Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) has further solidified its international reputation in sustainability and higher education excellence after being named a recipient of the Climate Champions Award by the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN).
The recognition was formally presented during the organization’s Academic Conference and Annual General Meeting held on 21 November at Nina Hotel in Hong Kong where OLFU stood as the only higher education institution from the Philippines to be honored this year.
University President Dr. Caroline Marian S. Enriquez accepted the award on behalf of the institution during the conference’s gala dinner, attended by representatives of universities and quality assurance bodies from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Climate Champions Award acknowledges OLFU’s Planet Program, an ongoing environmental initiative that supports the conservation and rehabilitation of the Tanza Marine Tree Park in Navotas City.
The program promotes climate mitigation through sustained mangrove protection, coastal monitoring, and community participation. It is implemented in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), Barangay Tanza 1, and Tanza National High School, combining academic commitment with intersectoral collaboration.
The environmental work of the Planet Program is deeply tied to volunteerism and hands-on student engagement. Spearheaded by the OLFU Pangkat Kalikasan (OPK), the University’s environmental student organization, and coordinated by the Office of Community Extension (OCE), the initiative brings together students, faculty members, and partner community residents.
The program focuses on regular coastal rehabilitation activities such as mangrove planting and waste removal while allowing students to practice project management, environmental leadership, and collaboration within real-world community contexts.
To date, the effort has resulted in the cultivation of approximately 1,000 mangroves, the collection of more than 3,000 kilograms of marine waste, and the mobilization of over 1,500 volunteers contributing to the improvement of the coastal environment.
This recent honor builds on OLFU’s established record with APQN. In 2023, the University was previously recognized with the Best/Model Internal QA Award for displaying innovative practices in digital quality assurance, particularly those developed in response to challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read: Best in Asia-Pacific! OLFU recognized for its quality assurance measures
APQN commended OLFU for its forward-looking approach in strengthening internal systems that respond to student needs and industry expectations, positioning the University as a model of effective quality culture development in the region.
As the largest and most influential higher education quality network in the Asia-Pacific, APQN continues to identify and highlight institutions that contribute to sustainable advancement in higher education.
With its latest distinction, OLFU reaffirms its growing presence in regional conversations on environmental responsibility and educational innovation, demonstrating how academic institutions can serve both community development and global climate objectives.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
