Forging the Trail: How USTP is advancing UN SDG-1 to end poverty
By Roque P. Bermudez, STRATCOMM USTP System
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Quality education is the fortress of ending poverty; the surest way is to implement job opportunities to break the cycle.
October 17, 2025—The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP System) stands as a fortress of innovation and sustainability in the global pursuit of ending poverty. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly Goal 1: No Poverty, USTP continues to demonstrate its commitment by implementing various initiatives that bridge education and the economy, fulfilling its mission to bring the world of work into higher education.
USTP believes that education must be accessible to everyone. Through the power of free education, individuals, families, and communities are given the chance to rise above economic challenges. This conviction drives the University to develop programs that empower learners to transform their lives and contribute to sustainable national development.
Free Education as a Pathway to Empowerment
Through Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, USTP provides free tuition and other educational benefits to qualified undergraduate students. This ensures that financial limitations do not hinder anyone from pursuing higher education.
Beyond tuition, USTP offers student assistance, scholarships, training programs, and academic opportunities that not only recognize students’ potential but also prepare them for the world of work. These initiatives help bridge the gap between education and employment—empowering learners to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and contributors to economic growth.
The annual USTP Job Fair exemplifies how education directly connects to career opportunities. By linking students and graduates to partner industries, USTP ensures that employment pathways are within reach. Through these efforts, the University proves that free education and accessible employment are vital tools in reducing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
USTP continues to extend its reach by providing higher education access, technical training, and knowledge-sharing programs for underserved and remote communities—ensuring that both education and the economy grow hand in hand.
Interdisciplinary Community Collaboration
Beyond the campus, USTP works closely with industries, organizations, and local communities to implement projects that promote livelihood, food security, and environmental sustainability. These include providing livelihood capability and support training for groups like the Talaandig Tribe, Katipunan Banks MSMEs, Paglaum MPC MSMEs, as well as initiatives like mangrove growing and coastal cleanup at USTP Panaon. Other community projects also include face mask making and design for IP groups, skills development for job seekers, and extension program offerings of USTP to Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental.
Through these interdisciplinary collaborations, USTP transforms knowledge into action—creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and building community resilience, which are key elements in the fight against poverty.
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