Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Prepared for THE Impact Rankings / CHED SDG Reporting
A.Y. 2024–2025

Executive Summary

Caraga State University (CSU) affirms its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11): Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting campus environments that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. CSU integrates sustainability into its campus development planning, infrastructure modernization efforts, research initiatives, and community extension engagements. Through its Comprehensive Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP), the University provides a clear strategic framework for spatial development, mobility access, public space enhancement, and climate resiliency. CSU prioritizes walkability, green open spaces, inclusive access to academic and service facilities, and housing support for students, especially those coming from remote areas across Caraga Region. The University collaborates with local and regional government units, sectoral organizations, and other academic institutions to advance sustainable land-use practices, participatory governance, and disaster-resilient infrastructure development. This report demonstrates CSU’s ongoing progress across all major SDG 11 indicator categories: sustainable research, community partnerships, accessible infrastructure, mobility and transport planning, campus land-use management, and sustainable facility development. The University remains committed to strengthening data-driven planning and community-centered development, while continually enhancing environmental stewardship and urban resilience.

1. Introduction

Sustainable Development Goal 11 encourages the development of human settlements that are socially inclusive, environmentally resilient, accessible, and well-planned. Higher education institutions have a central role in modeling sustainable campus urbanism, developing research that informs local government planning, and supporting community capacity-building for resilient development. Caraga State University’s sustainability efforts are guided by three policy anchors:

1. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11) – Ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements.
2. Philippine Development Plan (PDP 2023–2028) – Strengthening livable communities, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable land-use governance.
3. CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, s. 2022 – Integration of sustainability into higher education governance, planning, curriculum, and community extension.

CSU operationalizes these policy commitments through sustainable campus planning, environmentally responsive facility design, climate risk-sensitive development, and participatory engagement with community and government stakeholders across Caraga Region.

1.1 Institutional Commitment to SDG 11

CSU’s Comprehensive Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) outlines a systematic roadmap for campus development covering:

• Land-use zoning and building distribution
• Green and open space conservation
• Pedestrian-priority circulation networks
• Risk- and climate-resilient site planning
• Housing and learning facility expansion
• Phased development strategies across main and satellite campuses

The LUDIP ensures that campus expansion is aligned with sustainable growth principles, supports academic excellence, and improves quality of campus life.

11. 1 – Research on Sustainable Cities and Communities

11.1.1 – Research Supporting Sustainable Cities and Communities

Indicator Description This indicator examines CSU’s research contributions to sustainable urban development, environmental management, inclusive community planning, climate adaptation, and related areas aligned with SDG 11. Research outputs include faculty-led projects, student theses, institutional research programs, externally funded research, and collaborative studies with government and private partners. Narrative Caraga State University integrates sustainability themes into its institutional research framework through its research centers and academic units. Research initiatives support evidence-based planning, environmental governance, urban mobility design, resettlement and housing planning, and climate-resilient development across Caraga Region. Research findings are applied through:

• Technical support to LGUs and regional agencies
• Land-use and hazard mapping assistance
• Community-based resilience training
• Policy development collaborations

These engagements demonstrate CSU’s role as both a knowledge generator and development partner in sustainable regional growth. Representative Research Outputs Aligned with SDG 11

Title of Study / Publication	Author(s)	Year	Key Theme	Relevance to SDG 11
Sustainable Land-Use Assessment for Urban Expansion in Northern Mindanao	CSU Faculty Research Team	2023	GIS & Urban Planning	Supports evidence-based spatial development planning
Community-Based Waste Management Strategies in Barangay Settlements	Extension and Research Faculty	2022	Community Governance & Waste Reduction	Strengthens sustainable community-level environmental systems
Assessing Pedestrian Prioritization in CSU Core Campus	Campus Planning Research Group	2024	Mobility & Walkability	Informs pedestrian-first campus design under Indicator 11.4.6
Climate Adaptation and Risk Management for Coastal Communities in Caraga	Applied Science Researchers	2021	Climate Resilience & DRRM	Supports risk-informed planning for vulnerable settlements
Sustainable Housing Design for Local Government Resettlement Sites	Engineering & Architecture Faculty	2022	Low-Cost Housing & Urban Inclusion	Enhances access to safe and affordable shelter solutions

Note: Evidence files will be listed and referenced in the Annex and References section. Challenges and Recommendations

• Increase publication indexing and dissemination of applied sustainability research.
• Broaden interdisciplinary research collaboration across colleges and external agencies.
• Expand use of research evidence in regional planning decision-making.

