By: Vincent Cabanlit Manus 
XU community organizer

XU faculty, staff, volunteers, and social development cluster

For many residents of the El Gaucho community in Upper Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, access to healthcare and professional services is often difficult. Although the barangay is part of the city, its remote location makes it difficult for residents to access regular medical consultations, legal assistance, and mental health support. Many families rely on jobs such as construction, driving, and farming that provide for daily needs but leave little budget for medical expenses or other professional services.

In addition, many residents living in nearby areas are among the identified beneficiaries of the housing project of Xavier University in partnership with the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD), which is currently undergoing its development process. These identified beneficiaries are presently residing within properties owned by Xavier University, and some families also maintain small farms within the same property as part of their livelihood.

Given these realities, residents expressed appreciation when free consultations and support services were brought directly to their community during the Laag Konsulta held on 5 March 2026 at the Old Mansion on the Xavier University El Gaucho Campus. The outreach activity was conducted as part of the Social Development Week 2026, which ran from 2 to 7 March with the theme “Pagtubag sa Hagit sa Panahon.”

For the 68 El Gaucho residents who received the services, the event provided a rare opportunity to access services that are not always readily available in their area. Medical consultations, legal advice, mental health awareness sessions, and psychosocial support were offered throughout the activity.

Many residents shared that healthcare is often postponed as daily expenses such as food, transportation, and school needs come first. Some community members also expressed that they rarely have the chance to speak with professionals about their concerns, whether related to health, legal matters, or emotional well-being. Activities like the Laag Konsulta, therefore, became an important space where they could ask questions, seek advice, and feel supported.

Residents also appreciated the presence of XU volunteers, students, faculty, and staff who came to listen and provide assistance. For many of them, the visit was not only about receiving services but also about feeling that their needs and concerns were heard.

Community members expressed hope that similar outreach activities will continue in the future, and that the programs that bring services directly to their community will help ease the burden of traveling long distances and paying for consultations that may otherwise be out of reach. More importantly, these initiatives strengthen the relationship between institutions and communities, showing that collaboration and compassion can help address everyday challenges faced by families in El Gaucho.

Through opportunities like the Laag Konsulta, residents of El Gaucho are reminded that their voices and needs matter, and that support from different sectors can help improve the well-being of their community.