by Wilson J Hormeguera

The Kristohanon Katilingban sa Pagapakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) officially launched the Collaborative Service Learning Program (SLP) for the second semester this school year.
 
This SLP launching was attended by 70 students of the following courses:  Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Accountancy, Business Administration and Development Communication.  These participants, bringing in their respective course field expertise, will be engaged in helping the small farmers in Sumilao improve their farm productivity and in promoting and strengthening agro-enterprise activities.
 
Engr Ermin Stan B Pimentel, KKP-SIO Director, said that the SPL enables students to put to actual use the theories discussed in the classroom by partnering with the Sumilao farmers.  This, he said, is also the actualization of the University’s mission statement of forming “men and women for others.”
 
In the testimonial he gave during the launching, Engr Dexter Lo, Director of the Engineering Resource Center, said that SLP puts a deeper flesh into the students’ learning since they find meaning and joy in the experience. 

XU-SLP is carried out in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international NGO that helps small farmers improve their agricultural production.  Present during the launching was Mr Ryan Russel, Director of the CRS Regional Office in Davao.

XU-CRS Project Manager, Mr Robert dela Serna, said that CRS will logistically assist CSLP since these students’ projects will benefit the farmers.   
 
The students’ projects for Sumilao will be presented to the University in February 2012, said Mr Arniel D Daluz, XU-SLP Coordinator.