Day 0 of The AJCU-AP SLP 2025: The delegates and organizers meet for the first time in Legazpi City, Albay,
set against the iconic backdrop of the Mayon Volcano.

The delegation from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan recently participated in the 14th Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities in Asia Pacific Service Learning Program (AJCU-AP SLP) 2025. Hosted by Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), this two-week program began on the 2nd of August and successfully concluded on the 16th of August 2025. The program brought together culturally diverse undergraduate students from Jesuit Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the Asia Pacific Region, including, Instituto São João de Brito (Timor Leste), Sanata Dharma University (Indonesia), Sophia University (Japan), Xavier Learning Community (Thailand), and the four Ateneo universities in the Philippines who participated this year: Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

Xavier Ateneo Delegates in their Cultural Attire with Fr Aristotle Dy, SJ, ADNU President (center) during the Cultural and
Socials Night in Sacred Heart Formation Center Brgy. Pacol, Naga City.

Xavier Ateneo’s delegation comprised of four selected student delegates: Mr Johnwell Kyle C Amansec (BSIE 4), Ms Katrina E Daba (BSEd English 4), Ms Leigh Kyla Rondina (BS DevCom 4), and Mr Zaldy S Ocon, Jr (BS MBio 4). They were accompanied by two faculty/formator companions: Ms Ruby Jane B Rivera (Faculty & Chair, IS/History Department) and Mr John Louis R Caga (SLP Formator). This participation was the result of the collaborative efforts from the Office of International Cooperation and Networking (OICN), headed by Dr Shiella C Balbutin, the Social Development-Service Learning Program (SD-SLP) office led by its director, Ms Gail P Dela Rita, and the active endorsements and support from the four colleges/schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Agriculture, College of Engineering, and the School of Education.

This year’s AJCU-AP SLP embraced the theme, “One With Nature”, drawing inspiration from the late Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si' on caring for our common home. The two weeks were filled with learnings, reflections, diverse engagements with communities, and intensive exposures to both rural and urban environments.

In the earlier parts of the program, students were able to meet and learn from environmentalists and/or advocates, from both the public and private sectors. These resource persons shared their experiences and expertise, discussing various topics including, present challenges in crafting environmental policies and laws, revisiting the concept of ecological conversion, and the collaborative efforts of the Naga City LGU, NGOs, and CSOs in preserving the city’s environment and natural resources.

To discover what it truly means to be “one with nature”, the delegates experienced diverse field exposures and community immersions within Naga City and its neighboring municipalities. Highlights included exposure to the majestic Malabsay Falls at Mount Isarog Natural Park, planting of mangrove propagules at Calabanga, Camarines Sur, an insightful look of Naga City’s urban environment through the City Photo Walk, and the tree-nurturing activity at ADNU’s “forest in our midst” site. These exposures hope to inspire this young generation to a greater call of protecting, conserving, and preserving our environment and its surrounding communities.

Also an essential part of the program is the students’ engagement with the community, through a two-day community immersion at Brgy. Balatasan and Brgy. Punta Tarawal, both are coastal barangays in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. The delegates led the clean-up drives in the forested wetland areas and community garden, a feeding program for the children, and a culminating activity showcasing various Bicolano cuisines and delicacies. These activities highlighted the great value of service and sense of community in this Service learning program.

Crucially, student delegates were engaged in periodic reflections and spiritual conversations, guided by their faculty/formator companions, to conclude each day’s activities. These sessions are significant avenues for students to harvest their experiences and use the Ignatian Pedagogy to make meaning out of them—allowing the facilitation of formation, which is a core component of Service Learning.

This article will also present the student delegates’ personal experiences and reflection throughout the two-weeks in the program. Their personal narratives will offer deeper insights and shed light on the impact of this International Service Learning Program.