Oplan: Ligtas Tubig, a Service-Learning Project of Therese Magno, Hiroki Ogawa, Josiah Talusan (Students), and Dr. Esperanza Cabrera (Adviser) of the College of Science, Biology Department was conducted at Sitio Kay Reyna, Lian, Batangas. The objectives of the project were as follows: 1) Know the presence of bacteria coming human and animals; 2) Know the implications of E. coli presence in water; 3) Ascertain ways to properly stock household water supplies; and 4) Recommend improvements in the water system of the village. The results of the study were presented to the Local Government Unit and the village residents last May 16, 2018. Center for Social Concern and Action
Rm. 202, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147
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David Urieta, an International Service-Learning student from College of Mount Saint Vincent, New York, USA fulfills Urban Missionaries of the Philippines' (UM) long-time dream - having their own website.
UM's first ever Website:
Ma. Lourdes M. Berin, Executive Trustee of UM, shares her appreciation for David's work:
David is a graduate student from College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York. As part of his M.S. in International Development and Service Program, he took up courses at De La Salle University's College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and completed service hours at UM.
He was placed at UM because of his expressed interest in labor, migration and informal economies.
The program is part of De La Salle University's continuing goal of expanding international partnerships for service-learning.
Center for Social Concern and Action
Rm. 202, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147
De La Salle University through its Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) hosted the 6th Service-Learning Asia Network (SLAN) Meeting last June 8, 2018 at the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Multipurpose Hall.
A total of forty (40) faculty members and university personnel from various Asian countries participated and shared their experiences and accomplishments in service-learning.
SLAN Members Present
Symposium Participants
De La Salle - Lipa De La Salle Araneta University De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
The SLAN Members were joined in the afternoon by seventy-two (72) FIlipino faculty members and university personnel for a symposium on the theme "Service-Learning in Asia: Models and Best Practices in Course Design and Evaluation."
The keynote speaker for the symposium, Dr. Carol Ma Hok Ka from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) gave an overview of service-learning models and practices in Asia. She emphasized that the best service-learning model is the one that aligns with an institution's Vision and Mission.
"There is no single best service-learning model, only the best model within a university. The best model is the one that aligns with the university's vision and mission."
During the panel discussion, Dr. Thera Chui , Vice Dean of Taipei Medical University presented the mobile application they developed for service-learning. The app helps provide faculty members and students with online and real-time information for monitoring, scheduling and evaluation of service-learning activities.
Asst. Prof. Deborah Mae Salem of Siliman University meanwhile shared her institution's SL journey from having only a handful of champions to its current 20+ academic units implementing service-learning.
Last but not the least, Dr. Meen Sheng Yap, Service-Learning Director of Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and former Asst. Director of the Ministry of Education, discussed the evolution of Service-Learning in Singapore and its transformation in SUSS.
Symposium Presentations
The SLAN Meeting and Symposium is part of De La Salle University's week-long University Vision-Mission Week Celebration.
Center for Social Concern and Action
Rm. 202, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147
In 2012, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) commissioned a study assessing the impact on communities of the National Service Training Program - Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) and the Theology and Religious Education Two - Community Service Program (TREDTWO-CSP).
A total of thirty-seven (37) community leaders were interviewed to identify the following:
The perceived most beneficial service with greatest impact is tutorial, followed by feeding, clean-up and elderly program. The impacts of tutorial are manifested through improvements in children's or tutees' initiative to attend school regularly, desire to learn even in the summertime, academic performance or grades, self-confidence, acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills especially in reading and mathematics, ease of accomplishing homework and values acquisition.
Infographic Summarizing the Results of the Study
(Infographic may take a few seconds to load.)
Majority of the partners (7 of 9) have no perceived least beneficial service. The two others identified TREDTWO's service for the elderly and the CWTS clean-up program as least beneficial.
They considered the service to the elderly as least beneficial because it did not address the elderly's need for livelihood loans. The clean-up on the other hand, still left many dirty areas in the community. (The DLSU students were however, not faulted for this.)
Some of the identified positive effects subject-based social engagement are:
The partners identified health, livelihood, education and feeding-related programs as their need. These needs are currently being addressed through the four components of DLSU's SDG Localization Program.