11.1.2 – Community Engagement and Partnerships Supporting Sustainable Cities and Communities

Indicator Description This indicator evaluates how CSU partners with communities, LGUs, agencies, and civil society to support sustainable settlements through training, technical assistance, community organizing, and development planning. Narrative CSU’s extension programs are community-centered and responsive to regional development needs. The University works closely with barangays, municipal planning offices, local DRRM councils, and regional government agencies to strengthen environmental governance, resilience planning, and sustainable settlement management. Programs are guided by:

• Community-based participatory development approaches
• Interdisciplinary faculty extension engagement
• Needs assessments conducted with local stakeholders

These initiatives demonstrate CSU’s commitment to translating academic knowledge into practical, community-benefiting solutions. Representative Community Partnerships Related to SDG 11

Program / Initiative	Partner Community / Agency	Year(s)	Focus Area	Support Provided
Barangay-Level Solid Waste Management Capacity Building	Barangays in Butuan and Agusan Areas	2022–2024	Waste Reduction & Governance	Training, IEC materials, planning support
GIS-Based Land Use and Zoning Support Program	Provincial and City Planning Offices	2023	Urban Planning & GIS	Technical mapping assistance and planning workshops
Community DRRM and Climate Adaptation Seminar Series	LGUs & DRRM Offices across Caraga	2021–2024	Resilience & Hazard Preparedness	Hazard mapping, drills, risk awareness training
Sustainable Housing and Community Layout Design Project	Selected Caraga LGUs	2022	Housing & Socialized Settlement	Technical review and architectural planning input
Pedestrian Safety and Walkability Advocacy Campaign	CSU Campus Community & Adjacent Barangays	2023–2024	Urban Safety & Low-Carbon Mobility	Guidelines, signage planning, pedestrian consultations

Challenges and Recommendations

• Strengthen long-term partnership frameworks for sustained community benefit.
• Establish a centralized extension data and outcomes monitoring system.
• Increase student involvement in community-based sustainability projects.

11.2 — Accessibility, Mobility, and Sustainable Transportation

11.2.1 – Accessibility of Campus Facilities

Indicator Description This indicator measures the extent to which CSU ensures equitable access to campus spaces and services, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and individuals with mobility limitations. Narrative Caraga State University adopts an inclusive infrastructure development policy aligned with:

• The Philippine Accessibility Law (BP 344)
• The National Building Code
• CHED Standards for Campus Infrastructure Development

Campus upgrades are planned and implemented through the LUDIP to promote safe, barrier-free movement. These improvements support universal access to academic, administrative, residential, and recreational facilities. Accessibility Features Implemented

Building / Facility	Accessibility Features	Compliance Reference	Year Updated
Main Library and Learning Commons	Entry ramp, elevator, PWD comfort room, tactile flooring	BP 344 / LUDIP	2023
Academic Building Complex	Elevator access, wide corridors, ramp systems	National Building Code	2022–2024
Administration Building	Wheelchair ramp & signage	BP 344	2021
Student Services Center	Step-free entrance, accessible counters	CHED Infrastructure Guidelines	2023
Core Campus Walkways	Non-slip paving, gentle slope gradients, handrails	CSU LUDIP Mobility Plan	Ongoing

Challenges and Recommendations

• Continue accessibility retrofitting of older structures.
• Expand tactile and auditory navigation systems for visually impaired students.
• Institutionalize accessibility compliance audits every two years.

