A bustling classroom where young students are not just burying their heads in textbooks, but also interacting with other learners from diverse backgrounds—this is what a day in Colegio San Agustin-Makati (CSA) looks like. At the heart of CSA lies a vital network of outreach linkages that bridges the gap between its inner community and the outside world.

Three fundamental principles serve as CSA’s institutional  compass. One of which is Caritas, a reminder that what  we give is not nearly as important as why we give. Second  is Veritas, highlighting the importance of truth. Moreover,  Augustinians exemplify the significance of Unitas—the value  that unites us in supporting and engaging with diverse  communities. 

Putting these values to actual practice, each grade  level in the High School Department partners with a  community to develop a sense of social responsibility. For  instance, Grade 7 focuses on caring for the elderly, forming  connections with institutions such as Hospicio De San Jose  and San Lorenzo Home for the Elderly. Here, Augustinians  provide companionship and support, reminding us of  the importance of honoring our elders. Meanwhile, Grade  8 connects with the younger generation by engaging  with public schools in Makati where they foster fun and  educational experiences. The outreach activities of Grade 9  students help to empower learners through teaching basic  skills such as math and reading, reinforcing the importance  of education as a tool for change. 

The outreach initiatives are not limited to specific grade level activities. During subject months at CSA, students share  their blessings with assigned beneficiaries. For example,  during Social Studies Month last October, the Makati City Jail– Male Dormitory was the beneficiary, and each grade level  was tasked with donating specific items: Grade 7 provided  bath soap, Grade 8 contributed detergent powder, while  Grades 9 and 10 donated alcohol. 

With these activities as lived evidence, the mission of  the Community Extension Services is all about building  relationships in communities through teaching. As Dr. Raquel  Reyes, Community Extension Services Teacher-in-Charge,  emphasizes, “Our goal for these beneficiaries is to improve  lives. Not just for them, but for us. To make the lives of these  people better, we’ve got to deliver the best.”