The College of Human Ecology (CHE) celebrates 50 years since its foundation on November 28, 1974. Back then, it was established as the Institute of Human Ecology (IHE) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in response to the call of the Stockholm Conference for a “common outlook and principle to inspire and guide the people and the world in preservation and enhancement of the human environment”. IHE became CHE in 1983. Since then, CHE is one of only a few institutions in Asia and the world that offers a degree program in Human Ecology and is the first and only one to offer the degree in the Philippines. It has continued to advocate for a holistic and integrative understanding of human-environment interactions and to conduct activities that focus on the fulfilment of basic human needs, resource planning utilisation and management, and delivery of social services at the family, community, and societal levels.

CHE@50 culminates the celebration of the milestones of the college in providing quality instruction, research, and public service to the nation and the rest of the world. It highlights diversity and collaboration between academic institutions, practitioners, and policymakers in shaping pathways for human ecology, fostering understanding, cooperation, and innovation to address environmental and societal challenges in the Philippines.

This Special Issue aims to publish an overview of the Philippines’ development, challenges, milestones, and pathways for Human Ecology. This serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, insights, and innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social issues in the Philippines. It also showcases interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts aimed at co-creating pathways for a more sustainable and equitable future in the country. Contributions include original research articles, reviews, short communications, and case studies. See Instructions to Authors.  

Keywords: human ecology, transdisciplinary, interdisciplinary, diversity, environmental issues, societal challenges, sustainability, pathways

Contributions may include but not limited to the following topics:

• Theorizing Human Ecology from the Philippine experience
• History, development, challenges, and pathways for human ecology in higher education institutions
• Reflections on Human Ecology education, research, and practice in the Philippines of CHE Pillars, Thought leaders, Faculty, Distinguished CHE Alumni , and student leaders, including future development and impact pathways of Human Ecology
• Perspectives on the futures of Human Ecology
• International Linkages of CHE through the years
• Impact Assessment of CHE
• Impact Assessment of CHE programs and public service
• Human Ecology Literature in the Philippines
• Human Ecology Research in the Philippines and in CHE

Editors:

Jennifer Marie S. Amparo
Dean
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Casper B. Agaton
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Human Ecology and Sustainability (JHES)
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Efraim D. Roxas
Guest Editor, JHES
Assistant Professor
Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Inero V. Ancho
Associate Editor, JHES
Associate Professor
Department of Human and Family Development Studies
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Kristina S.A. Cordero-Bailey
Guest Editor, JHES
Assistant Professor
Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Paul Alteo A. Bagabaldo
Guest Editor, JHES
Assistant Professor
Institute of Human Nutrition and Food
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Ron Jay P. Dangcalan
Guest Editor, JHES
Assistant Professor
Department of Social Development Services
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Leila S. Africa
Guest Editor, JHES
Professor
Institute of Human Nutrition and Food
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Liezl M. Atienza
Guest Editor, JHES
Professor
Institute of Human Nutrition and Food
College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Open Submission: March 11, 2024

Deadline of Submission: July 31, 2024

Date of Publication: immediately after acceptance