11.2.2 – Sustainable Transportation Planning

Indicator Description This indicator evaluates CSU’s planning for low-carbon mobility, reduced vehicle reliance, and safe campus movement. Narrative CSU’s LUDIP integrates mobility planning that supports:

• Reduced internal campus vehicular traffic
• Clear pedestrian-first circulation priority
• Encouragement of walking and non-motorized mobility modes
• Safe interface with public transportation systems outside campus

The campus remains accessible to public jeepney and tricycle routes, allowing students and staff to commute affordably and sustainably.

11.2.3 – Walkability and Pedestrian Safety

Narrative The University prioritizes walkability as a primary movement system, which supports safety, physical wellness, social interaction, and carbon-reduction goals. Improvements include:

• Shaded walkway corridors
• Assigned pedestrian-only zones in academic centers
• Safe crossing points and directional signage
• Lighting enhancements for evening safety

Pedestrian Improvements

Location	Enhancement	Status	Year
Academic Belt Walkway	Shaded pedestrian corridor	Completed	2023
Library-to-Student Center Path	Gradual slope paving and accessibility railings	Completed	2022
Western Campus Green Walk Spine	Green-buffer walkway system	Ongoing	2024

11.2.4 – Connectivity to Local Transportation Systems

Narrative CSU maintains coordinated access routes linking the campus with local city transport systems. Partnerships with local transport groups and LGUs ensure regulated, safe, and affordable access for students and staff. Measures include:

• Defined loading and unloading areas
• Campus boundary traffic flow controls
• Crossing safety signage
• Coordination with barangay and city traffic offices

Challenges and Recommendations

• Establish shuttle transport options for students from remote barangays.
• Expand shaded waiting areas at campus transport nodes.

11.3 — Land Use Planning and Participatory Development

11.3.1 – Sustainable Land Use Planning and Campus Development Strategy

Indicator Description This indicator evaluates how CSU plans and manages campus development to ensure sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive use of space. Narrative Caraga State University implements a long-term and data-informed campus spatial development strategy through its Comprehensive Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP). The LUDIP provides a detailed framework for:

• Zoning and spatial allocation of academic, residential, administrative, and recreational spaces
• Preservation and enhancement of green and open spaces
• Pedestrian-first mobility corridors and reduced car-dependent layout
• Hazard-sensitive site planning, guided by geospatial and DRRM assessments
• Phased development across both main and satellite campuses

The plan aligns with:

• United Nations SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Philippine Development Plan (2023–2028) goals on sustainable and resilient settlements
• CHED CMO No. 1, s. 2022 requiring higher education institutions to integrate sustainability into infrastructure and land-use planning

This institutional planning ensures that CSU grows sustainably, safely, and strategically, while supporting learning, research, housing, and community functions.

Planning Component	Purpose / Sustainability Function	Evidence Source
Campus Zoning and Building Distribution Plan	Prevents congestion and ensures functional clustering	LUDIP Masterplan Sheets
Green and Open Space Network	Supports ecological balance and student wellness	Campus Landscaping Plan
Pedestrian and Mobility Circulation Plan	Promotes walkability and a low-carbon campus	LUDIP Mobility and Access Section
Hazard and Risk Overlay Map	Guides development away from flood or hazard-prone zones	DRRM Hazard Mapping Reports
Multi-Campus Development Phasing	Ensures long-term scalable growth	LUDIP Development Phasing Section

Challenges and Recommendations

• Expand continuous green corridors connecting campus zones.
• Strengthen monitoring and updating mechanisms for LUDIP implementation.
• Increase integration of community feedback in development planning.