Read Full Report Here:
Center for Social Concern and Action
Rm. 202, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 Academic Year 2017 - 2018 started with several transitions at the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA). Despite these changes, the center was able to jump start the year with key accomplishments from each unit. Here are some changes in COSCA's work: New Leadership Last September 5, the center bid farewell to its Director, Ms. Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito. Direk Lou, as she is fondly caled, served as COSCA Director for the past fifteen (15) years. During her term, she successfully instituted systems and structures that led to the institutionalization of community engagement and service-learning within and outside the university. She is succeeded by former LSPO Director, Ms. Fritzie Ian P. De Vera. Ms. De Vera's vast experience in leading various Lasallian Mission Offices would prove beneficial in expanding COSCA's strategic role in university social engagement. She has previously served as Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), Director of the Office of Student Life (SLIFE), Director of the Student Publications Office (SPO) and Coordinator of the Career Services Office, respectively. NSTP Transfer to DSA COSCA also sent-off Carl Fernandez, Abraham Garcia, Marjorie Amistoso and Floramie Villareal, staff members of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) to the Student Affairs Office (SAO). The unit is now part of the newly-formed NSTP and Formation Office (NFO) composed of ROTC, iPERSEF and NSTP. The transfer was effected to ensure centralized supervision of all NSTP components. With the inclusion of iPERSEF (Lasallian Studies in the NLCC), integration of all Lasallian Formation Courses would now be possible under the auspices of the Student Affairs Office (SAO). Former NSTP Community Service Coordinator, Marichel Escalante and newly-hired staff, Mary Ann Santiago joins community engagement associates Evelyn Laranga, Roel Quenamot and Laizalyn Layco to form the Partnership and Network Development Program (PNDP) of COSCA. PNDP now becomes the sole unit of COSCA that focuses on the establishment and development of partners and networks for social engagement, volunteer work and social formation for students and personnel. Community partners previously supervised by the NSTP, TREDTWO-CSP, Service-Learning and Community Engagement Programs of COSCA are now joined and fully supervised by PNDP. The previous University - Community Engagement and Development (UCED) Unit now becomes the Lasallian Sustainable Development Program (LSDP). LSDP is now the lead unit of COSCA in terms of involving University students and personnel in direct and sustainable social engagement through an impact-driven localization project based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. LSDP personnel will match assigned offices to social engament opportunities that best fit their strengths and needs. These opportunities would fall under the four (4) components of the SDG Localization Project namely:
In preparation for the eventual phase-out of TREDTWO-CSP, the Community Engaged Learning Program (CELP) is now renamed as the Service-Learning Program (SLP) of COSCA. The unit shall lead efforts to achieve the undergraduate, graduate and international service-learning targets of the university. Former TREDTWO-CSP Coordinator, Jon Alcazar, now becomes the Student Social Formation and Development Coordinator of COSCA. His new mandate now is to formulates and implement, in partnership with LFAT, a standard social formation program for all DLSU student volunteers, student leaders and other student organizations. The resource mobilization unit now joins the research and technology unit to form what will now be called the Social Technology and Resource Development Program (STRDP) of COSCA. The unit's primary mandate is to develop social technology and funding for all programs of COSCA. Finally, COSCA welcomed the Red Cross Youth - DLSU Chapter (RCY) as one of its affiliated student organizations. With RCY in its fold, student-led disaster risk reduction and emergency response is within reach. Proposed COSCA Structure Broader KRAs, Expanded Work As a result of the strategic planning among DLSU administrators, university social engagement goals were revised and expanded. Central to this change is the shift from "community engagement" to "social engagement." The shift is intended to broaden the ways in which faculty members and staff may contribute to Church and society, especially the poor and marginalized. From “active collaboration between campus and community to improve quality of life (IUPUI, 2005), " the university now adopts 'social engagement' which refers to the ways individuals and groups come together to advance the public good, address systemic challenges, or to influence the direction of a community.” (The Washington Center, 2015) Social Engagement Combining this definition with Boyer's (1996) framework for scholarly engagement, external initiatives include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Socially-Engaged Research
2. Service-Learning
4. Public Engagement
5. Direct Service to the Poor and Marginalized
6. Others From popularizing and assisting other units on service-learning and community engagement, COSCA would now be establishing a validation mechanism to check reported accomplishments in both areas. With the university's desire to contribute to a sustainable Earth, public engagements on the SDGs and the reduction of university operations' environmental impact, are now included as targets. September Snapshots Quotes from Lasalle Alumnus and Father of Philippine Human Rights Advocacy, Jose "Ka Pepe" Diokno Sept. 21: National Day of Protest Rallies at Luneta and UP Diliman Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (Social Engagement, Advocacy and Formation) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 by Carl G. FernandezCarl served as COSCA-NSTP's Team Leader for the past 3 years. Prior to this, he alsoserved as Community Service Coordinator for 3 years and NSTP Class Facilitator for 3 years, respectively. Annually, the National Service Training Program - Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service (NSTP-CWTS & LTS) under the supervision of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) conducts the NSTP Partners and Facilitators Formation and Assembly. For several years now, the activity became a venue to acquaint with one another and to strengthen partnership and camaraderie among program stakeholders in pursuit of communion in mission amidst various challenges and changes. Over the years, NSTP's experiences at De La Salle University (DLSU) made remarkable impact among the students and partner communities in the course of community engagement and project implementation. The community partners in particular, have dedicated themselves to the program’s mission of raising Lasallians’ social awareness and involvement. Thus, COSCA was able to initiate meaningful activities, such as this, that value the active participation of all stakeholders and intensify their support and dedication to the program. This year, the gathering allowed the participants to learn from one another and deepen their understanding on the topics that include 'Fostering Communion in Mission' and 'Learning How to Effectively Deal with Lasallians' in the context of DLSU-NSTP (CWTS & LTS). The activity was conducted last June 24-25, 2017 at the Canyon Woods Resort Club, Barangay San Gregorio, Laurel, Batangas and was attended by around 30 NSTP Class Facilitators and 60 NSTP Community/Area Coordinators from various non-government organizations, people’s organization and the like. Through the activity, the following objectives were achieved: (i) Recognize the efforts and significant contributions of our Lasallian Formators and Partners in student formation and community development; (ii) Offer opportunities to intensify collaboration among NSTP Partner Organizations and Stakeholders; and (iii) Deepen their commitment to the Lasallian Mission. Ms. Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito (COSCA Director) gave her welcome message wich dwelt on the importance of partnership and cooperation in program implementation. She acknowledged the vital contributions of class facilitators and area coordinators in the successful work of student formation and community development. More so, Atty. Jocelyn P. Cruz (External Affairs Director, RVR-COB) served as the resource person on the topic entitled “Dealing with Lasallians: Tips for Effective Classroom Session and Project Implementation in the context of DLSU-NSTP.” The second part of the assembly was a combination of getting to know activities, fun games, wellness activities, dyad sharing, group reflections and perspective-setting for the next academic year. The event also became a venue to discuss the changes and the new program setup for the coming year. For AY 2017-2018, NSTP will be under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs while the partner organizations will remain under the management of COSCA. The new setup paves the way for the planned merger of all NSTP components (CWTS, LTS, ROTC) under Student Affairs. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (Social Engagement, Advocacy and Formation) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 Over the years, De La Salle University’s (DLSU) National Service Training Program – Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service (NSTP-CWTS/LTS) have overcome a lot of challenges in its administrative and operational milieu. The full implementation of the K-12 program led to a significant decrease in the number of NSTP enrolees. From an average of 3,000 first year students, only 1,200 enrolled this year. As a result, NSTP-CWTS/LTS sections were reduced from more than a hundred to 31 sections this year. Class load for NSTP Facilitators was also reduced. Facilitators were only given one section every Saturday morning. Afternoon sessions were no longer offered. Partner organizations (POs) were also reduced from 36 to 11, with proximity to the university as the main consideration in the selection process. POs located in Manila, Malabon, Caloocan (South) and Quezon City were prioritized as deployment sites. Making matters worse, an accident last February involving NSTP students from Bestlink College of the Philippines in Novaliches, Quezon City prompted CHED to Impose a Moratorium on Field Trips, Educational Tours and other similar activities.* Due to this, DLSU’s NSTP-CWTS/LTS program decided to conduct alternative activities inside the campus from March to June of AY 2016-2017. With all these changes and challenges, the NSTP-CWTS/LTS team initiated the Pagtatasa and Paghahabi, a program evaluation and curriculum development activity, which sought to gather the experiences of both class facilitators and partner organizations. It aimed to collectively identify challenges and enhancement opportunites in program operations and curriculum content. The evaluation process revealed that community immersion is essential for the formation and holistic development of Lasallian students. However, due to CHED's Moratorium on Field Trips, all program stakeholders agreed to implement their proposed projects within the campus. They also agreed to give students sufficient time to conduct their resource mobilization activities. As a matter of fact, NSTP (CWTS/LTS) Week was conducted for the first time last May 29 to June 3, 2017. The event allowed the students to inititiate their own resource mobilization activities to support their approved project and to promote their partner organization's cause. In addition to the adjustments made in program implementation, two key modules were also highlighted in the curriculum this year. To support the government's campaign against drug abuse, Drug Abuse Prevention and Education (DAPE) was incorporated in one of the NSTP sessions. A new module on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) was also implemented. Efforts to integrate all NSTP components (CWTS, LTS and ROTC) under one unified program and unit are also on the way. Center for Social Concern and Action 2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 *As of August 4, 2017, CHED has already lifted the moratorium on the conduct of field trips and other off-campus activities in public and private higher education institutions in the country.
