Guided by its Ignatian mission of forming persons for and with others, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the root causes and manifestations of poverty through education, social formation, and community engagement.
The university recognizes that eliminating poverty is not merely a matter of charity, but a pursuit of justice that demands inclusive access to education, sustained livelihood opportunities, and systemic empowerment.
Through scholarships, assistance programs, and community partnerships, Xavier Ateneo concretely advances Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, ensuring that learners and communities in Mindanao are not left behind in the journey toward integral human development.
Opening Doors of Opportunity
Access to quality education lies at the heart of Xavier Ateneo’s anti-poverty mission. In 2024, 150 low-income students received direct financial aid to pursue higher education. These initiatives reflect the university’s belief that education is not only a means of learning, but also a powerful tool that can help lift individuals and families out of poverty across generations.
Among the flagship programs designed to serve economically disadvantaged yet academically deserving students is the St. Francis Xavier Grant-in-Aid. This grant prioritizes applicants from families with an annual income not exceeding ₱500,000 for a family of five. To ease their burden in attaining tertiary education, grantees are awarded ₱25,000 per semester and an additional ₱10,000 for the intersession term. Administered by the Office of Scholarships and Grants, the grant operates on a transparent and merit-based process to ensure that no qualified applicant is denied the opportunity to learn and grow because of economic hardship—a direct manifestation of the university’s commitment to social equity.
Providing Support for Student Well-being
Recognizing that poverty affects more than just tuition affordability, Xavier Ateneo provides a wide range of assistance that addresses students’ holistic well-being.
The Belen Anis: Pan Kada Adlaw program of the Mission and Ministry cluster exemplifies this effort, offering daily meal subsidies to students facing financial limitations.
Complementing this initiative is the Xavier University-Central Student Government (XU-CSG)’s proactive investment in student welfare. In 2024, XU-CSG allocated around ₱60,000 for uniform subsidies, and committed ₱150,000 for the relaunch of the student organization’s meal aid allowance program.
Going beyond material support, the CSG has also established a ₱50,000 mental health fund—a pioneering move among student governments nationwide—to subsidize psychological consultations and medication for students with mental health needs.
In addition, the Student Assistantship Program, managed by the Office of Student Affairs, provides qualified students with on-campus work opportunities. Student assistants render hours of service in various university offices in exchange for monetary allowances applied toward their tuition and matriculation fees. Additionally, the Student Assistance Fund offers short-term loans to help students cover tuition during major examinations or to meet urgent living expenses such as board and lodging.
These measures ensure continuity of learning for students from low-income households and reinforce the university’s belief that financial challenges should never interrupt one’s pursuit of academic success. Further, these efforts ensure that no student’s potential is hindered by hunger, lack of resources, or unaddressed psychosocial challenges.
Extending Education Beyond the Campus
Poverty often excludes out-of-school youth and adults from the opportunities education provides. The Xavier Ateneo Night School Program (NSP), an extension initiative of the Arrupe Educational Center under the School of Education, bridges this gap by offering free and alternative education for out-of-school children, youth, and adults. Implemented in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro City Government and the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System-Region X, the NSP delivers a 12-month learning program that prepares learners for the Accreditation and Equivalency Test of the National ALS Bureau.
In 2024, the NSP served seven batches of learners, many of whom have continued to senior high school or pursued technical-vocational programs. Beyond literacy, the program nurtures leadership, cultural awareness, and holistic formation, affirming the university’s desire to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for all.
Empowering Communities for Sustainable Futures
Xavier Ateneo extends its anti-poverty advocacy beyond its campus walls through active partnerships with local industries and communities.
The university’s engagement with the El Gaucho community in Upper Puerto, Cagayan de Oro demonstrates a deep commitment to financial inclusion and community empowerment. In partnership with the El Gaucho Credit Cooperative (EGCC) and the XU Community Credit Cooperative (XUCCCO), Xavier Ateneo has nurtured a thriving financial ecosystem grounded in trust, solidarity, and education. The Coop Kapatid Program, jointly implemented by EGCC and XUCCCO, strengthens financial literacy and sustainability among cooperative members, helping them build secure and prosperous futures.
In collaboration with Pilmico Foods Corporation and the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., the university’s College of Agriculture spearheaded the Pilmico Corn Enterprise Development Training Program—a component of Project Silk, which trains farmers in yellow corn agri-preneurship. This coaching and mentoring initiative equips members of local cooperatives, including the Hindang Banana Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative and the Iligan Agriculture Cooperative, with the skills and strategies necessary for sustainable agribusiness success.
Health and Hope through Access to Basic Services
Poverty alleviation also requires access to essential health services. Recognizing this, Xavier Ateneo supported Botika sa Kapilya, a church-driven health program in the El Gaucho community. The initiative trained Empowered Catholic Health Workers (ECHWs) to provide basic medical consultations and telemedicine support for residents who lack immediate access to healthcare. With affordable or credit-based access to essential medicines, the program addresses the community’s urgent health needs. This grassroots healthcare initiative aligns with the university’s mission of holistic human development and preferential option for the poor.
Engaging in Policy and Advocacy to Promote Systemic Change
Beyond direct interventions, Xavier Ateneo also contributes to regional and national policy dialogues that address poverty in all its dimensions. The university, represented by key officials of the university’s Social Development cluster, participated in the 2024 Stakeholders Conversations on Migration, Environment, Peace, and Development (MEPD) organized by the Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI). Engaging in Policy and Advocacy to Promote Systemic Change.
A Mission of Solidarity and Transformation
Through scholarships, assistance programs, community partnerships, and policy engagement, Xavier Ateneo is constantly driven to provide a holistic and sustained response to poverty. Rooted in its Ignatian mission, the university goes beyond providing access—it builds pathways for transformation, empowering individuals and communities to live with dignity and full of hope.
In every student supported and every community strengthened, Xavier Ateneo lives out its faith in action—proving that education, compassion, and collaboration remain powerful tools in ending poverty in all its forms.
Read more about how Xavier Ateneo advocates for SDG 1 in 2024 through this report.
This report supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty.