The National Chengchi University (NCCU) Center for Taiwan-Philippines Indigenous Knowledge, Local Knowledge, and Sustainable Studies (CTPILS), in collaboration with NCCU’s Office of University Social Responsibility and the Office of Austronesian Scholarship, successfully hosted the 2025 Indigenous Knowledge, Co-governance, and Nature-based Solution Workshop on September 5–8, 2025 at the Da Hsian Seeto Library, NCCU.

The international workshop convened 31 participants from the Philippines, the United States, and Taiwan, bringing together scholars, researchers, and cultural advocates. Distinguished keynote speakers included leaders from NCCU and UCLA highlighted the transformative role of indigenous knowledge in shaping sustainable futures.

A significant announcement was made by Dr. Stephen Acabado (UCLA), revealing that Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) will host an International Conference in 2026 with the theme “Sustaining Traditions, Securing Tomorrows: Women at the Heart of Food Security and Sustainability.” This highlights WMSU’s leadership in advancing discourses on food security, gender, and sustainability within the regional and global academic community.

Participants also visited the PakaSan International Cultural and Ecological Education Base, a collaborative initiative of NCCU, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, and the Nanzhuang Saisiat PakaSan Cooperative. This pioneering model of co-management between indigenous communities and the state aims to preserve cultural and ecological knowledge, promote sustainable community development, and foster meaningful international exchanges.

WMSU’s delegation to the workshop was led by Dr. Melanie F. Lear, with members Dr. Marlon Grande, Dr. Emelie J. Tan, and Engr. Kevin Marc A. Bejerano together with Dr. Jiellzon Jaime Villarama, who discussed on “Engaging Social Dialogue: Shaping Social and Cultural Education” during the workshop.

The event culminated with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) among Dr. Daya Da-wei Kuan (CTPILS, NCCU), Dr. Shu-Heng Chen (Vice President, NCCU), Dr. Melanie F. Lear (Director, Centro de Estudio Mindanao [CDEM], WMSU), and Prof. Ma. Riza Lopez (Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology). These agreements formalize a shared commitment to fostering dynamic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnerships across institutions and communities.