Undergraduate Co-creation Program

The Samar Climate Action Labs Innovation Track for University Undergraduates is a semester-long program empowering students to design and implement transformative climate solutions in their local communities. Leveraging Harvard’s Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) and Design Thinking methodologies, the program fosters collaboration between students, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), barangay officials, and educational institutions to tackle real-world climate challenges.

By reimagining campuses and barangays as Living Labs, students develop actionable and sustainable solutions while gaining hands-on experience and skills that can shape their academic and professional journeys. Projects initiated in this track can evolve over multiple semesters—from freshman exploration to thesis, capstone, or startup projects in senior year—providing a pathway for sustained impact.

What is a Living Lab?

A Living Lab is an ecosystem where innovative ideas are co-created, tested, and refined in real-world settings. Students will use their school campuses and barangays as experimental grounds to design and implement climate solutions, ensuring community engagement and relevance.

Program Methodologies

Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)

PDIA equips students to deconstruct complex climate issues, identify opportunities for intervention, and iteratively test solutions. This approach emphasizes flexibility, learning, and adaptation in problem-solving.

Design Thinking

This human-centered methodology empowers students to empathize with community needs, ideate innovative solutions, and create prototypes for real-world application.

Program Milestones

Week 1-3: Climate Problem Immersion and Ideation

• Students will collaborate with SK leaders and barangay officials to identify pressing local climate issues.

• Workshops on PDIA and Design Thinking will help students frame clear, actionable problems.

Week 4-6: Co-Creation and Solution Prototyping

• Using the Living Lab model, students will brainstorm and prototype solutions in their school campuses or barangays.

• Teams will test initial ideas and gather feedback for refinement.

Week 7-9: Implementation and Iterative Testing

• Students will implement solutions in Living Labs, documenting successes and challenges.

• Iterative testing ensures adaptability and strengthens impact.

Week 10-12: Scaling and Sustainability Planning

• Teams will explore ways to scale their solutions within and beyond their barangays.

• Workshops on sustainability planning will prepare students to transition their projects into long-term initiatives.

Week 13-15: Final Presentations and Recognition

• Teams will present their project outcomes during a public showcase event.

• Outstanding solutions will be recognized, and participants will receive certifications.

Pathways to Continued Impact

Students may extend their projects across semesters, from introductory courses to senior-level thesis or startup initiatives. Individuals pursuing extended projects can apply for the Jambatan Transnational Project Co-Listing Program, enabling their initiatives to be co-listed with partner cities and universities worldwide, fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Why Join?

• Transformative Learning: Apply classroom concepts to real-world climate challenges.

• Collaboration: Work closely with SK leaders, barangay officials, and fellow students.

• Global Connectivity: Leverage the Jambatan program for transnational impact.

• Professional Growth: Build a portfolio of practical solutions aligned with academic goals.

• Lasting Impact: Shape sustainable outcomes for your campus and community.

Join us in building resilient communities and innovating for a sustainable future in Baguio City—and beyond!

Sample Projects