USJ-R Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement

19/08/2026

Celebrating the Feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno
Patron Saint of Cancer Patients

Today, we honor St. Ezekiel Moreno, a faithful servant of God whose life was marked by compassion, courage, and love for those who suffer. Having experienced the pain of cancer himself, he became a powerful intercessor for the sick and those facing serious illness.

May his example remind us to remain steadfast in faith, especially in moments of pain and uncertainty. May he intercede for all those battling cancer, their families, caregivers, and all who accompany them on their journey.

St. Ezekiel Moreno, pray for us and for all who are suffering from cancer. 🙏🤎

16/08/2026

AWW! This is what love looks like when money runs out. 🥹

In Battambang province, Cambodia, a father found himself facing his 5-year-old son's first day of school with nothing to send him with. No money for a proper backpack, nothing off a shelf to offer him.

So he made one himself.

Working as a daily laborer, he spent hours weaving a backpack out of bright blue recycled plastic strips, turning scraps into something sturdy enough to carry his son's whole first day of school on its shoulders.

Photos of little Ny Keng standing proudly in front of the classroom blackboard, that handmade bag on his back, and of his father gently adjusting the straps for him, spread far beyond their small province.

In a place where many families survive on less than $2 a day, this one quiet act said everything money couldn't.

Poverty may limit what a parent can give, but it can never touch how much they're willing to give it.

14/08/2026

🎒 GIVE A BAG. GIVE HOPE. ❤️

₱250 can place a Bag of Hope backpack in the hands of a child.

ARCORES Filipinas is preparing our BAG OF HOPE for children affected by disasters and for children from families experiencing poverty.

For only ₱250, you can sponsor one Bag of Hope backpack for one child.

🎒 ₱250 = 1 Bag of Hope backpack
🎒 ₱500 = 2 Bag of Hope backpacks
🎒 ₱1,000 = 4 Bag of Hope backpacks

₱1,000 = HOPE FOR 4 KIDS. ❤️

Please note: The ₱250 sponsorship covers the backpack only. School supplies and other essential items that may be placed inside will be provided separately through additional donations, partnerships, and the generosity of our benefactors.

But the bag itself is already a beginning.

For a child who has lost belongings in a fire, survived a disaster, or whose family struggles to provide even basic school needs, a simple backpack can carry something far greater than its contents.

It can quietly tell a child:

“You are remembered. You are loved. Keep dreaming.”

This is the spirit of ARCORES—allowing compassion to move from the heart to the hands, especially toward our brothers and sisters experiencing poverty.

Inspired by our Augustinian Recollect spirituality, we want every Bag of Hope to become a concrete expression of communion: one heart and one soul directed toward God, walking together with those most in need.

And when resources become available, we hope to fill these bags with school supplies and other essentials so that each child receives not only a backpack, but encouragement to return to school, continue learning, and dream of a better future.

❤️ HELP US BRING HOPE TO MORE CHILDREN

🎒 Sponsor 1 backpack — ₱250
🎒 Sponsor 4 backpacks — ₱1,000
🎒 Sponsor 20 backpacks — ₱5,000
🎒 Sponsor 40 backpacks — ₱10,000

No contribution is too small. A family can sponsor one. A group of friends can sponsor four. A class, parish, religious community, company, or organization can come together to sponsor many more.

Individuals, families, schools, religious communities, parishes, companies, organizations, and friends of ARCORES are invited to become our Bag of Hope Partners.

Give a bag. Give hope. Help a child keep dreaming. 🎒❤️

ARCORES FILIPINAS
Moving hearts, transforming lives.

BAG OF HOPE
Bringing Education.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

Faith in Action: Walking with Communities in Hope

The Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in collaboration with the Campus Ministry and volunteers from various offices of the University, conducted a meaningful Lectio Divina at the Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center.

Rooted in prayer, reflection, and community, the activity provided an opportunity for participants to encounter the Word of God and reflect on its message of hope, compassion, forgiveness, and transformation. More than a spiritual gathering, it became an expression of accompaniment and solidarity—reminding everyone that every person deserves to be heard, valued, and given opportunities for renewal.

The initiative contributes to the University's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by promoting spiritual and psychosocial well-being and providing a safe space for reflection and emotional renewal. It also supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by fostering inclusion, dignity, and meaningful engagement with individuals who are often vulnerable or marginalized in society.

Furthermore, the collaboration among CRCESI, the Campus Ministry, and volunteers from different offices of the University reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By bringing together different sectors of the University community, the activity demonstrates how collective action and shared responsibility can create meaningful and sustainable community engagement.

The Lectio Divina reminds that service is not only about what we give, but also about how we accompany others. Through listening, presence, prayer, and compassion, the University community becomes an instrument of hope and transformation.

Ultimately, the activity embodies the spirit of Faith, Service, and Excellence—putting faith into action and walking with communities toward healing, dignity, hope, and renewed possibilities.

Because when we choose to be present, we remind others that they are not forgotten.
And when faith becomes service, hope becomes possible.

