Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) and the Local Government Unit of Lucban, Quezon formally strengthened their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, launching two community extension projects focused on child health, sanitation, and home care support for senior citizens at the REPDI Training Hall on February 20.
The partnership formalized the implementation of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) extension project titled “Bulati 2: Kalinisan ay Palaganapin, Kalusugan ay Pagyamanin” as well as the initiative of the College of Allied Medicine (CAM) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Lucban titled “Agos-Kalinga para kina Lolo at Lola: Home Care Support Program for Senior Citizens.”
The program formally opened with welcome remarks from the Director of SLSU Office of Extension Services, Prof. Felino J. Gutierrez, Jr., who emphasized that SLSU is not only an institution that produces quality professionals but also a university deeply committed to addressing the needs of Lucban and the wider province.
He highlighted that Bulati 2: Kalinisan ay Palaganapin, Kalusugan ay Pagyamanin, spearheaded by CAS, reflects the university’s mission of extending research outputs to the community. Grounded in research, the project recognizes the link between nutrition and education, noting that children suffering from intestinal parasitism face challenges in learning; the initiative also responds to Quezon Province’s pressing concern on malnutrition, one of the highest in the CALABARZON region.
Meanwhile, CAM’s project, Agos-Kalinga para kina Lolo at Lola: Home Care Support Program for Senior Citizens, emphasizes the university’s commitment not only to the youth and productive sectors but also to senior citizens, ensuring inclusive community care and support.
In his message, the University President, Dr. Frederick T. Villa, expressed gratitude to LGU Lucban for the openness and collaboration, describing the partnership as a powerful alliance where governance is strengthened by knowledge and education. He reaffirmed that SLSU remains an instrument of service, emphasizing, “Anumang pangangailangan ng ating bayan, andito po ang SLSU,” and assured continued support for the needs of the whole municipality.
For his part, Lucban Municipal Mayor Agustin M. Villaverde conveyed appreciation to SLSU and encouraged sustained collaboration, expressing hope for more joint projects in the future.
The MOA signing was witnessed by the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Arvin N. Natividad; CAS Dean, Dr. Shiela M. Manzanilla; CAM Dean, Dr. Rosalinda A. Abuy; as well as the Project Management Team of Bulati 2 Project: Asst. Prof. Maria Luisa A. Enal, Inst. Fidesmarie A. Villenas, Assoc. Prof. Ronaldo V. Altovar. Also present were Mr. Mark Gerald R. Labitoria (LGU Administrative Assistant), Ms. Cherry Rose Villa (School Nutrition Coordinator), Mr. Michael V. Abaricia (PEL Nagsinamo Principal), Mr. Brigildo R. Roxas (Barangay Nagsinamo Captain), Kgd. Ma. Nora V. Luna, and MSWD Officer Ms. Mutya M. Rada.
The ceremonial signing stands as a testament to the strengthened partnership between SLSU and LGU Lucban, an enduring collaboration dedicated to promoting health, education, and compassionate service to all sectors of the society.
Article: Maxinne Juacalla
Photos and Layout: Aljon Orivida