by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 28 (PIA) –- “The institution’s role is not only to teach and provide the youth proper education and promote their spiritual aspect but to promote as well their virtues of being civil servants and to share the gifts, time and blessings to their fellowmen,” said Edwin Colubio, coordinator of Community Involvement Program (CIP) of the catholic school – St. Columban College (SCC) during the program launching on Wednesday in Upper Sibatang here.
Colubio in his message said the CIP enhances community awareness among students, faculty, administration and staff, direct and motivate them toward community service and provide opportunities for students to perform their role as agents of social transformation through their interaction with the community.
In this program, Delubio said SCC will help improve the quality of life of the people thru their programs on health, education, environment, spirituality and productivity towards an integrated holistic and sustainable development.
“We will initiate tree planting activity, introduce proper waste segregation, provide free health services , distribute school supplies to preschool children, conduct Holy mass, recollection and giving of rosaries and religious relics, conduct also human rights seminar and peace dialogue, etc.,” Colubio explained.
Delubio said the CIP also promotes spirit of ‘Bayanihan and hospitalty’ between the SCC and the residents of the barangay.
SCC president Rev. Fr. Gilbert Hingone encouraged the active support and cooperation of the barangay officials, Elementary School teachers, Gagmay Simbahan sa Katilingban (GSK) leaders, and the residents in implementing the program saying that the program will not be successful without their cooperation.
Guingone values the importance of partnership between the school and barangay adding that the one who will benefit most of the program are their children.
Barangay chairman Silvino Ortega thanked the SCC administration for choosing their barangay as the pilot area of the program.
“Nalipay kami ug dako nga sa 54 ka mga barangay sa dakbayan ang amo pa gyud nga barangay ang napili nga kapahigayonan ning maong programa ( We are grateful that of the 54 barangays in the city, our barangay was chosen to be the pilot area of the program),” Ortega happily said.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony between the SCC and barangay officials followed after the short program.
Rev. Father Guingone, Vice President for Finance Fr. Bellstar Ediang, and Vice President for Academics Nora Agustero represented SCC and barangay chairman Ortega represented the barangay council inked the singning of MOA. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)