Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) organized a Service-Learning (SL) Summit themed "Service Learning: Harnessing Education and Service for Sustainable Development." This summit underscored XU's commitment to holistic education and community development with students showcasing their service-learning projects, as well as sharing valuable experiences and insights gained. XU-SLP partners actively participated in the event, including representatives from Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental local government units, line agencies like DSWD and DTI, and non-profit organizations including the Calabrian Children's Foundation, Inc and the Philippines Island Kids International Foundation, Inc. The summit was a highlight of the Social Development Week Celebration held from 6-10 May 2024.
(In Photo: Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, welcomes participants to Xavier Ateneo’s SL Summit 2024)
XU President, Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, opened the summit by highlighting the importance of service-learning within XU's educational framework. He emphasized its role in shaping well-rounded students, "At Xavier University, service-learning is an essential component of learning. We want our students to be not just academically strong, but also grounded in their faith – to be both God-fearing and God-loving citizens who actively contribute to society. Fr Mars' words underscored the university's commitment to nurturing socially responsible individuals. These individuals are equipped to understand the challenges faced by communities and leverage their education to bridge developmental gaps.
An overview of the SL Summit 2024 was given by Ms Gail dela Rita, Director of the Service-Learning Program. She highlighted the program's evolution, emphasizing its mandate of being the main vehicle for social formation in the university. She described how social development has become the driving force behind service-learning, creating a bridge for academia to directly engage with communities and tackle real-world challenges. She noted the significant faculty involvement and institutional partnerships that have enabled SL engagements to thrive across academic programs.
(In Photo: Ms Donnalyn Iris B Topia, 4th year Civil Engineering student, shares her service-learning
engagement with the MDRRMO of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental where their class developed hazard
maps of Brgy Casinglot and Brgy Natumolan)
Student presenters shared their SL initiatives related to various topics. In public health and nutrition, including community health nursing programs and microbiological water quality assessments. Environmental sustainability and disaster resilience projects featured biodiversity assessments, coastal ecology studies, and disaster risk reduction mapping and policy reviews. Education endeavors highlighted the development of learning materials, engaging puppetry productions, and educational programs for children. Organizational governance efforts included energy audits and the development of information and database systems. Agriculture and livelihood ventures showcased botanical extract production, soil analysis, and marketing materials development for social entrepreneurship programs. Furthermore, technology and innovation initiatives displayed projects like automated sensor-based systems, GIS technology applications, and interactive app development for online behavior education.
(In Photo: Service-Learning Partners who shared their impressions on the students SL engagements
receive their token from Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, University President and Engr Dexter S Lo,
VP Social Development)
The partners involved in Xavier University's Service-Learning (SL) initiatives were invited to share their impressions and how the initiatives have assisted their institutions. Ms Ludy Roxas, President of the MTMH Garden Farmers Association, spoke of significant cost reductions in purchasing pesticides and safer harvests thanks to student-introduced organic alternatives. Marlyn Arabis, President of the Balubal Sericulture Farmers Association, expressed deep appreciation for the marketing and promotional materials developed by Marketing Management students. Fr Ronnie Lapara, Executive Director of the Calabrian Children's Foundation, praised Xavier University's unwavering support. He highlighted how SL initiatives streamlined their operations and provided valuable learning materials for house parents to aid the beneficiaries' education. Mr Glenn Inovero, Partnerships Coordinator for the DSWD Bukidnon 1 Cluster, emphasized his gratitude for the partnership's potential to enhance their capacity building programs under the Sustainable Livelihood Program. These reflections showcase Xavier University's commitment to fostering impactful partnerships and driving positive change in communities through service-oriented education.
Xavier University's SL initiatives not only benefit communities but also enrich students' educational experience, fostering social responsibility and driving positive societal impact. As Xavier continues to lead in service-oriented education, it reaffirms its commitment to shaping compassionate leaders who catalyze meaningful change in society.