Holy Cross of Davao College - Social Action Office

SOLIDARITY FRIDAY

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
— Albert Schweitzer

Service begins when we recognize that our lives are connected to the lives of others. It calls us to look beyond ourselves, respond to the needs around us, and use what we have—our time, talents, resources, and presence—to make a difference.

In community development, service is more than providing assistance. It is about walking with communities, listening to their stories, recognizing their strengths, and working together toward meaningful and lasting change.

May we continue to embrace every opportunity to serve with compassion, humility, and purpose—because when we choose to serve others, we help build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Madayaw! Celebrating Kadayawan 2026!

This Kadayawan, we celebrate the richness of Davao—our diverse cultures, abundant harvests, resilient communities, and the people whose traditions continue to shape our shared identity.

As we give thanks for the blessings of life and creation, may the spirit of Kadayawan inspire us to deepen our solidarity with one another, honor our Indigenous Peoples and cultural communities, care for our common home, and continue building communities rooted in compassion, dignity, and hope.

From the Holy Cross of Davao College – Social Action Office, may this season of thanksgiving remind us that every blessing becomes more meaningful when it is shared.

Madayaw, Dabaw! Malipayong Kadayawan!

We are one, KadayaONE!

Roundtable Discussion on Community Engagement in the Asia-Pacific

The Holy Cross of Davao College Social Action Office participated as an invited institution in the Roundtable Discussion on Community Engagement in the Asia-Pacific, held at the Trinity Building of San Pedro College, Davao City. The activity was conducted in collaboration with DACUN institutions and the Asia-Pacific University Community Engagement Network (APUCEN), with the participation of the APUCEN Executive Director.

The roundtable served as an academic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and critical reflection on emerging practices, institutional approaches, and strategic directions in university-community engagement across the Asia-Pacific region. The participation of the HCDC Social Action Office provided an opportunity to engage with fellow higher education institutions, exchange perspectives on community engagement, and gain insights into regional practices that may contribute to the continuing development of socially responsive and community-centered initiatives.

The engagement further affirmed the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in strengthening the role of higher education in addressing community needs and advancing sustainable development. It also emphasized the value of sustained dialogue and knowledge-sharing among institutions in promoting meaningful, inclusive, and transformative community engagement.

The activity is aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, through the exchange of knowledge and good practices that strengthen socially responsive and community-oriented education; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by promoting inclusive approaches to community engagement and addressing disparities through collaborative initiatives; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through meaningful dialogue, participatory engagement, and institutional collaboration; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening networks, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing among higher education institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.

A Liturgy for the New Academic Year: Mass of the Holy Spirit with HCDC Employee Commitment Rite and Blessing of Students.

As the new academic year begins, the Holy Cross of Davao College community gathered in prayer and thanksgiving through the Mass of the Holy Spirit, seeking divine guidance, wisdom, and grace for the journey ahead.

The celebration was made more meaningful through the HCDC Employee Commitment Rite, wherein faculty and non-teaching personnel renewed their commitment to serve with integrity, dedication, compassion, and fidelity to the mission of the institution. The Blessing of Students likewise entrusted the learners to God’s guidance as they embark on another year of academic formation, personal growth, and service.

More than a ceremonial opening, the liturgy served as a profound reminder that education is a shared vocation that calls the entire Crossian community to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in faith, values, and service to others.

As we begin another academic year, may the Holy Spirit illuminate our minds, strengthen our hearts, and inspire us to become instruments of meaningful transformation within the HCDC community and beyond.

United in faith. Committed to service. Inspired to learn and transform.

Kapehan sa Komunidad: Brewing Skills, Creating Opportunities

The Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), through the BS Hospitality Management Program in partnership with the Social Action Office (SAO), conducted Kapehan sa Komunidad: Barista Basic Training on July 20–21, 2026, at the PME Father’s Building, Holy Cross of Davao College.

The 16-hour competency-based skills training brought together participants from HCDC partner communities and provided them with foundational knowledge and practical competencies in barista operations. The training covered basic sanitation, introduction to coffee, proper use of barista tools and equipment, espresso extraction, milk steaming, latte art, preparation of espresso-based beverages such as latte, cappuccino, flat white, and mocha, as well as basic cleaning and maintenance of coffee equipment and workstations.

