University of Luzon Forges Partnerships for Sustainable Community Development

The University of Luzon (UL) Graduate School, in collaboration with various community stakeholders, has formally launched “Project B.L.O.O.M.S.” (Building Livable Communities through Organic Livelihood and Outreach-based Movement for Green and Environmental Practices, Initiatives and Sustainability). A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on June 8, 2025, marking a significant step towards fostering sustainable development in Barangay Carael, Dagupan City.

The signing ceremony brought together key representatives from the University of Luzon Graduate School, led by Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, and supported by the Community Extension Services headed by Prof. Alvin O. Carillo as CE Faculty Coordinator. Joining UL in this crucial undertaking were the Youth Council of Barangay Carael, under the leadership of SK Chairman John Patrick D. De Vera; the Barangay Council of Carael, led by Barangay Head Kap. Minda V. Velasquez; Carael National High School, represented by Sir Jose P. Cardoso; and the YES-O Club, headed by Sir Marvin C. De Vera.

Project B.L.O.O.M.S. is a joint initiative spearheaded by the Graduate School’s Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and the College of Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management of the University of Luzon. In cooperation with UL Integrated Community Extension Services Dagupan City, the project will focus on two primary activities: Mangrove Planting Campaigns and Community Clean-Up Drives. These efforts aim to promote environmental stewardship and enhance the livability of Barangay Carael.

This collaboration underscores the University of Luzon’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices. Luzonians, through their active participation in this project, are instrumental in building a more developed and environmentally conscious community.

This initiative significantly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focus on mangrove planting directly supports SDG 14: Life Below Water, by protecting and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and SDG 15: Life on Land, by promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss. The community clean-up drives, along with the broader aim of building livable communities and promoting green practices, align with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of Project B.L.O.O.M.S., involving various organizations and fostering partnerships, directly contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.