By Jaren Marr P. Jaco

CESL Center Acting Director Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr. posed with CHEDRO6 and Region VI Universities.

On May 27, 2024, Central Philippine University was one of the chosen universities in Iloilo and Region 6 to present the extension processes, programs, and highlights. The online event aligned with the 30th founding anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education—Region 6. The other selected universities were the University of St. La Salle Bacolod and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, represented by Teresita G. Barcoma and Dr. Melchor M. Magramo, respectively.

CESLC Acting Director Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr., started introducing the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center as the official arm to carry out the university’s third function, serving as an extension. He shared about Program ERNEST to promote holistic development for the adopted communities. He explained further the critical components of service-learning. Partners and linkages were highlighted, as were the accomplishments of the outreach activities for this academic year (2023-2024).

His presentation was then proceeded by Dr. Magramo, showcasing their adopted recipients and diverse communities. Last to present was Ms. Barcoma, who introduced BALAYAN as their university’s social development office, which promotes volunteerism, Christian service-learning, and Gawad Kalinga, to name a few. The program concluded with a speech of gratitude to the selected presenters and thanked everyone who participated in the online event.

The Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center supports outreach activities by various university units and outside parties. CESL Center aligns with Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” which states that the country’s higher education institutions (HEIs) have three (3) mandated functions: instruction, research, and extension.