By Angel Constantine Bajana, CAH-CDS Coordinator

For the past five years of active participation in community development of then Liberal Arts Program, which is now the College of Arts and Humanities, the college has already imparted relevant contributions that help beneficiary develop their localities into sustainable communities. The College of Arts and Humanities, through its assigned CDS Coordinator, is actively involved in the core team of the University’s Community Development Services headed by Dr. Corazon Omblero. Adhering to its 5-year plan containing the community services interventions and initiatives, the CAH-CDS dedicated time to implement major plans that focus on environment protection and UIC-Kaduyog Sagop Kinabuhi (UKSK) activities wherein CAH is an active partner.

For the past five years, CAH-CDS has already conducted various activities that provide beneficiary communities with relevant and sustainable outreach programs. Some of these activities were the following: (1) Outreach program in Marilog, which provided about 200 bags with educational materials for Balah Elementary School students in Marilog, Davao Del Sur. This initiative was spearheaded by the Advocacy Coordinator, Dr. Maribeth Galindo, and in partnership with CAH-CDS.

(2) Since the launching of the partnership of UIC through its Community Service Office and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council for Community-Based Rehabilitation and Aftercare Program (CBRAP), CAH-CDS is actively participating in various activities by committing to the UKSK Project its expertise

in training, psychosocial services, research, and other related activities. Right after its formal launch, the UIC Kaduyog Sagop Kinabuhi (UKSK) started to serve the ‘FRIENDS” from the three barangays in Davao. The CAH-CDS Team actively participated through in-take forms interview, research, and other relevant activities.

(3) The CAH-CDS also conducted the COMMUNITY HERBAL BACKYARD FARMING, where CAH Faculty dedicated their time to survey the local community in Brgy. Bankerohan to help them identify valuable herbal plants that can be cultivated in their backyard. This project gains active participation of the local beneficiaries assuring the sustainability of the program. (4) During the series of earthquakes in Mindanao, CDS-CAH participated actively in the University’s relief operation program headed by the UIC CDS by gathering food and hygiene kits to be donated to the earthquake victims.

(5) CAH-CDS, in partnership with CAH Students Organization and Bukas Palad Foundation Inc., annually conducts a visit to the orphanage during Christmas seasons to share blessings and time with the orphans.

Even with small resources and manpower, the College of Arts and Humanities did its best to take make the community a better place. It is our goal and commitment to help provide the community with relevant and sustainable programs that will benefit them in long term. In the coming years, CAH-CDS will invest more of its capacity to help the University reduce the problems in plastic that damage our environment. Through relevant studies and research, CDS-CAH will venture into programs that will help solve single-used plastic problems in the University.