On 20 August 2024, representatives from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), together with community members from the San Antonio trolley community, met with Barangay Officials of San Antonio, in support of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals . The Barangay Officials, led by Barangay Captain Relly Palis and including Councilors Liberato Calica, Josephine Dimasangal, Vida Lawas, and Angelina Mundin, participated in the meeting. The purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the collaboration between FMDS and the Barangay, united in their shared vision of promoting sustainable development within the community.
Assistant Professors Lorena Jean Saludadez, lead faculty for Youth and Children Empowerment, and Regine Karla Bagalanon, lead faculty for Community Health Education and Well-Being, both under the Community Inclusivity, Digital Transformation, and Acceleration towards Sustainability (CIDAS) Program of FMDS, began the discussion by sharing updates on the ongoing collaboration with the Barangay. The meeting highlighted future plans and progress concerning Solid Waste Management workshops, Research for Sustainable Community Transformation, and Project Development Workshops. Barangay Captain Relly Palis provided inputs on how to further strengthen the collaboration and encouraged further discussion to harmonize FMDS initiatives with those of the Barangay and its other existing partners.
Community representatives Mr. Ruel Ogalin, President of the San Antonio Trolley Organization (SANTO); Ms. Jovelyn Guerra Moises, President of the Women’s Brigade – San Antonio; and Ms. Maryrose Alingasa, member of Kaya Natin! Youth Los Baños, provided updates on their upcoming learning visit to Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, through Project LAKBAY or Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth, scheduled on 24 September to 01 October 2024. They explained the purpose of their visit and the lessons they aim to bring back to the Barangay. The representatives emphasized the value of broadening perspectives during the visit and how they hope this will positively impact their community. The Barangay San Antonio officials expressed their gratitude and support for Project LAKBAY, recognizing its potential to enhance their commitment to public service and contribute to the vision of a more prosperous San Antonio community.
The Project LAKBAY delegation from the San Antonio community will include SANTO President Ruel Ogalin, along with SANTO members Jobert Arizapa, Melvin Bagsik, Joel Bataan, Christian Lalog, Leean Lalog, and Ruben Panti. Representing the women’s and youth sectors, respectively, are San Antonio Women’s Brigade President Jovelyn Guerra Moises and Kaya Natin! Youth Los Baños member Maryrose Alingasa.
Written by Maryrose Alingasa ♦ Edited by Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez & Mr. Larry N. Cruz ♦ Cross-posted from FMDS Website
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