By Kairos Rye Jalando-on and Mitch Gabinete

On November 29, 2024, the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities, through the CPU Communication Circle, in partnership with the Guidance Services Center, Alpha Phi Omega Zeta Omicron Chapter, and the CPU Psychological Society, held an outreach program at Culasi National High School, Ajuy, Iloilo.

Last November 29, 2024, the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities, through the CPU Communication Circle, in partnership with the Guidance Services Center, Alpha Phi Omega Zeta Omicron Chapter, and the CPU Psychological Society, held a half-day outreach program at Culasi National High School, Ajuy, Iloilo.

The outreach program revolved around the pressing topics of absenteeism, teenage pregnancy, and mental health, which were the identified factors that troubled the community the most.

Elaisha Losaria Pomida, a third-year BA-COMM student, hosted the program. Professor Rhys Camacho and CNHS Principal Jivsy Bacabac gave the opening remarks, underscoring the event’s importance for the welfare and education of the community.

The respective lectures were delivered by Professor Faith Magbanua Candido, who discussed Teenage Pregnancy; Professor Joefrey Occeña Tacda, who addressed Mental Health Concerns for the parents and adults of the community; and three APO speakers, namely Nepth Micro Apil, Dianne Lois Senegocio, and Cleo Faith Buaron.

To refresh the participants after an hour of discussion, selected BA-COMM students led a Zumba session where everyone was encouraged to dance with the rhythm and recharge their spirits.

The session was followed by the turnover of donations and a group photo to commemorate the event and mark the end of the program.

Professors Kerwin Luntao, Gleason Parcia, and Rex Rubidy, along with CESL director Professor Sarex Dipol, Jr., were also present and actively supported the outreach effort.

Prof. Rhys Camacho, when asked about the outreach effort, said, “The service learning we had in Culasi, Ajuy was synonymous with developmental communication, which would speak of the heart and soul of communication: serving as a catalyst of substantial changes in society and the lives of people who need upliftment and education. The core of engagement and collaboration is evident in our best intentions to share our gifts of availability and altruism.”

The remarkable success of this outreach program emphasizes the commitment of CPU to help, nurture, and nourish its adopted communities. Through these efforts, CPU continues to build and strengthen the rapport between the institution and the communities it serves.