15/07/2026

15/07/2026

13/07/2026

July 13, 2026

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), officially launched Project Pakigdait at the Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center, marking the beginning of a meaningful partnership dedicated to fostering hope, healing, reconciliation, and positive transformation among the children and youth under the care of the center.

The launching ceremony was graced by Rev. Fr. Glynn C. Ortega, OAR, Director of CRCESI, whose inspiring message reaffirmed the University's commitment to compassionate service, restorative justice, and community engagement. Through his reflection, he reminded everyone that every individual deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and begin anew.

The University also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Fielberto S. Antiquia, Administrative Officer II, and Mr. John Mark M. Buhian, Psychometrician and Chief Administrator of the Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center, for their warm welcome, unwavering support, and steadfast dedication to the rehabilitation and holistic development of the center's beneficiaries.

The successful launch of Project Pakigdait was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC) and the CRCESI Anchors, whose commitment and teamwork ensured the meaningful implementation of this initiative.

As Project Pakigdait moves forward, it will offer a series of formation sessions, values development programs, psychosocial interventions, and community engagement activities designed to empower the beneficiaries, strengthen their self-worth, nurture resilience, and encourage positive life choices as they prepare for successful reintegration into society.

Project Pakigdait also advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, by promoting psychosocial and emotional wellness;
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, by fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for personal growth and rehabilitation;
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by supporting restorative justice, reconciliation, and peacebuilding; and
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaborative efforts of the University of San Jose–Recoletos, the Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center, the Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC), and other committed partners.

As Project Pakigdait begins its journey, may it become a lasting symbol of hope and transformation. Inspired by Fr. Glynn's reflection, may we always remember that, just as a restored vase can once again hold a flower in full bloom, every young person possesses the capacity to rise above their past, rediscover their inherent worth, and embrace a future filled with dignity, purpose, and hope.

Together, let us continue building communities where compassion leads, hope is renewed, healing is nurtured, and every individual is given the opportunity for growth, restoration, and a meaningful second chance.

08/07/2026

July 7, 2026

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in partnership with the Property Administrators Office (PAO), successfully conducted a Bible Sharing and Giving of Bath Essentials activity for 50 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Cebu City Jail – Female Dorm. The initiative provided a meaningful avenue to foster spiritual growth, strengthen faith, and promote personal well-being through reflection on God's Word while responding to essential hygiene needs.

Anchored on the University's commitment to holistic human formation, the activity integrated spiritual nourishment with practical assistance. The Bible-sharing session invited participants to reflect on messages of hope, forgiveness, renewal, and God's enduring love. Meanwhile, the distribution of bath essentials promoted personal hygiene, self-care, and the preservation of human dignity, affirming that every individual deserves compassion, respect, and opportunities for growth and transformation.

USJ-R expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers and the personnel of the Property Administrators Office for their generosity, time, and compassionate service that brought the activity to fruition. Their commitment reflects the genuine Josenian spirit of faith, service, and solidarity, showing how collaboration and shared responsibility can create meaningful and lasting impact in the community.

This initiative embodies the University's mission of forming socially responsible individuals who live out the values of faith, community, and service. It also contributes to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through the promotion of hygiene and wellness; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through extending care and support to vulnerable sectors of society; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthened collaboration among USJ-R, PAO, volunteers, and community partners.

Through programs such as this, USJ-R continues to uphold its commitment to transformative community engagement by addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of individuals. Together with its partners, the University remains dedicated to inspiring hope, strengthening faith, and empowering communities through compassionate service, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to human dignity.

30/06/2026

CRCESI Anchors Planning 2026: Reflect, Reassess, and Reimagine

The Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI) successfully conducted the CRCESI Anchors Planning 2026 with the theme "Reflect, Reassess, and Reimagine." The activity brought together CRCESI Anchors from the University's academic schools and administrative offices for a meaningful time of reflection, evaluation, collaboration, and renewed commitment to strengthening the University's community engagement initiatives.

Anchored on the spirit of rediscovering our mission and purpose, the planning encouraged participants to reflect on their experiences in community engagement, reassess existing programs and strategies, and reimagine innovative approaches that will create a greater and more sustainable impact in the communities we serve.

The activity also emphasized the importance of collaboration among CRCESI Anchors in advancing extension programs that are responsive to community needs while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting sustainable transformation.

A highlight of the planning was the inspiring session on "Service in Mission" delivered by Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR, who reminded everyone that authentic service is rooted in faith, compassion, humility, commitment, and a genuine desire to uplift others through meaningful community engagement.

CRCESI likewise extends its heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Glynn C. Ortega, OAR, CRCESI Director, for his steadfast leadership, guidance, and unwavering support in advancing the University's mission of community engagement and social involvement.

To all our CRCESI Anchors, thank you for your valuable time, active participation, dedication, and commitment to serving our partner communities. Your willingness to collaborate and embrace the University's mission continues to inspire positive and lasting change.

As we move forward, may we continue to reflect with purpose, reassess with wisdom, and reimagine with hope—carrying the spirit of service in our hearts, our work, and every community we are called to serve.