October 15,  2024 - Romblon State University (RSU) unveiled two new community engagement programs as part of its University-Community Engagement towards Sustainable Services (UniCESS 2.0) initiative.

The UNICESS Program at RSU represents a committed response to the needs of local communities.

As mandated by the Commission on Higher Education, HEIs like RSU play a critical role in fostering social responsibility and civic engagement, thereby contributing to societal improvement.

The two programs were launched in Dayongdong Elementary School and Cabibihan Elementary School which are considered Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

RSU President Merian P. Catajay-Mani, the main proponent of university-wide extension program, led the UNICESS 2.0 team which consisted of 35 volunteers from top management, deans and directors, faculty, and staff from various campuses, units, and colleges of Romblon State University. 

Pres. Mani delivered a message at Dayongdong Elementary School, highlighting the university's commitment to community development.

"We will continue to support our UNICESS communities to ensure the success of our programs and to uplift the lives of the people we serve," said Pres. Mani.

Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero, Vice President for Research, Extension, Development and Innovation (REDI), spoke at Cabibihan Elementary School amplifying the mission of the University to reach out to the isolated and hard-to-reach communities of Romblon.

Lourdes C. Madrona, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Romblon, and Mildred P. Catajay, Senior Deputy Governor for Membership of Binondo Prime District 3810, were among the notable attendees who expressed their commitment to partner with RSU in the continuation of the programs not only in the two islands, but also in other islands included in the UNICESS 2.0.

The event included a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement and messages of commitment from local officials, PTA representatives, school heads, and partners.

As the partners signed the Memorandum of Agreement with RSU, Ms Jansen Faie R. Magada explained the rationale of the two projects namely: ZODWAY and LIBRO.

LIBRO, partnering with RSU's College of Education and Graduate Education and Professional Studies, focuses on improving educational resources and providing training and development for educators.

ZODWAY aims to address sanitation issues in isolated communities through installation of new toilets for the communal restrooms.

This program further aims to educate parents and provide practical tips for effective and positive parenting, ensuring they have the tools and strategies needed to foster healthy relationships and support their children's development, and promote sustainable waste management techniques, encouraging community members to adopt sustainable practices that contribute to a cleaner environment and improved public health.

ZODWAY is a program implemented through the collaborative initiative of College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, and IPPDO.

Pres. Mani, officials, and stakeholders joined the groundbreaking ceremony for the communal restroom installation which officially marked the beginning of ZODWAY's implementation.

Students of the two elementary schools received Gibi shoes, rubber slippers, bags, and school supplies courtesy of Rotary Club of Manila Binondo Prime District 3810 and Inner Wheel Club of Romblon.

The university also distributed faculty appreciation tokens in honor of World Teachers' Day courtesy of Lily's Peanut Butter.

The UNICESS initiative began with Phase 1 in December 2021 until December 2023, which focused on gathering insights from the community through Focus Group Discussions, a method crucial in identifying pressing challenges and needs within Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

Building on the findings from Phase 1, Phase 2, set for October 2024, will focus on targeted interventions guided by the HEEAL framework – Health, Education, Environment, Agriculture, and Livelihood.

This next phase through UNICESS 2.0 aims to directly address the specific challenges faced by individuals and the community, ensuring a more tailored and impactful approach to community engagement.

Source/Credits: RSU Media and Public Affairs