UP LOS BAÑOS | The School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) launched the PhD in Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations (EDN) as its newest program on June 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center. The program emphasizes the role of both science and research in the crafting, reviewing and negotiating of agreements and policies on the sustainable use, protection, management, and conservation of environmental and agricultural resources.
During the launching ceremony, UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. expressed gratitude to the support that the program has received from the government, academe and the diplomatic community. Meanwhile, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leo D.P. Cubillan acknowledged the relevance of the program in producing graduates who can shape future policies and sustainable solutions for complex environmental issues.
Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, chair of the PhD EDN program facilitated a technical session, featuring talks from Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, former dean and professor at SESAM; and Dr. Al O. Orolfo, director of Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Service at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the diplomatic community including British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, Chargé d’Affaires and Senior Trade Commissioner Guy Boileu from the Embassy of Canada; Laos Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay and Third Secretary Koliley Phonsila; Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik and Minister for Political/Social/Cultural/Info Amaluzzaman Mohd Asarani; Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat and Second Secretary Witsarut Piyavongsomboon; and Karen Ferguson, head of Climate, Science, and Technology at the British Embassy.
Other distinguished guests include National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota, Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, and Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority.
Reference:
Arana, J. J. S. (2023, June 13). UPLB-SESAM launches new PhD program in Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations. https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/uplb-sesam-launches-new-phd-program-in-environmental-diplomacy-and-negotiations/