By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Mrs. Mariana T. Erdao (left) and Mrs. Ma. Leen C. Gahum (right) present the certificate of appreciation and token to resource speaker Assoc. Prof. Kareen Joy D. Lozada (center).

Central Philippine University National Service Training Program (CPU NSTP) conducted a plenary session on Introduction to Community-Based Management on October 10, 2026, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

The program opened with community singing, followed by a short devotional led by Mrs. Myla C. Cañas and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and CPU Alma Mater Song.

Mrs. Ma. Leen C. Gahum delivered the opening remarks, while Mrs. Rushelle Joy G. Celerian introduced the resource speaker, Assoc. Prof. Kareen Jay D. Lozada, Chairperson of the Social Work Department under the College of Arts and Sciences.

Assoc. Prof. Lozada discussed the fundamentals of community-based management, emphasizing the importance of community participation in identifying local needs, planning appropriate interventions, and implementing initiatives that respond to community concerns.

Participants pose for a group photo after the successful conduct of the CPU NSTP plenary on Introduction to Community-Based Management.

The plenary also underscored the role of community engagement in encouraging active participation and empowering people to contribute to initiatives that address local challenges and support sustainable development. These concepts are relevant to the NSTP’s community-oriented objectives, which encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills in serving communities.

Following the lecture, Mrs. Gahum and Mrs. Mariana T. Erdao, Officer-in-Charge of the CPU NSTP Coordinator, presented a certificate of appreciation and token to the resource speaker.

The program concluded with announcements and a closing prayer led by Ms. Pamela S. Lactupo. Mrs. Hannah Lee S. Canlas served as the master of ceremonies.