In line with UN's goal of pursuing sustainable development and De La Salle University’s aim of streamlining community engagement using a clear development platform, the university initiated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localization Project.* Started in 2013, the project was initially known as Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Localization, and has undergone a series of extensive reviews and consultations with various stakeholders of the University. Through these efforts, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) was able to design the project’s four components which include the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development or L-SEED. To date, L-SEED has initiated learning sessions and workshops for students, employees and partner communities from Leveriza, District V - Manila. Recently, student fellows and core group members completed their respective formation programs through the first ever Lasallian Social Enterprise Boot Camp 2017. LSE Boot Camp 2017 is a three-week formation program organized for LSEED’s budding social entrepreneurs - student fellows and community partners. Selected faculty members and university staff served as social impact mentors while members of non-profit organization, Big Spoons, served as international (volunteer) mentors. Social entrepreneurs and development practitioners from British Council Philippines, Karabella Dairy, The Dream Project Ph, HABI Footwear, Mano Amiga, and the director of the Philippine Social Enterprise Network served as resource persons and panel members, respectively. As a result of the Boot Camp, four social enterprise models were developed to help address malnutrition, women’s unemployment and environmental sustainability. Upon completion of the incubation stage, each LSE Team will receive P 30,000.00 grant assistance to help start the business. The event took place last April 25 to May 13, 2017, at De La Salle University Manila. Center for Social Concern and Action 2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 *DLSU holds the distinction of being the first Philippine university to localize the UN’s SDGs.
DLSU Representatives pose for a photo during the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning (APRCSL). From Left: Ms. Ma. Lourdes Melegrito, COSCA Director; Dr. Marlon Era, Faculty Member from the Behavioral Sciences Department (BSD); and Ms. Marietta Guanzon, Manager of COSCA's Service-Learning Program. Dr. Marlon Era of the Behavioral Sciences Department (BSD) and Ms. Marietta Guanzon of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) presented their respective papers on service-learning during the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning (APRCSL) held last May 29 to June 2, 2017 at Petra Christian University, Surabaya, Indonesia. DLSU's service-learning initiatives were also presented by Ms. Ma. Lourdes Melegrito - COSCA Director, during the Service-Learning Asia Network (SLAN) meeting held on Day 1 of the conference. Two hundred sixty-nine (269) participants (faculty, partner organizations, and student representatives) from seventy-nine (79) higher education institutions in 19 Asia-Pacific countries who participated in the conference. To learn more about service-learning, send us a message at: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 Last April 27-28, 2017, the Center for Social Concern and Action - Community Engaged Learning Program (CELP) conducted its annual two-day Partners' Capacity Building Training at Balay Indang, Cavite. The training entitled "Managing our Students and Ourselves" focused on imparting knowledge to the partner organizations on how to manage stress and how to handle students who are mostly Millennials. Speakers such as Dr. Kit Bonnet from the Office of Counseling and Career Services (OCCS) and Ms. Meyeth Angat, who also has a background in Psychology, served as this year's resource persons.
Forty-nine (49) civil society leaders representing 19 partner organizations, participated in the event. Team building activities after the lecture-discussion enhanced the camaraderie between and among these participants. For more information on our Community Engaged Learning Program (CELP), send us a message through these channels: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 |