Caraga State University (CSU), through its College of Education (CEd) Golden Paddlers, emerged as the Overall Champion of the Busan–Philippines Global Education Innovation Challenge for Sustainable Cities, earning 400,000 Korean won in prize money during the virtual awarding ceremony held via Zoom on January 30, 2026.
CSU clinched the top award through its winning proposal titled “Eco-Start: A School-Led Approach to Sustainable Waste Management in Butuan City.” The project addressed the city’s growing solid waste management concerns, citing that daily waste generation exceeds 325,000 kilograms, with households and commercial establishments contributing significantly to the volume. The proposal presented a school-centered circular economy innovation that integrates policy development and product creation. Key components include institutionalizing solid waste management concepts into the K–6 curriculum, rehabilitating barangay Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) as community learning hubs, and revitalizing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns through student leadership.
Representing the university were Bench S. Aparece (Team Leader), Cathlyn J. Budiongan, Donagen E. Segales, Rueanstar E. Segales, and Nathaniel Y. Almendras. The team was coached by Grace T. Flores, EdD, with Ms. Jenelyn Asis serving as the Pitching Consultant and Dr. Rowena P. Varela serving as the Project Proposal Consultant.
The university competed against top universities, including Silla University (SU) of Busan, West Visayas State University (WVSU) of Iloilo City, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila. The challenge officially commenced on January 5 and concluded on January 30, 2026.
This international competition aimed to strengthen students’ global competencies by encouraging innovative responses to urban sustainability challenges in cities such as Busan, Manila, Butuan, and Iloilo. It also sought to establish sustainable academic cooperation networks between Silla University and leading Philippine universities, while supporting the RISE Program’s objective of attracting global talent and promoting Busan as an English-friendly international city.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Photos via the College of Education
