About Us
Biodiversity, Environment and Natural Resources Center (BENRC)
The Biodiversity, Environment and Natural Resources Research Center (CTU-BENRC) is located inside the premises of CTU Argao Campus. It is a two-story building with approximately 700 sqm floor area. The studies that the Center will focus shall include but not limited to the following areas namely Biodiversity Researches, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management & Utilization; and Social Science Investigations that look into the social, economic and governance aspects of Biodiversity, Environment and Natural Resources. CTU-BENRC is aimed to generate information for the advancement of knowledge and understanding of Philippine biodiversity and environment as important factors for sustainable development.
VISION
BENRC is a leading arm of CTU for the advancement of biodiversity, environment and resource management studies in the region.
MISSION
The BENRC aims to generate research and development, education and information for the advancement of knowledge and understanding of Philippine biodiversity, environment and natural resources as important factors for sustainable development.
GOALS
Conduct periodic monitoring activities of significant biodiversity conservation areas in Cebu and the region for continuous generation of knowledge.
Monitor environmental quality in agro-ecological systems, coastal and river environments, and biodiversity-rich areas to develop support strategies to maintain environmental quality or minimize negative impacts of development.
Partner with communities for a holistic approach to environmental management, biodiversity conservation and proper resource utilization.
Explore possibilities on wise use of resources to optimize benefits derived therefrom and package such for sustainable ecotourism.
Develop IEC materials and publications to educate communities on proper care of the environment and conservation of biodiversity.
GENERAL/KEY FUNCTIONS
Research, development, extension and community service, and production-related to biodiversity researches, environmental studies, natural resources management and utilization; and social science investigations.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Cebu Technological University Argao Campus is one of the satellite campuses of the Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) known as the CSCST – Agro-Industrial and Forestry College (CSCST-AIFC). It primarily offers Four-year degree courses in Agriculture and Forestry and a Two-year associate degree in Industrial Education. Over the years, degree programs in Education, Hospitality Management and Industrial Technology have been added. More recently, degree programs in English, Industrial Engineering and Information and Communications Technology are also added. As it continually grows, graduate programs in Education, Public Administration and Technology Management are offered. At present, CTU Argao campus has transformed into a more diversified Higher Education Institution, which contributes significantly to the development of the country in general and this part of the region in particular.
With regard to Research as one of the mandated functions of the University, CTU Argao has been into it since the research was first shaped in the late 1990s. Then on, CTU Argao contributes significantly not only in terms of the number of projects but also in terms of quality by having won in many of the institution’s R&D In-House Reviews as well as in other conferences. Although many of the researches in Argao are published in the University’s own research journal – the Tropical Technology Journal, some research works are also published in known publications like Silliman Journal and Asia Life Sciences, among others. A number of papers that CTU Argao campus has produced are more on biodiversity, environment and natural resource studies, hence the Research Center is to be named after these core topics.
The Center will be officially named Cebu Technological University – Biodiversity, Environment and Natural Resources Research Center (CTU-BENRC). The studies that the Center will focus shall include but not limited to the following areas namely Biodiversity Researches, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management & Utilization; and Social Science Investigations that look into the social, economic and governance aspects of Biodiversity, Environment and Natural Resources.
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Rosalyn P. Alburo
- (032) 485-8290
- benrc.argao@ctu.edu.ph