The Venue
Founded in 1901 by Presbyterian missionaries, Silliman University (SU) is the oldest American University in the Philippines. It is a private research university that emphasizes Christian values towards the well-being of society and the environment. Producing some of the Philippines best students, SU has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education and Teacher Education and a Center of Development in Biology, Information Technology Education and Accountancy. Several National Artists for the Arts and Literature have also hailed from Silliman.
More important for the debate is the dedication of Silliman University in maintaining environmental sustainability. Its programs on coastal resource-management has put the Philippines in spotlight for reviving Apo Island as one of the best diving spots in the world. Silliman University is found in Dumaguete City, fondly considered by many as a "University Town", due to the presence of several educational institutions and the modest nature of the City. SU also hosts several museums that you may enjoy during your stay in the Eco-debates. Eco-tour Site
What's a debate about the environment if we are not to appreciate it first hand? Apo Island
Apo Island is a diver's paradise, visited by local and foreign diving enthusiasts as it boasts of one of the best community-managed marine sanctuaries in the Philippines, if not in the entire world. It is a small island is located next to the Island of Negros, at the very south. 30 km south of the capital, Dumaguete City. It is only 3 km in diameter and the highest point reaches only 120m high, with a light house on top. It has a white stone beach, and an unusually vibrant coral reef, which has been protected as a fish sanctuary since 1982. Apo Island offers and extraordinary diving and snorkeling experience, with underwater visibility rivaled by only a few other places. The words used by even the most experinced of divers to describe it are awesome, spectacular and breathtaking! On the other side of the island are rocky beaches and a marine resource of all kind of large fish species. One may also choose to explore the hiking trail to the top of the island where you can see a view of the sea and many different fruit trees. (taken from http://www.godumaguete.com) |
The Philippines
It's more fun in the Philippines - in big, bold letters. We can say so many things about the Philippines - from the good food, the even better beaches, and one of the best people you might meet. But let these websites testify to what the Philippines really is about:
http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/ - Official Tourism website http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines - Lonely Planet Guide to the Philippines National Geographic Travel Guide Southeast Asia Backpacker Top 10 Things to do in the Philippines Dumaguete City
Far from the hustle and busy streets of Manila, Dumaguete is a quaint little city in Central Philippines. Unlike the dense urban jungles of several metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia, Dumaguete is a perfect escape to unwind. You can actually go around the whole city in a day (safely, too)!
Everything that "happens" in Negros Oriental happens in the provincial capital, Dumaguete City. The biggest festivals are held here, this is where the best restaurants and bars are located, plus the students all go to school here. The Perdices Coliseum hosts all the sporting events of the province, and there is a spanking new Convention Center, too. It is the seat of the local government so it has both a city hall and a provincial capitol building. A university town, it is home to the best schools of Negros Oriental with 30,000 students (which means cheap, good eats for tourists, too!) The essence of Dumaguete can be described by three words -- bustling yet charming! (excerpt from from http://www.godumaguete.com/ Visit the website for more information about Dumaguete City.) |