The Social Development Cluster at Xavier Ateneo has fostered collaborative partnerships with diverse public and private institutions. This enables the Xavier Ateneo community to actively address critical development challenges in Mindanao, the Philippines, and the broader ASEAN region. Through its various programs and centers, the office leverages the expertise of faculty, students, and staff to significantly contribute to communities in areas such as Disaster Risk and Resilience, Human Rights, and Good Governance, among other critical development areas.
RD Ramel Jamen, DSWD 10 Regional Director, and Mr Rhandy Ladoroz, DSWD 10 Sustainable
Livelihood Program Regional Program Coordinator pose a photo with the XU Service Learning Program
team led by its Director, Engr Gail dela Rita during the Gawad Sulong Awards 2024
Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, through the Service Learning Program (SLP), was the sole academic institution nominated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MisOr Cluster 1 for the 'Best Implementing Partner' category in its Gawad Sulong Awards held on 12 December 2024 at Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. SLP secured third place for its partnership with the agency, which focused on providing capacity-building initiatives in sustainable agricultural practices and financial management to beneficiaries of the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program. Engr Gail dela Rita, SLP Director, along with Ms Victoria Melissa Pulido and Mr John Caga, SLP Formators, attended the awarding ceremonies to receive the recognition.
Engr Dexter Lo, Vice President for Social Development, was recognized as a valuable resource speaker during the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Council Meeting held on 7 December 2024, at the VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. The meeting focused on the Northern Mindanao Infrastructure Resiliency Program. Engr Lo, an advocate for resilient infrastructure and disaster resilience, shared his expertise and insights in the council meeting. His contributions were highly valued by the RDRRMC members as they work on developing strategies to improve the region's capacity to withstand and recover from natural disasters.
RD Antonio B Sugarol Regional Director, OCD-10 Chairperson, RDRRMC-10 presents the
plaque of appreciation to Engr Dexter Lo, VP for Social Development
Ms Therese Rhea Rose Baliwag-Vallente, Assistant to the Vice President for Social Development, was recognized for her significant contributions as a member of the regional selection and validation committee for the 24th National Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan). The ceremony was held on 29 November 2024, at the N Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Gawad KALASAG honors individuals and institutions that demonstrate exemplary leadership, expertise, and collaborative efforts in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). As a validator, Ms Baliwag-Vallente played a crucial role in identifying and recognizing the most resilient organizations and local government units, thereby strengthening the nation's commitment to mitigating disaster risks and enhancing disaster preparedness.
Ms Therese Rhea Rose Baliwag-Vallente, Asst. to the VP for Social Development attends the
24th Gawad KALASAG Awarding Ceremony and receives her plaque of recognition.
Atty Ernesto Neri, Director of Xavier University's Center for Legal Assistance and Legal Officer of the Cagayan de Oro City Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), was recognized during the Awarding Ceremonies for the Council's first-ever CADACIG Award held on 29 November 2024, at Chali Resort in Cagayan de Oro City. Atty Neri played a crucial role in the reorganization and institutionalization of the City's Drug Abuse Council, which aims to create a safe and drug-free environment for all Kagayanons.
The Social Development Cluster proudly acknowledges the meaningful engagements and well-deserved recognition of its offices and programs. Committed to the spirit of service and MAGIS, it looks forward to forging deeper and more impactful collaborative partnerships in the years to come.