News · June 15, 2026 · SDG 4 SDG 17
Sulu State University (SSU) convened faculty members, researchers, and key stakeholders for the Futures Research Agenda Workshop: “Futures Thinking towards Sustainable Development with the ACACIA-ASCENT Framework,” held at the Conference Hall and Boardroom from June 14 to 15, 2026.
The program commenced with registration and opening preliminaries, followed by a welcome message from University President Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE. Participants also received an inspirational message from Dr. Michville A. Rivera, Secretary General of PhilFutures, setting the tone for collaborative and forward-looking discussions.
The first day featured a series of interactive learning sessions, including “Ang Susugi sa Kamay,” “Project Weaving Canvas,” “Ang Bayla,” and the Full ACACIA Audit, designed to help participants examine institutional strengths and identify strategic opportunities for future research initiatives. The day concluded with a preview and evening assignment to prepare participants for the succeeding activities.
On the second day, the workshop opened with a reflection session titled “Ang Bulang: Holding the Middle,” followed by discussions on SURI-SSU × BHIDP, “Suyiksik Bilang Pagpapatotoo,” “Ang Limang Antas,” and “Ang Pangako.” The program ended with a closing session, “Suyiksik. Arun. Let Us Weave,” highlighting the collective commitment to transforming ideas into impactful research and innovation.
The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Resident Futurist of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Innovation, and Futures Thinking, and Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang, Senior Fellow of PhilFutures, with the support of facilitators Prof. Ramces M. Dili, Dr. Michville A. Rivera, and Mr. Lui Joshua N. Cuadra.
Through the workshop, Sulu State University reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, strategic foresight, and evidence-based research that contributes to sustainable development and addresses the evolving needs of communities in Sulu and beyond.
Sulu State University extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished resource persons and facilitators Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang, Dr. Michville A. Rivera, Prof. Ramces M. Dili, and Mr. Lui Joshua N. Cuadra for generously sharing their expertise and guiding participants through the Futures Thinking and ACACIA-ASCENT Framework sessions.
The University likewise expresses its gratitude to all faculty members, researchers, and participants whose active engagement and collaborative spirit contributed to the success of the two-day workshop especially to Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE for her unwavering commitment to research excellence.
Their collective commitment to innovation and strategic foresight strengthens SSU’s mission of advancing research and sustainable development for the benefit of the community and future generations.