By: John Louis R Caga
SLP Formator
In Photo: XU Social Development Cluster patronizing the local products of Malitbog, Bukidnon
The Social Development (SD) Week 2025 started the first day of its week-long celebration through the TABUAN and Product Fest, gathering XU’s community partners to exhibit and promote products from their localities. The event brings the rich & diverse culture of Mindanao to Xavier University.
The week-long TABUAN and Product Fest showcases Maranao cuisine and delicacies from Butig, Lanao Del Sur, including the well-known beef rendang and organically grown red rice, all brought by Peace Crops, Inc a non-government organization led by Executive Director, Mr Robert Dela Serna. According to Mr Dela Serna, Xavier University’s post-Marawi Siege engagement in Marawi City, inspired him to establish Peace Crops. Since then, the organization has been working with the Maranao and other communities in Butig to help improve their lives, primarily through agriculture and agro-tourism
The Xavier Science Foundation, Inc (XSF), led by Executive Director, Mr Roel R Ravanera, highlights the products made by the Indigenous People (IP) communities from Bukidnon. They have various handicrafts, including baskets and banigs, all diligently woven & crafted by IP youth and women. Roasted and brewed coffee are also available, all grown in the highland areas of Mt Kalatungan. Founded by Fr William Masterson, SJ, XSF is in its 57th year, continuing its mission for community development in Bukidnon.
The Xavier University Community Credit Cooperative (XUCCCO) also participates in this celebration and is represented by Manager Ms Jessica Dacera. She emphasized that “ang XUCCCO karon nagshowcase siya dili lang sa product; [it also] tells the story of transformation…”, highlighting the Cooperative’s collaborative efforts in the community. These efforts include providing financial education to members, empowering XU employees to grow their businesses, encouraging students to be financially prepared, and extending opportunities to alumni and their families. Throughout the week-long event, the cooperative invited attendees to join and become part of the larger XUCCCO community.
In Photo: Tabuan and Product fest features products from the Xavier Science Foundation,
LGU Malitbog, PEACE Crops, and XUCCCO
Town products of Malitbog, Bukidnon, including peanut rolls, banana chips, and herbal-based products, such as turmeric, salabat, and citronella scented candles are also showcased at the event. An exhibition of soil paintings by Mr Jaime Kilem Jr, a local artist known for using various soils found in Malitbog, Bukidnon to paint his artworks. Ms Amalyn R. Morin, the Tourism Officer of LGU Malitbog, then emphasizes one of the mandates of tourism, “…it is not just to promote the natural beauty of the municipality but also to preserve what we have and also to preserve the culture…in Malitbog we try our best to balance both, to promote the culture, to preserve the natural resources and at the same time to allow people to visit and experience the naturally beautiful Malitbog, Bukidnon…”. LGU Malitbog through the Tourism Office, passionately expresses that community development should also call for the promotion and preservation of heritage and culture.
In Photo: The TABUAN and Product Fest 2025, Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting between the XU Social Development cluster
with XSF, LGU Malitbog, XUCCCO, and Peace Crops.
The TABUAN and Product Fest concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, forging stronger connections between our community partners and Xavier University. It is in these partnerships that we are able to continue and sustain our collective mission in Social Development. As we launch this year’s SD Week, the Social Development cluster invites the XU community to participate and learn from our various activities throughout the week.