By Fritz Ann Fernandez and Jean Aguilar

This creative photo collage is created by Joefhanie C. Somcio.

In the heart of Brgy. Ubang, Pototan, Iloilo, on May 4, 2024, a group of third-year social work students from Central Philippine University, together with Professor Sarex Dalida Dipol Jr., Acting Director of Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (CESLC-CPU); Dr. Regina M. Samillano, Science Education Coordinator of the College of Education; and Dr. Lauren M. Manalo, Faculty Member of the Department of the Life Sciences, embarked on a mission to empower the children of the IP community through an initiative focused on the topics of reduce, reuse, and recycle held at Brgy. Ubang Covered Gym.

Together with passion and determination, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Ang Maayo nga Pag-kolekta sang Basura” was successfully conducted by this group of students who set out to make a difference in the lives of the children while also advocating for environmental sustainability. With creativity as their tool, they performed lectures and engaging activities to educate the young minds about the importance of environmental conservation and responsible waste management.

The day began with insightful discussions as Joefhanie Somcio and Jean Aguilar led on educating the importance of reducing waste and the damaging effects of different pollutions on their community and the world at large. The children were able to apply their learning as they participated in the demonstration and game-based learning led by Angelica Policarpio and Laveeren May Bacrang, along with Fritz Ann Fernandez, Kristine Mae Jimenea, Shena Rose Lachica, Frexy Grace Bacerra, Jane Mae Espinosa, and Diana Mae Espinosa.

The activity became successful through the participation and cooperation of barangay officials led by Hon. Proceso Parreño, Kagawad Winces Lou Pilota, Kagawad Alvin Escammila, and Barangay Secretary Noelyn E. Villegas.

As the outreach ended, the combined efforts of everyone involved in this outreach made it possible for the participants and students to have a memorable and fun experience.

Let us remember that “Change Starts Within Ourselves.”