Miagao, Iloilo – January 17–21, 2024
Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, President of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), took the global stage as a distinguished panelist at the International Conference on Island and Coastal Ecologies held at the University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao Campus, Iloilo.
In a compelling presentation delivered today, Dr. Capistrano shared her insights on “Agusan Manobo Local Knowledge on Resource Management: A Sustainable Futures Initiative.” Her talk offered international scholars and practitioners a deep dive into the traditional ecological knowledge of the Agusan Manobo people—highlighting sustainable practices that have long preserved biodiversity and natural resources in the region.
Dr. Capistrano’s presentation underscored the vital role of local knowledge in contemporary sustainability discourse. By foregrounding the Agusan Manobo’s community-based practices and intimate relationship with the land, she emphasized that genuine environmental stewardship begins at the grassroots level.
“The Agusan Manobo’s understanding of their environment is not only cultural—it is profoundly scientific and sustainable. Their practices offer time-tested strategies in managing natural resources, which are essential in our collective pursuit of a resilient future,” Dr. Capistrano shared during the panel.
This landmark conference, which runs from January 17 to 21, 2024, is a collaborative initiative among ASSCAT, University of the Philippines Visayas, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It seeks to foster interdisciplinary conversations around coastal and island ecologies in Southeast Asia.
The inclusion of ASSCAT in this academic exchange affirms the College’s expanding role in contributing to global dialogues on sustainability, indigenous rights, and environmental governance.
Dr. Capistrano’s participation marks not only an institutional milestone but also a celebration of the Agusan Manobo community—whose knowledge continues to inspire solutions for sustainable futures.