engage actively in decision-making processes and sustainable urban development.

The initiative supports the creation of an informed, proactive citizenry that can effectively participate in governance, contribute to policy discussions, and advocate for sustainable solutions. This goal aims to bridge the gap between governance and the public, ensuring that citizens understand the challenges the city faces and are equipped to take part in shaping policies and practices that affect their lives and the city’s future. By fostering an educated, engaged population, this commitment ultimately contributes to achieving greater transparency, accountability, and collaborative efforts in addressing urban sustainability and development challenges.

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion, Right to Information

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Education

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?