XU Social Involvement and Advocacy Program

"Empowering Senior High School Students Through Career Guidance and Education Pathways in Cagayan de Oro"

The Economics students led by Ms. Hannah Faith Padinit focused on the possible options for Senior High School students in deciding whether to continue their studies or enter the workforce, especially given their challenging economic situation. This initiative was part of the “Pagpukaw sa Kadasig” activity under the ECONVerse Sessions for the second semester of SY 2025–2026, conducted through the Econ 124 course in partnership with SIAP under the Social Development Cluster.

The project was implemented in close coordination with the PIKIFI Community Center located near the Old Zayas Landfill in Barangay Carmen, which greatly helped in reaching the target participants and ensuring the success of the activity. A key part of the discussion also involved coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, using current labor market data from Region X. This provided participants with a clearer understanding of in-demand jobs, emerging opportunities, and the skills currently needed in the local job market.

The main objective of the activity was to guide participants in exploring available opportunities in Cagayan de Oro, particularly employment options, while also encouraging them to consider continuing their education. Since many participants expressed interest in pursuing further studies, they were also introduced to possible scholarship programs they could apply for.

The session also highlighted the importance of having clear dreams and life plans. By setting goals and thinking ahead, students can better guide themselves in choosing the right path for their future.

The participants expressed their gratitude to PIKIFI for its continued support in their education, especially through moral and financial assistance that helps them pursue and complete their chosen courses.

Photo Credit: Eno Ledesma, BS Development Communication 2

One of the timely topics under the ECONVerse Session Series through the Econ 124 course and SIAP of XU is disaster preparedness, focusing on hazards such as fire, flood, and earthquakes. The discussion also connects to key economic concepts such as risk, vulnerability, and the costs of disasters on households and communities.

A grouo of Econ students led by Jayzel Bangot, in partnership with Barangay 22 in Cagayan de Oro, engaged community members—especially vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, and low-income households. These groups are often more exposed to risks due to limited resources and fewer means to quickly recover from shocks.

The session held last May 12 was a joint effort with the Central Student Government through the Department of Mission and Social Involvement (DMSI) under their Project Allisto, strengthening student and institutional support for community engagement. It focused on Barangay 22’s situation near Bitan-ag Creek, an area largely composed of informal settlers and highly prone to flooding and fire incidents. From an economic perspective, this highlights how location and lack of secure housing increase vulnerability and potential welfare losses during disasters.

Participants appreciated the barangay council’s efforts to implement organized safety systems. However, challenges remain in improving both individual preparedness and collective action, which can be viewed as a form of public good that requires coordination to be effective.

Recommendations emphasized sustaining and expanding these initiatives, including more accessible safe spaces and community-based programs. Overall, the sessions highlighted that knowledge, coordination, and preparedness are essential in reducing both the social and economic costs of future disasters.

The students under the AGAPE Program of Xavier University completed their 12-hour actual immersion activities as part of their Theology 2 subject. One of the clusters was assigned at Cogon Public Market under the classes of Prof. Justin Damiao. The immersion activities were conducted during the weekends of April 2026.

Through this activity, the students were given the opportunity to experience actual community encounters and provide service to the different stalls where they were assigned. Each student completed three rounds of visits, giving not only their physical presence but also their time, effort, and willingness to help the vendors and workers in the market.

As part of their interventions, a special group of students also created a space for the children of the vendors inside the market. Since it is currently the school break season, many children spend most of their time inside the market with their parents. The students organized games and other fun but educational activities to help the children enjoy, learn, and interact with others in a positive environment.

The immersion brought different experiences to the students. For some, it was their first time spending meaningful time in a public market setting, and many initially felt nervous about whether they could perform their assigned tasks well. However, several students shared that the orientation and role-playing activities conducted before the immersion helped prepare them both personally and socially for the experience.

The entire immersion activity was organized and peaceful through the full guidance and assistance of Prof. Damiao, who stayed with the students from the beginning until the end of their scheduled visits every day and weekend. Through this experience, the students gained a deeper understanding of the community and the importance of service, empathy, and human connection.

