By Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

Brgy. Captain, Hon. Darrel P. Beloria of Brgy. Culasi, Ajuy, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CPU University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.

On June 6, 2024 (Thursday), Central Philippine University’s Community Engagements and Service-Learning Center organized a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ceremony to establish partnerships with the next set of adopted schools and barangays. This event aimed to solidify the university’s commitment to fostering collaborative relationships with local communities and educational institutions.

The selection of partner barangays was meticulously based on data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Household Targeting System (NHTS) for Poverty Reduction. The criteria considered the number of impoverished households, potential research opportunities, support and acceptance from local government units, and the overall impact of adopting these barangays and schools.

During the ceremony, the outreach office introduced the university’s community adoption strategy, named Program ERNEST. This initiative represents a comprehensive and structured approach to community engagement, promoting the holistic development of adopted communities. The program is built on six core pillars: Education, Resource Utilization, Nurturance, Environment, Social Welfare, and Technology Transfer. These pillars guide efforts towards poverty alleviation, gender mainstreaming, and sustainable community development.

The following barangays from Jaro, Iloilo City were chosen as recipients of Program ERNEST: Brgy. Tabuc Suba, Brgy. Lanit, Brgy. Bitoon, and Brgy. San Isidro. Additionally, Brgy. Badiang in New Lucena, Iloilo, and Brgy. Culasi in Ajuy, Iloilo were selected from rural areas. These communities were identified for their high levels of need and potential for meaningful collaboration.

In addition to the barangays, nine public schools were also included in the program. These schools are: Badiang Elementary School, Bito-on Elementary School, Culasi Elementary School, Culasi National High School, Iloilo River Plains Integrated School, Judith Lazarraga Tiongco Memorial Elementary School, Tiu Cho Teg-Ana Ros Foundation Integrated Farm School, Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial National High School, Iwa-Macatol Elementary School. These schools are expected to benefit significantly from the program, which aims to enhance educational resources and foster community development.

According to Republic Act No. 7722, known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” higher education institutions in the Philippines are mandated to engage in extension services. These services involve the transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology to support community and national development. Central Philippine University is dedicated to fulfilling this mandate through Program ERNEST, demonstrating its commitment to applying academic expertise for the betterment of communities.

The MOU Ceremony highlighted CPU’s proactive role in community engagement and set the stage for fruitful collaborations. By addressing the needs of both urban and rural areas, the university is poised to make a significant impact on the socio-economic development of the region, ensuring that the benefits of higher education extend beyond the classroom and into the heart of local communities.

This initiative marks a critical step in CPU’s ongoing efforts to support and uplift the communities it serves, reinforcing its role as a leader in community engagement and sustainable development.