Tacloban City, Philippines – The Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) joined the EVSU communiy on September 1, 2025, for the fourth State University Address (SUA) of University President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz. The address, titled “One EVSU 2.0: One Vision. One Action. One Community,” highlighted the university’s significant milestones from the past year and outlined a unified direction for the future.

Dr. De Paz’s address focused on the university’s achievements across its four core functions: instruction, research and innovation, extension, and production. However, the most urgent message of his speech was an impassioned call to action on climate change.

“Let us make EVSU into an anchor of resilience and climate action,” Dr. De Paz urged the community. “Let us unite for this cause. Let us show the nation that EVSU is ready to lead. Let us ensure that future generations will look back and say, ‘Here in Eastern Visayas, a university stood up and changed the course of climate resilience for the country.'”

This vision is particularly resonant in the Eastern Visayas region, which has been severely impacted by natural disasters, including the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Dr. De Paz’s message underscores the university’s commitment to moving beyond academic excellence to make tangible contributions toward a sustainable future for the region.

The “One EVSU 2.0” initiative aims to strengthen collaboration and synergy among all EVSU campuses. The EVSU-CC’s participation in the SUA confirms its commitment to these goals, particularly its role in promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience. The campus is expected to integrate Dr. De Paz’s call into its programs and initiatives, working to establish EVSU as a leader in climate action for the Philippines.

– by A.T.Cerezo, photos by Jane Ann Pongpong