by Wilson J Hormeguera

Xavier University, through Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) in collaboration with the various schools and colleges and partner institutions, held the 1st Service Learning Summit.  The summit showcased students’ academic output-based researches on development processes and concerns of community partners specifically PANAW Sumilao, Impasugong, Balingasag, and Lumbia.

Student-researchers from the school of Business and Management and the colleges of Engineering, Computer Studies, Agriculture, and Arts and Sciences presented on a wide range of topics, namely: setting up an accounting system, feasibility studies and infrastructure design for the Panaw Sumilao Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the use of GIS and other computer systems for price monitoring of agricultural commodities, case study on nutritional assessment, IEC campaign on WASH, moral socialization of mothers in Lumbia, and total coliform analysis in the mariculture park of Balingasag

“Service Learning Program (SLP) confirms the real essence of Ignatian Education.  An education not confined in the four walls of the classroom,” reflected Jim B. Acut II, one of the SLP student-researchers.  “It is a realization that my Xavier Education is indeed not just for self-betterment but community development.”

Fr Roberto Yap SJ, university president, said that he was “very impressed and very happy knowing about the Service Learning Summit because indeed our university responds to Fr Pedro Arrupe’s call of putting theories into ‘praxis.’”
He thanked the student-researches and their mentors, KKP-SIO and the partner communities which he said also served as the students’ mentors. “I hope this summit will become the university’s annual activity,” Fr Yap added.

Also present during the summit were the community partners: the Sumilao Farmers, Claveria Parish, Upper Palalan Parents Children Cooperative (UPPCCO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10, and the Social Involvement Offices of Ateneo de Zamboanga, Miriam College, and University of St La Salle Bacolod. 

XU’s SLP is in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Services and is currently coordinated by Arniel D Daluz of KKP-SIO.