Charting the Course of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Integration in Romblon State University: A Sustainability-Based Study on Students’ Level of Awareness

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), introduced by the United Nations in 2015, provide a global sustainability framework addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. As higher education institutions play a vital role in advancing sustainability, this study examines the level of SDG awareness among students at Romblon State University and analyzes its relationship with year level. Using a descriptive-quantitative design and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), data from 2,267 students revealed a high level of SDG awareness, particularly in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), which were the most visible on campus. Results show that year level significantly predicts SDG awareness (R² = 0.224, p < .001), indicating that awareness improves as students’ progress academically. However, gaps remain in deeper understanding, curriculum integration, and institutional support. The findings highlight the need to strengthen sustainability education through curriculum alignment, targeted awareness programs, and enhanced institutional initiatives. This study contributes to advancing sustainability practices in higher education by providing insights into improving SDG integration and student engagement.