Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger

Introduction

Caraga State University (CSU) aligns its institutional mandates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The university acknowledges that addressing hunger and food insecurity is not merely a global responsibility but also a vital regional and institutional commitment that directly contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development within the Caraga Region.

As a leading higher education institution in Mindanao, CSU plays a strategic role in promoting sustainable agricultural development and community resilience. Through its fourfold functions of instruction, research, extension, and production, the university integrates SDG 2 principles into its academic programs, research agenda, and outreach projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems, and empower rural communities toward self-sufficiency and improved nutrition.

CSU’s programs and projects address various dimensions of food security—ranging from capacity-building for smallholder farmers, innovation in agricultural technologies, and nutrition education campaigns, to policy research supporting rural development and environmental sustainability. Collaborative partnerships with national government agencies, local government units, private sectors, and international organizations further amplify the university’s impact in implementing community-based solutions to hunger and malnutrition.

This report, therefore, presents a comprehensive overview of CSU’s initiatives, outcomes, and contributions across all sub-targets of SDG 2. It highlights the university’s continuing efforts to serve as a catalyst for food security, sustainable agriculture, and improved nutrition in the Caraga Region—demonstrating its enduring commitment to advancing human development and environmental stewardship through higher education.

2.2 Campus Food Waste Management

Caraga State University (CSU) continues to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger through innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives led by the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Navigatu, under the leadership of Prof. Melbert R. Bonotan, who was recognized as the LIKHA Champion during CSU Pasidungog 2024. Prof. Bonotan’s visionary leadership has strengthened CSU’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in promoting agritech and food security solutions. Under his guidance, Navigatu has incubated 47 startups, including those addressing agricultural productivity, food sustainability, and waste reduction. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Wadhwani Foundation, Exoasia, and the New Energy Nexus, CSU has supported research and technology-based startups that contribute to improving food systems and sustainable livelihoods across the Caraga Region. Further reinforcing CSU’s commitment to SDG 2, Prof. Bonotan spearheaded the establishment of TARA, the university’s second Technology Business Incubator dedicated to agriculture and aquaculture startups. TARA supports 14 incubatees focused on developing innovative approaches to enhance food production, minimize post-harvest loss, and promote resource-efficient farming practices. Navigatu and TARA have also conducted training programs that benefited more than 1,500 students and 250 professionals and MSME owners, cultivating a culture of sustainable entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, Caraga State University demonstrates how education, research, and innovation can be harnessed to eradicate hunger, strengthen food security, and build resilient agricultural systems in the Caraga Region and beyond.

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As of December 31, 2024, Caraga State University (CSU) maintains a strong and dynamic workforce composed of 1,157 personnel across its two campuses—902 in CSU-Butuan City and 255 in CSU-Cabadbaran City. Of these, 573 are teaching personnel and 584 are non-teaching staff, demonstrating a balanced distribution of human resources dedicated to advancing the university’s academic and operational excellence. This diverse and skilled workforce plays a crucial role in sustaining CSU’s mission to promote inclusive education, research, and community engagement aligned with the United Nations Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

The collective efforts of CSU’s teaching and non-teaching personnel are instrumental in implementing initiatives that address food security and sustainable agriculture within the university and surrounding communities. Faculty members from the Colleges of Agriculture, Agri Industries, and Natural Sciences lead research and extension programs focused on organic farming, agri-innovation, food safety, and nutrition awareness. Meanwhile, non-teaching personnel provide vital support in maintaining food production facilities, managing campus gardens, and coordinating community-based livelihood and

feeding programs. The collaborative work of CSU’s 1,157 employees ensures that the institution not only contributes to knowledge generation but also directly impacts local communities through education, innovation, and service—driving progress toward achieving Zero Hunger in the Caraga Region.

2.3 Addressing Hunger, Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in the University

Caraga State University (CSU) plays a vital role in promoting food security by implementing a wide range of programs that focus on sustainable agriculture, proper nutrition, and community empowerment. Its community-based extension activities reach out to local households and schools, emphasizing the importance of food production and balanced diets. Programs like Gulayan sa Paaralan and home gardening projects encourage families and students to grow their own vegetables, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food while also reducing household expenses. The university’s strong collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) enhances the reach and effectiveness of these initiatives, enabling more communities to adopt sustainable farming and nutrition practices.

Within the campus, CSU promotes health and wellness through initiatives such as the Healthy Canteen Program and University Feeding Initiatives. These programs ensure that both students and employees have access to healthy, affordable, and locally sourced meals, reinforcing the university’s commitment to combating hunger and malnutrition within its own community.

Each food stall within the university offers a unique menu, featuring a variety of viands such as fish, chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables. Most meals are very affordable and budget-friendly, making them perfect for students. With a wide range of options available daily, students can enjoy different dishes each time, as every food stall prepares its own distinct selection of viands.