11.3.2 – Community Participation in Planning and Development

Indicator Description This indicator evaluates how CSU engages stakeholders such as LGUs, community leaders, planners, faculty, and students in campus and local development planning efforts. Narrative CSU applies a participatory governance model in campus planning and community development. Stakeholders are engaged through consultations, planning workshops, public forums, and development reviews. These engagements ensure that physical development respects both institutional priorities and community needs. Stakeholder participation enables:

• Inclusive discussion of land-use and circulation improvements
• Coordination with city and barangay development plans
• Joint climate resilience planning
• Integration of campus design with community accessibility

Representative Participation Activities

Stakeholder Group	Activity Conducted	Year(s)	Purpose
LGU Planning and Development Office	Campus planning coordination workshop	2022–2023	Align CSU development with city zoning and mobility plans
Barangay Local Government Units	Consultations on boundary zones and pedestrian movement	2023	Ensure safe public access and community integration
CSU Student Organizations	Campus walkability and safety feedback sessions	2022–2024	Incorporate student experience into mobility design
Regional DRRM & ENRO Offices	Hazard risk assessment workshops	2021–2024	Integrate climate risk overlays into development decisions

Challenges and Recommendations

• Strengthen documentation and monitoring of participatory planning outputs.
• Expand student and community representation in planning consultations.
• Institutionalize a Campus Planning Advisory Committee for continuing stakeholder collaboration.

11.4 — Infrastructure, Housing, Public Spaces, and Pedestrian Priority

11.4.1 – Provision of Safe and Affordable Student Housing

Indicator Description This indicator assesses the availability and quality of safe, secure, and affordable housing for students, especially those coming from geographically remote or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Narrative Caraga State University recognizes that access to suitable and secure housing contributes directly to student success and well-being. The University provides on-campus dormitories as affordable residential options to support students who require proximity to academic and support services. Housing development is integrated within the CSU LUDIP, ensuring that new and existing residential facilities align with campus zoning, mobility planning, and climate-resilient building standards. Ongoing renovation and expansion projects have strengthened:

• Security systems (controlled access, monitoring, lighting)
• Ventilation and natural lighting enhancements
• Gender-sensitive residential allocations
• Accessible pathways and entry points
• Study lounges and shared social areas for community-building

Representative Student Housing Facilities

Facility	Capacity / Use	Key Features	Status
CSU Ladies’ Dormitory	Female residents	Study rooms, shared kitchen, 24/7 security	Operational
CSU Gentlemen’s Dormitory	Male residents	Common lounge, multi-room layouts, security access	Operational / undergoing gradual improvement works
Proposed Student Housing Expansion (LUDIP Phase 2)	Planned increase in residential capacity	Integrated into campus green and mobility corridors	In development

Figure Placeholders (Insert Images Directly Under Section in Final Docx) Figure 1. CSU Ladies’ Dormitory Exterior. Figure 2. CSU Gentlemen’s Dormitory Main Entrance. Challenges and Recommendations

• Increase bed capacity to meet growing enrolment.
• Expand access to shared study and wellness spaces.
• Continue phased renovation for uniform accessibility standards.

11.4.2 – Upgrading and Maintenance of Campus Facilities

Indicator Description

This indicator evaluates CSU’s commitment to continuous facility improvement to ensure safe, inclusive, and learning-conducive environments.

Narrative

CSU conducts sustainability-oriented facility upgrades, prioritizing:

• Accessibility retrofitting for PWD users
• Safety enhancements (lighting, handrails, open pathways)
• Ventilation and structural improvements in high-use areas
• Restroom modernization aligned with gender and accessibility considerations

These improvements ensure that the campus environment remains functional, inclusive, and adaptive to student and academic needs. Challenges and Recommendations

• Implement scheduled building audit cycles.
• Increase green building requirements for future construction bids.
• Allocate multi-year budget lines for proactive maintenance.

11.4.3 – Provision of Public and Community Use Open Spaces

Narrative CSU maintains open green spaces integrated into the academic core, student life areas, and campus pedestrian networks. These public spaces support:

• Outdoor learning and group work
• Recreation and wellness activities
• Social interaction and community-building

The University continues to enhance green corridors linking academic buildings, enabling walkable and environmentally restorative campus experiences.

11.4.4 – Facilities Supporting Community Interaction and Well-Being

The University provides student centers, lounges, shaded outdoor seating areas, and multipurpose assembly spacesthat support student wellness and social engagement. These areas contribute to a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus culture.

