University of the Philippines Open University Project Lakbay participants, San Antonio Trolley Operators (SANTO), youth, and women representatives take center stage in a press conference held on 12 August 2024 at the University Hotel, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) organized the press conference to introduce Project LAKBAY participants who will be flying to Kaohsiung, Taiwan this September. The participants have been given this opportunity to immerse in the culture, learn ways to improve their craft and livelihood, be exposed to the livelihood and community practices of Taiwan, and bring home new knowledge and skills to benefit their community.
Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of UPOU FMDS, explained the start of Project LAKBAY or Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth in 2023 in partnership with Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Kaohsiung. The project was part of the International University of Social Responsibility (IUSR) collaborative program of FMDS. The first batch of Taiwan youth participants were welcomed in January 2023 and the second batch immersed in the Philippines in July 2023. The third batch stayed in the Philippines from 4-16 August 2024. She explained that this time, Project LAKBAY will send trolley drivers, and youth and women representatives to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for an immersion and exposure trip from 24 September 2024 to 01 October 2024.
Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez, Assistant Professor at UPOU FMDS, then explained how from being focused on the youth, Project LAKBAY evolved to include the entire community. She explained that the project seeks to go beyond public service to universal social responsibility that targets implementing projects that promotes the sustainable development, and sustained changes of communities for the better.
Five trolley drivers shared their stories during the Press Conference led by Ruel Ogalin, the President of SANTO, with, Joel Bataan, Jobert Arizapa, Leean Lalog, and Ruben Panti. Ms Jovelyn Moises, a representative from the women’s community, and Maryrose Alingasa, a youth representative, also gave a glimpse of how SANTO became involved in the project. The trolley community has been around for more than 40 years and it is one of the major source of income of community members in San Antonio, Los Banos, being located along the train tracks. Mr. Ogalin shared that trolleys are not only used as transportation but also for tourism since they have accommodated many foreigners and visitors who want to experience the trolley transport. All of them share the same excitement of learning about the culture of Taiwan, how the country prospered, and how the learning experiences of their trip would impact their community especially on how they would be able to improve the trolleys of SANTO for transport and tourism. They expressed their deeo gratitude for the opportunity given by UPOU and Edu-Connect to them and their community.
Dr. Eing Ming Wu, Senior Managing Advisor of EduConnect Southeast Asia Association, and Visiting Professor at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, shared how the partnership between Philippines and Taiwan reflecting the concept of “bayanihan” where neighbors help each other. He said that both countries are in the perfect position to help each other since they share similar environment and climate challenges. This is echoed by Dr. Yong-Chao Su, Executive Director of Educonnect Southeast Asia and Associate Professor of Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), who explained that the goal of IUSR is to partner for the sustainable benefit and change of communities, this time referring to the trolley community of San Antonio, Los Banos, Laguna.
Ms. Janele Ebron, Research Associate of UPOU FMDS, served as host and moderator of the program.
The event was supported by the UP System Media and Public Affairs Office and the UPOU Office of Public Affairs.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel ♦ Photo by Anna Mhari Duria
