The University of San Agustin Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (USARDFI) was honored as one of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) grantees under the European Union–Green Economies Partnership with the Philippines (EU–GEPP). The award, presented during the ceremony on August 20, 2025, at Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City, acknowledges USARDFI’s role in advancing education and behavior change initiatives for a circular economy.
Present during the awarding were:
- The European Union, represented by Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation, EU, and Dr. Tsetsomir Svilenov, Program Manager, EU Delegation to the Philippines
- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), represented by Asec. Lilian de Leon
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, Asst. Director, DENR Environmental Management Bureau
- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), represented by Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative, UNDP Philippines, and Dr. Moeko Saito-Jensen, EU–GEPP SO2 Project Manager
On behalf of the CSO grantees, Ms. Felinor P. Villa, Executive Director of USARDFI, delivered the message of gratitude, underscoring the importance of education and inclusive behavior change in advancing the circular economy. She emphasized that “this culture we are building must be inclusive. Through the GEDSI lens, we are reminded that women, youth, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and marginalized groups must not be left behind. Their participation is not only a matter of fairness, but also a source of creativity and resilience for our communities. The project, therefore, is not simply about the environment-it is about people and about ensuring that the green transition is also a just transition. True sustainability must always be both green…and just. Our work together shows that when communities, academe, government, and international partners join hands-Change is not only possible… it becomes inevitable. We have started ripples of behavior change. And we trust these ripples will grow into waves that will transform how Filipinos live out sustainability.”
The Tier 1 LGU partner of USARDFI under the project is Iloilo City, while the Community Grantee is Angat Pinas, Inc., represented by Team Leader Patrick Manuel.
This recognition strengthens USARDFI’s commitment to inclusive sustainability and its mission to empower communities through education, advocacy, and partnership.
VIVA SAN AGUSTIN!