11.4.5 – Development of Facilities Supporting Inclusive Campus Life

Inclusive campus development ensures:

• Gender-responsive restrooms
• Accessible water and sanitation points
• Prayer and meditation rooms
• Health and counseling services

These facilities strengthen the social and emotional well-being dimensions of campus sustainability.

11.4.6 – Pedestrian Priority and Walkable Campus Design

Indicator Description This indicator measures prioritization of safe, accessible, pedestrian-oriented circulation in campus planning and development. Narrative CSU promotes a pedestrian-first campus environment, reducing vehicular congestion and prioritizing safe, shaded walkways that connect key learning, housing, and service facilities. Infrastructure enhancements include:

• Dedicated pedestrian corridors
• Shaded walkway networks
• Non-slip paving and ADA-compliant pathway gradients
• Controlled access to vehicular zones in the academic core
• Lighting and safety visibility improvements

Walkability Enhancements

Campus Location	Walkway or Corridor Enhancement	Status	Year
Academic Core Spine	Shaded pedestrian-only walkway	Completed	2023
Library–Student Center Link	Slope regrading + handrails	Completed	2022
Western Green Spine	Tree-buffer walkway system	Ongoing	2024

Figure Placeholders (Insert images directly below in Word) Figure 3. Shaded pedestrian corridor along academic buildings. Figure 4. Walkway safety railings and non-slip paving. Figure 5. Landscape walkway buffer zones. Challenges and Recommendations

• Expand walkway shading across southern zones.
• Develop bicycle lane feasibility integration.
• Continue replacing paved surfaces with permeable materials.

Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations

Conclusion

Caraga State University demonstrates strong and sustained commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through strategic campus planning, inclusive infrastructure development, sustainability-oriented research, and community-engaged extension programs. The University’s Comprehensive Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) provides a clear and future-focused framework for guiding campus growth, integrating climate resilience, enhancing accessibility, and promoting livable learning environments. Institutional investments in walkability, public spaces, student housing, environmental governance, and community partnership programs reflect CSU’s recognition that sustainable cities and communities are shaped both by physical development and by participatory, inclusive decision-making. CSU continues to position itself not only as an educational institution, but also as a regional partner in cultivating equitable, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. Ongoing and planned efforts show that CSU is progressing toward becoming a model sustainable university campus in Mindanao — one that balances academic advancement with community responsibility, urban systems thinking, and environmental stewardship.

Strategic Recommendations

To strengthen long-term alignment with SDG 11 and enhance CSU’s performance in national and international sustainability assessments (including THE Impact Rankings), the following recommendations are proposed: 1. Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Develop standardized monitoring frameworks to track:

• Indicator performance metrics
• Campus infrastructure accessibility compliance
• Walkability and mobility improvements
• Community engagement outcomes

2. Increase Opportunities for Sustainable Campus Living

• Expand student housing capacity, prioritizing affordability and accessibility.
• Enhance shared study and wellness facilities in dormitories.

3. Expand Green and Open Spaces

• Increase shaded pedestrian corridors and tree-buffer walkways.
• Convert select paved spaces into permeable green zones.

4. Enhance Integration of Sustainability in Academic Programs

• Strengthen curriculum modules on sustainable urbanism, climate resilience, and community planning.
• Encourage interdisciplinary and student-led sustainability research.

5. Institutionalize Participatory Development Mechanisms

• Establish a Campus Planning Advisory Committee with student, faculty, staff, and community representation.
• Conduct annual campus mobility and accessibility engagement forums.

6. Strengthen Regional and Local Government Partnerships

• Increase collaborative work with LGUs on land-use planning, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable settlement development.
• Expand technical services and research-based advisory support.

By continuing to build upon these strategic priorities, CSU can further embed sustainability into its governance culture, pedagogical innovation, campus development, and community engagement — shaping future-proof, inclusive, and resilient learning environments for the region.