June 8, 2024. Kalinga State University has proudly launched the "Stairways to P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S.: Promoting Rural Opportunities for Green Economic Sustainability and Security" initiative under its Livelihood Enhancement Support (LES) training and seminars. This impactful extension program, submitted as KSU’s entry to the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) under the Entrepreneurial Spirit category, seeks to tackle unsustainable watershed management within the Chico River Basin, a crucial water source in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units, the initiative has taken strategic steps to rehabilitate degraded forest lands and promote sustainable farming practices. At the heart of PROGRESS lies an inclusive approach to natural resource management, tailored to benefit indigenous peoples and resource-poor communities in Kalinga. The program incentivizes sustainable economic activities, such as using local raw materials and adopting eco-friendly processing techniques, enabling upland farmers and smallholders to generate increased revenue through environmentally sound practices. This aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlights KSU’s commitment to fostering a resilient green economy. The PROGRESS initiative has already provided a significant boost to the economic well-being of its beneficiaries. Through training, access to microfinance, and market linkage facilitation, upland farmers have seen noticeable income improvements. A prime example is a coffee-processing cooperative established by local farmers, which has increased members' earnings by 30%. Additionally, the program has enabled micro-entrepreneurs, like a vegetable producer in Lubuagan, to thrive. Supported by microfinance loans, this small business now generates a steady monthly income, providing a valuable livelihood and reducing poverty within the community. The broader impact is evident at the municipal level, with increased revenues observed in participating municipalities. Balbalan, Kalinga, for instance, has experienced a 12% increase in municipal revenue since the program’s inception, fueled by growth in microenterprises and sustainable agroforestry practices. Beyond economic gains, PROGRESS is a proactive force in environmental preservation. The initiative promotes sustainable agricultural and agroforestry practices to mitigate the effects of deforestation and improve watershed management. For example, sustainable coffee production practices adopted by farmers in Kalinga, such as composting and integrated pest management, contribute to reduced deforestation and a healthier watershed. These environmentally friendly practices are essential in safeguarding the Chico River Basin, ensuring that local communities continue to benefit from its resources. PROGRESS has also enriched the academic environment at KSU, with faculty members engaging directly with upland communities. This exposure not only enhances their research on sustainable agriculture but also enriches their teaching, as they incorporate real-world insights and entrepreneurial skills into the classroom. The program has spurred KSU to form valuable partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private entities, magnifying the initiative’s reach and impact. The PROGRESS livelihood extension program is having a far-reaching impact, delivering benefits that include increased income, reduced poverty, improved employment rates, and enhanced environmental conservation. Consumers in Kalinga have responded positively, appreciating the improvement in local product availability and quality and the boost to local employment opportunities. To ensure the sustainability of this program, KSU envisions expanding its reach to additional river basins, developing partnerships with the private sector, and possibly establishing a social enterprise fund. By drawing from the lessons learned and feedback from beneficiaries, PROGRESS can continue to innovate and deliver tailored support to upland communities, contributing to the long-term economic and environmental resilience of the Cordillera region. KSU’s "Stairways to P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S." project stands as an evidence to the university’s commitment to sustainable development, creating lasting change by harmonizing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. This transformative program exemplifies KSU's dedication to advancing rural livelihoods and a thriving green economy, setting a benchmark in the field of entrepreneurial spirit and sustainable rural development.