USJ-R Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement

Hands that Serve, Hearts that Care: A Josenian Mission | March 19,2026

In celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patron saint of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, through the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI) reached out to 100 children and street dwellers bringing to life the values of humility, service, and dignity that St. Joseph exemplified.

Just as St. Joseph worked quietly yet faithfully, this initiative reflects a Josenian commitment to serve those on the margins with compassion and respect.

Through the generosity of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel de la Limpia, Le Circle Culinaire, and the dedicated volunteers, meals were shared and hope was restored. Aligned with the mission of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty and Zero Hunger.

In this simple yet meaningful act, the spirit of St. Joseph lives on reminding us that true service is not measured by recognition, but by the lives we touch and uplift. Together, as one Josenian community, we move forward with a shared mission: to build a future where dignity, hope, and care are accessible to all, leaving no one behind.

A Table Where Everyone Belongs | March 13,2026

In the spirit of compassion and solidarity, the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI) organized Lamesa ni San Jose, a meaningful outreach activity dedicated to children and street dwellers. What may have seemed like a simple shared meal became a powerful moment of encounter—where kindness was extended, dignity was affirmed, and every person present was reminded that they belong to a community that cares.

The success of this initiative was made possible through the generous hearts of our partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SHS–SSG Officers, together with their adviser, Mr. Mark Anthony Satur, for their unwavering support and commitment to service. We also thank Le Cercle Culinaire for preparing and sharing warm meals, transforming this gathering into a celebration of generosity and compassion.

More than nourishing the body, Lamesa ni San Jose echoes the call of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, reminding us that every shared table is a step toward building a more inclusive and humane society.

Because when food is shared with love, hope is also served. 🍽️💛

Seeds Today, Smiles Tomorrow
Sitio Lucob, Brgy. Maslog, Danao City, Cebu – March 14, 2026

A day of hope, joy, and community spirit unfolded at the Recoletos Eco-Park Shrine as the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through its Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), partnered with ARCORES Filipinas and coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) to reach out to local families with support, education, and environmental stewardship.

A total of 50 children received “Bags of Hope” containing school supplies and treats, while their parents prepared meals and shared in the joy of community togetherness. Meanwhile, 55 families benefited from 25-kilogram sacks of rice from ARCORES Filipinas and one box of spaghetti/carbonara food packs from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, helping meet their daily needs.

Parents also took part in planting 20 trees, contributing to environmental protection and sustainability for future generations.

The activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Climate Action.

More than a day of giving, the outreach in Barangay Maslog, Cebu City was a celebration of solidarity, compassion, and shared responsibility. Through collaboration and community participation, small acts of kindness became powerful seeds of hope—nurturing not only the well-being of families today but also safeguarding the environment for generations to come.

Together, we continue to build communities where hope grows, dignity is upheld, and care for creation becomes a shared mission.

Where Compassion Meets the Mountains
February 10,2026

Even when the skies poured and roads were rough, the spirit of service and mission led the way. The University of San Jose-Recoletos, through its Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in partnership with ARCORES Filipinas brought joy to Sitio Nabali-an, Barangay Tambo, Ayungon.

A total of 100 pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 6 received their Bags of Hope, filled with notebooks, pencils, pens, writing pads, crayons, candies, and biscuits. Food packs were also distributed to ensure the children had both learning tools and nourishment.

This mission of compassion and solidarity was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of Rev. Fr. Albert Pellazar, OAR (Arcores Filipinas President), Fr. Glynn Ortega, OAR (CRCESI Director & Vice President of ARCORES Filipinas), Fr. Randy Castillo, OAR, Fr. Edgar Tubio, OAR, Bro. Raymund Alcedo, OAR, and Fr. William Cordero, OAR.

This mission supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by bringing learning support and hope to children in remote communities through collaboration and service.

Through mud, rain, and uncertainty, the mission moved forward guided by faith, carried by compassion, and rewarded by smiles that made everything worthwhile.

January 16, 2026

Under the guidance of Señor Sto. Niño, no storm could stop hope. Despite Signal No. 1 brought by Tropical Storm Ada, hearts were united in tinabangay as USJ-R CRCESI and ARCORES Filipinas reached Looc, Jubot, and Talisay Elementary Schools in Daanbantayan.

The outreach was led by Rev. Fr. Albert Peleazar, OAR, President of ARCORES Filipinas, and Rev. Fr. Glynn C. Ortega, OAR, CRCESI Director and Vice President of ARCORES Filipinas, together with the CRCESI Head and staff, and through the coordination of Mr. Mark Anthony Satur. In this mission of service, 500 ARCORES Bags of Hope were distributed, bringing school supplies, bottled water and simple treats of candies and chocolates that brought smiles to the children.

More than a distribution, this was a movement of hearts, faith in action, compassion made visible. Grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals), the mission showed that when volunteers, employees, and students come together, service becomes truly transformative.

With gratitude to Señor Sto. Niño and to everyone who served, we move forward inspired because when we choose to serve together, hope always arrives, even before the storm fades.