XU Social Involvement and Advocacy Program

AMDG

The Teacher Education Student Leaders Assembly (TESLA) 5 conducted a meeting with the Xavier University Student Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) on May 13 at the SIAP Office to strengthen collaboration in advancing student leadership and community engagement.

The meeting was attended by TESLA 5 Finance Leads Joseph Juan and Vilchie Camomot, alongside SIAP Director Nestor Banuag Jr. and SIAP Program Officer for Institutional Advocacy Keziah Molarca.

During the discussion, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration and support for TESLA 5's upcoming community engagement initiatives.

TESLA 5 delegates are set to implement their community project at the Philippine Island Kids Foundation, Inc. (PIKIFI) Learning Center in June, aimed at fostering meaningful learning experiences and community development.





Report by Joash Nalitan

Leadership training and initial planning session done with HOA officers of Talongan Village in Calaanan Resettlement Site

Onward toward a more organized and empowered Talongan community.

The Xavier University Atiman Kinaiyahan Tree Growing Program successfully held its 2nd Annual Culminating Activity on 13 May 2026 at the Little Theater, gathering members of the university community, including active partners and volunteers, in a meaningful celebration of collaboration and shared commitment to caring for our common home.

The celebration of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, is a time to remember a profound act of sacrifice rooted in faith, obedience, and trust. May this occasion continue to remind us of the values of generosity, humility, and unity, which help strengthen our bonds and bring us together in solidarity.

Photo credit: Becky Pulido

"Empowering Senior High School Students Through Career Guidance and Education Pathways in Cagayan de Oro"

The Economics students led by Ms. Hannah Faith Padinit focused on the possible options for Senior High School students in deciding whether to continue their studies or enter the workforce, especially given their challenging economic situation. This initiative was part of the “Pagpukaw sa Kadasig” activity under the ECONVerse Sessions for the second semester of SY 2025–2026, conducted through the Econ 124 course in partnership with SIAP under the Social Development Cluster.

The project was implemented in close coordination with the PIKIFI Community Center located near the Old Zayas Landfill in Barangay Carmen, which greatly helped in reaching the target participants and ensuring the success of the activity. A key part of the discussion also involved coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, using current labor market data from Region X. This provided participants with a clearer understanding of in-demand jobs, emerging opportunities, and the skills currently needed in the local job market.

The main objective of the activity was to guide participants in exploring available opportunities in Cagayan de Oro, particularly employment options, while also encouraging them to consider continuing their education. Since many participants expressed interest in pursuing further studies, they were also introduced to possible scholarship programs they could apply for.

The session also highlighted the importance of having clear dreams and life plans. By setting goals and thinking ahead, students can better guide themselves in choosing the right path for their future.

The participants expressed their gratitude to PIKIFI for its continued support in their education, especially through moral and financial assistance that helps them pursue and complete their chosen courses.

Photo Credit: Eno Ledesma, BS Development Communication 2

One of the timely topics under the ECONVerse Session Series through the Econ 124 course and SIAP of XU is disaster preparedness, focusing on hazards such as fire, flood, and earthquakes. The discussion also connects to key economic concepts such as risk, vulnerability, and the costs of disasters on households and communities.

A grouo of Econ students led by Jayzel Bangot, in partnership with Barangay 22 in Cagayan de Oro, engaged community members—especially vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, and low-income households. These groups are often more exposed to risks due to limited resources and fewer means to quickly recover from shocks.

The session held last May 12 was a joint effort with the Central Student Government through the Department of Mission and Social Involvement (DMSI) under their Project Allisto, strengthening student and institutional support for community engagement. It focused on Barangay 22’s situation near Bitan-ag Creek, an area largely composed of informal settlers and highly prone to flooding and fire incidents. From an economic perspective, this highlights how location and lack of secure housing increase vulnerability and potential welfare losses during disasters.

Participants appreciated the barangay council’s efforts to implement organized safety systems. However, challenges remain in improving both individual preparedness and collective action, which can be viewed as a form of public good that requires coordination to be effective.

Recommendations emphasized sustaining and expanding these initiatives, including more accessible safe spaces and community-based programs. Overall, the sessions highlighted that knowledge, coordination, and preparedness are essential in reducing both the social and economic costs of future disasters.

The students under the AGAPE Program of Xavier University completed their 12-hour actual immersion activities as part of their Theology 2 subject. One of the clusters was assigned at Cogon Public Market under the classes of Prof. Justin Damiao. The immersion activities were conducted during the weekends of April 2026.

Through this activity, the students were given the opportunity to experience actual community encounters and provide service to the different stalls where they were assigned. Each student completed three rounds of visits, giving not only their physical presence but also their time, effort, and willingness to help the vendors and workers in the market.

As part of their interventions, a special group of students also created a space for the children of the vendors inside the market. Since it is currently the school break season, many children spend most of their time inside the market with their parents. The students organized games and other fun but educational activities to help the children enjoy, learn, and interact with others in a positive environment.

The immersion brought different experiences to the students. For some, it was their first time spending meaningful time in a public market setting, and many initially felt nervous about whether they could perform their assigned tasks well. However, several students shared that the orientation and role-playing activities conducted before the immersion helped prepare them both personally and socially for the experience.

The entire immersion activity was organized and peaceful through the full guidance and assistance of Prof. Damiao, who stayed with the students from the beginning until the end of their scheduled visits every day and weekend. Through this experience, the students gained a deeper understanding of the community and the importance of service, empathy, and human connection.