By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the hot afternoon sun in Sultan Kudarat, students gathered not only to celebrate academic success but to face a reality already shaping their future. In classrooms and communities across Mindanao, climate change is no longer a lesson in books. It is felt in flooded homes, dry farms, and uncertain livelihoods.
This was the message highlighted by the Climate Change Commission during the Academic Recognition and 16th University Day of Sultan Kudarat State University, where the role of young people as frontline leaders in climate action took center stage.
Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E. A. Borje told students and educators that the youth are vital partners in building climate-resilient communities. He said that while Sultan Kudarat is classified as having medium to low exposure to climate hazards under the country’s National Adaptation Plan, the province continues to experience extreme heat, flooding, and drought.
Borje pointed out that these impacts are already affecting daily life. Flooding has hit towns such as Lambayong, Lutayan, and Palimbang, damaging homes and disrupting livelihoods. Prolonged dry spells in areas like Esperanza and Isulan have hurt farmers, reduced harvests, and threatened food security.
He stressed that climate change should not be seen as distant data or future projections. For many families in Mindanao, it is a lived experience that brings hunger, displacement, and loss of income. Because of this, Borje said education and youth participation are critical to the country’s response to climate risks.
With more than 15,000 students across seven campuses, SKSU was recognized as a key center of talent in the province. The CCC said the university’s strength lies not only in academic achievement, but in its ability to turn knowledge into real solutions for local communities.
Borje encouraged students to use what they learn to serve the public, reminding them that education carries responsibility. He said the intelligence, skills, and values of young Filipinos can help protect communities and strengthen the nation’s ability to adapt to climate change.
The CCC also highlighted the important role of state universities and colleges in carrying out the National Adaptation Plan. According to Borje, climate action is not built only through national policies, but also through lessons taught in classrooms, research done in laboratories, and solutions developed in farms and communities.
He encouraged SKSU to further strengthen its role as a technical partner of local government units, helping design climate-resilient programs and projects that respond to local needs. This includes research and innovation in agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
SKSU offers academic programs closely aligned with the development priorities of Sultan Kudarat, including agriculture, engineering, information technology, education, and health sciences. These fields are seen as crucial in building resilience against climate-related challenges.
The university’s growing academic reputation was also highlighted during the event. Recent achievements include three SKSU graduates who topped national licensure examinations in nursing, education, and engineering. These accomplishments show the school’s role in producing professionals who can contribute to local development and long-term resilience.
The celebration marked SKSU’s 16th University Day and honored students who showed academic excellence, perseverance, and commitment to service. It was attended by Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, SKSU President Dr. Samson L. Mooa, representatives from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, university officials, faculty members, and students.
As climate threats continue to grow, the CCC reminded the youth that their voices, skills, and actions matter. The future of climate resilience, they said, will be shaped by how today’s students choose to act for their communities and the nation.
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