By Cyrus A. Natividad

MOA signing of CPU and Mandurriao Elementary School.

On December 9, 2021, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Central Philippine University (CPU) and Mandurriao Elementary School (MES). The parties were represented by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Milagros G. Edrosolano, MES Principal, respectively.

The agreement contains the objective of extending CPU’s community engagement programs and services to Mandurriao Elementary School, a public elementary school in Mandurriao, Iloilo City – in order to assist seminars and workshops related to online class management.

CPU and MES will coordinate closely on various areas of concern to provide opportunities and experience for students, faculty, and staff; to apply theories learned in school to promote social consciousness and community involvement. CPU and MES shall jointly harness their resources to assist in the identification, prioritization, and formulation of a plan of action and its consequent implementation to solve the needs and problems of the school. CPU and Mandurriao Elementary School are expected to promote and maintain harmonious relationships and learn from each other.

Baseline assessments, organizing and other community services will be assigned to students, faculty, and staff. When necessary, CPU will provide resource persons, student involvement and other community engagement activities. It will provide available services from the University’s colleges and units within their expertise. CPU will also facilitate and coordinate activities to link up with the needs of the community to resources available from various organizations, be it in government or NGOs.

On the other hand, Mandurriao Elementary School will ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff assigned in the school for integration, exposure, practicum, and regular work. MES will make available human and material resources when necessary for the implementation of community projects and will provide personnel as contact persons for CPU to go to for consultation regarding the project. It is obliged to participate in any community engagement activities conducted by CPU.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed at Mandurriao Elementary School by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, President, with witnesses Ma. Christina A. Quijano- Dean, College of Computer Studies, Levi O. De Los Santos, Jr.-Director, Community Engagement, and Service Learning Center; Rea Balontong-Department Chairperson and Lennon D. Pajar, College Outreach Coordinator.