The prices of individual viands at the food stalls within the university premises typically range from Php 15.00 to Php 50.00, depending on the type and portion size and a cup of rice cost around Php 10.00.

Further, the university takes a science-based approach to addressing malnutrition and food insecurity through research and innovation. The College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries (CAAI) and the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (CMNS) conduct studies on the nutritional value of indigenous crops, which are often overlooked but highly beneficial. These findings are translated into practical interventions—such as training programs on nutrient-rich crop production, healthy food preparation, and proper infant feeding practices—helping households make informed choices about their diet.

CSU also promotes a culture of health and wellness through various campus activities like Nutrition Month celebrations, Wellness Fairs, and Health Awareness Seminars. These events serve as platforms for education and advocacy, encouraging the university community to adopt healthier lifestyles and support food sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, Caraga State University (CSU) has introduced a student-focused initiative called “Pause to Pass” in time for the semester’s midterm and final examinations. Organized by the Office of Counseling and Career Services (OCCS), the program aims to support students’ academic performance and overall well-being by providing free porridge (pospas) on campus.

According to OCCS Head Joanne A. Salan, RGC, the activity emphasizes the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, highlighting that it is the most essential meal to maintain energy and focus during exams. Beyond nutrition, the program also encourages students to pause and reflect, promoting mindfulness and mental preparation, which are key factors in performing well during stressful exam periods.

The activity received full support from University President Rolyn C. Daguil, who commended OCCS for its initiative and acknowledged the collaboration with the Office of Student Welfare and Engagements (OSWE). President Daguil also expressed interest in mainstreaming “Pause to Pass” as a regular program within the university, reinforcing CSU’s commitment to student wellness.

For this semester, the program is scheduled to run for five consecutive days at Kinaadman Hall, with porridge served on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative not only addresses students’ nutritional needs but also creates a supportive environment that encourages both academic success and mindful self-care.

2.4 Building Agriculture Graduates for a Sustainable Knowledge and Food Supply

Caraga State University offers diverse programs which can help the development of a sustainable knowledge in the production of our food. This is made possible through the offering of various undergraduate and graduate programs. Nine (9) undergraduate agriculture programs were offered in the College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries (CAA) as follows:

• Bachelor in Agricultural Technology (BAT),
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (General)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Agricultural Economics)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Agronomy)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Animal Science)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Agricultural Economics)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Crop Protection)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Horticulture)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major: Soil Science)

While one (1) undergraduate agriculture related program is offered under the College of Forestry and Environmental Science through the offered Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry program. Only one master degree program is offered in the university that is related to agriculture and that is the Masters in Crop Science with majors in Agronomy or Horticulture)

Based on the enrollment summary of the university, the population of students enrolled across agriculture and related programs shows an increase of about 12 percent (12%). This is based on the enrollment in the 2nd semester of AY2023-2024 versus that of the enrollments in 1st semester of AY2024-2025. This data indicates that there is still a growing interest of students that would enroll in agriculture and related programs. Agricultural graduates are important to provide extension, training, research and development and ensure food security and inclusive development in the region and or the national level. Furthermore, more than a hundred and fifty (150) students have graduated or completed these agriculture and related programs each year.

2.5 Sharing Knowledge to Address National Food Security

Caraga State University has continuously contributed to solving hunger problems by developing and initiating several programs leading to food security through its research and extension services to the farmers as conducted by various colleges in the university. Specifically, on community outreach and agricultural education through different notable initiatives. An example is the partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-RTC XIII), CSU through CAA has launched the “Buhay na Buhay sa Gulay: A Modified School-on-the-Air Vegetable Program”. This innovative project trains Agriculture students to be change agents by blending radio-based learning with practical implementation, requiring them to establish community vegetable gardens and promote sustainable agriculture, thus growing food and sustaining lives both on air and on the ground. A series of school-on-the-air talks was done in 2024 via radio transmission allowing farmers to gain knowledge on selected topics in agriculture production. Secondly, the Department of Plants and Soil Sciences (DPSS), together with students from the BSA and BAT programs, successfully conducted a Training on Irrigated Lowland Rice Production and Management. This extension activity invited rice farmers from Barangay Baan to acquire new knowledge and skills, aiming to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and ensure sustainable rural development.

Demonstrating a commitment to local environmental health, CSU supported the Gulayan sa Paaralan in Barangay San Vicente by distributing 13 trays of vegetable seedlings, cultivating a greener and healthier future for the community. These efforts collectively underscore CSU’s mission to nurture young agriculturists grounded in science, service, and social responsibility while providing vital extension, training, and research to support food security and national development. Other extension programs initiated by the university include Training of Trainers on Vegetable Production, Training of Trainers on Integrated Pest Management of Coconut Pests and Disease, and Training on Production and Disease Management in Abaca.