The AGAPE Program of the Xavier University Theology Department successfully conducted its Processing Sessions for the second semester of SY 2025–2026. Seven Theology 2 (Faith In Action) classes were assigned to Cogon Public Market under the supervision of the partner institution, City Economic Enterprises and Business Development Administration (CEEBDA) of the City LGU of Cagayan de Oro.

Through their 12-hour immersion in different sections of the market, the students learned the importance of respecting every person regardless of their status in life. They also realized the value of understanding and recognizing the different struggles that people face every day.

The students expressed their gratitude for the meaningful, enjoyable, and humbling experience they shared with their host vendors from the vegetable, fish, carenderia, and other market sections. These experiences and lessons will continue to guide them in their personal journey.

The Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) is also deeply thankful to the Xavier University Theology Department, especially through Prof. Justin Damiao, for the trust and continued partnership in this meaningful program.

𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

In times of noise, confusion, and division, may we choose truth, wisdom, and unity. Let us pray for discernment, courage, and leaders who serve with integrity and genuine love for the nation. May the Holy Spirit guide every Filipino heart toward justice, peace, and the common good.
Together, let us become one people—prayerful, hopeful, and united under God’s grace.

XU’s Ateneo Philosophy Club (APC), in collaboration with the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP), implemented the Philosophy for Children Project, introducing children to philosophical ideas through engaging games on 18 April 2026 at the Community-Based IKP Center of the Philippine Island Kids International Foundation, Inc. (PIKIFI), Zion Village.

APC, SIAP implement Philosophy for Children project Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University forming leaders of character for the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific.

Project Banwag centered on the quiet courage of young volunteers who, despite their fears, stepped forward to teach children in their communities. Launched by the XU Night School Program – ALS (XUNSP-ALS) in collaboration with the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) of Social Development, the project was carried out in the community of Talongan as a community tutorial initiative — a series of English tutorials, games, creative activities, and environmental efforts led by XUNSP learners for the children of the barangay. On paper, it was a service program. In practice, it became something far more difficult to measure: a journey of personal reckoning, growth, and transformation.

In line with Xavier University’s commitment to sustainability and integral ecology, a Round Table Discussion (RTD) on proposed Green Spaces Guidelines was held on 25 March 2026 at the American Corner Lecture Space, New Library Building, of the XU Main Campus. The activity brought together sustainability champions from the fields of agriculture, biology, and engineering, as well as members of the Atiman Kinaiyahan, Laudato Si’, and Green Campus Committees. This initiative reinforced the University’s continuing efforts towards greener and more sustainable campuses.

XU SocDev-SIAP SY 2025-2026

Gikan Uma Padulong sa Lamesa: Ang Pagtaas sa Presyo sa Bugas
Bulua Central School, Cagayan de Oro City
April 21 & May 7, 2026

Rice is more than just a staple—it is a reflection of food security, livelihood, and dignity for Filipino households. Through the ECONverse Series under ECON 124 (Economic Journal) of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, a two-part community engagement initiative was conducted in Barangay Bulua in partnership with SIAP, the Barangay Council of Bulua, and Bulua Central School. The project was led by the CMJ Initiative Group (Cristle July Barcena, Macy Morbyny Lopez, and Junee Gayle Acebu).

The April 21, 2026 session opened critical conversations on how rising rice prices continue to strain household consumption. Community members from the transport, fisherfolk, and farming sectors shared lived realities that exposed the widening gap between farm production and market affordability—bringing to light deeper concerns on food access and equity.

The May 7, 2026 culminating session strengthened these discussions through expert engagement with Mr. Archie Numeriano P. Alamban of the Office of the City Agriculturist, who unpacked rice pricing systems, supply and demand dynamics, NFA programs, and the broader agricultural value chain.

More importantly, the session became a space for dialogue with Barangay officials, including Kagawad Dudz Sabal and Hon. Kap RJ Legaspi, emphasizing that addressing food security requires genuine collaboration between local communities, government units, and institutions like Xavier University.

This initiative reinforces a simple but urgent truth: the issue of rice prices is not only economic—it is deeply social and political. Ensuring food security demands collective responsibility, sustained partnerships, and policies that genuinely respond to the realities on the ground.