More than the acquisition of technical skills, Kapehan sa Komunidad was designed as a community empowerment initiative that creates pathways toward employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Participants were also introduced to opportunities for continuing skills development, including further technical training and possible competency certification through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The initiative likewise provided BSHM students with an opportunity to translate their academic and technical competencies into meaningful community service. Through hands-on facilitation and engagement with participants, the students strengthened their leadership, communication, teamwork, and social responsibility while sharing their knowledge and skills with the College’s partner communities.

HCDC extends its sincerest gratitude to Arla and Global Pacific Distribution Network Corporation for serving as official partners of Kapehan sa Komunidad. Their invaluable support and partnership contributed significantly to creating a meaningful and industry-responsive learning experience for the participants.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to Sig Café for generously sharing its industry expertise and practical knowledge in helping train and mentor the participants. We likewise recognize and thank all the baristas, trainers, faculty members, student facilitators, volunteers, and partners who generously shared their time, expertise, and passion throughout the two-day training. Their collective contribution transformed the activity from a skills training program into a meaningful platform for learning, empowerment, and community partnership.

Kapehan sa Komunidad reflects HCDC’s continuing commitment to transformative education that extends beyond the classroom—where knowledge becomes service, skills create opportunities, and partnerships become instruments for community empowerment.

Through initiatives such as this, HCDC continues to work alongside its partner communities and industry partners in building capacities, strengthening livelihoods, and creating pathways toward more resilient and self-reliant communities.

HCDC Team En Route to Reef to Ridge Activity

The HCDC Team, composed of faculty members, non-teaching personnel, and alumni, is currently on the way to join Ayala Foundation Inc. for its Reef to Ridge: Tree Growing Activity at the Monkayo-Pag-asa Carbon Forest.

The team will also take part in the Read-Aloud Activity at Banlag Elementary School, in collaboration with the BASAKWA Farmers Group and Ayala Employee Volunteers.

We look forward to a meaningful day of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and promoting the love for reading and learning.

Together, we grow trees, nurture minds, and strengthen communities!

HCDC, Ayala Foundation Partner for Kadayawan Media Caravan as Students, Media Practitioners Learn AI and Cultural Storytelling
In a continuing partnership aimed at empowering young storytellers and preserving local heritage, the Holy Cross of Davao College ( ), through its Center for Social Communications and Alumni Affairs (CSCAA), collaborated with Ayala Foundation to host “Istoryahay 2026: Kadayawan Media Caravan” on August 8, 2026, at the 7F Sedes Sapientiae Auditorium.
The initiative directly advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals ( ), notably : Quality Education; : Sustainable Cities and Communities; : Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and : Partnerships for the Goals.
Read more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/3UrPeY8

Beyond Relief: HCDC Reflects and Looks Ahead After Project H.O.P.E. Humanitarian Mission

Following the implementation of Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Others, Promoting Empowerment): Haligi sa Pagbangon, Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) gathered members of the humanitarian mission for a debriefing session on August 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Board Room, Office of the President.

The session was facilitated by Mr. Rommel F. Momo, Vice President for Operations, and provided a meaningful space for volunteers and members of the implementing team to reflect on their experiences during the humanitarian mission in Barangay Butulan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

A Space for Stories, Reflection, and Learning

The debriefing allowed participants to share their personal stories, observations, challenges, and significant encounters during the mission. Volunteers reflected not only on the services they provided but also on what they learned from the affected families—particularly their courage, gratitude, and resilience despite the losses caused by the earthquake.

The session also provided an opportunity to examine the overall implementation of Project H.O.P.E. Participants identified strengths, challenges, lessons learned, and areas for improvement, particularly in coordination, logistics, volunteer management, communication, community engagement, and the delivery of humanitarian services.

Through this process, the College sought to transform the experiences of its volunteers into institutional learning that can strengthen the planning and implementation of future social action and humanitarian initiatives.

From Humanitarian Response to Sustained Accompaniment

Beyond evaluating the completed mission, the debriefing opened an important conversation on “What’s Next?”

Participants explored possibilities for continued engagement with the earthquake-affected communities, recognizing that recovery extends beyond the provision of immediate relief. The experiences and needs shared by residents during the humanitarian mission and Pagpaminaw sa Komunidad provide valuable direction in considering possible initiatives related to recovery, rehabilitation, psychosocial well-being, community resilience, capacity-building, and other forms of sustained accompaniment.

Any future engagement will be further explored in consultation with the affected communities, the Local Government Unit of Jose Abad Santos, partner institutions, and other stakeholders, and will remain guided by identified community priorities, institutional direction, available resources, and opportunities for collaboration.

The debriefing affirmed that Project H.O.P.E. does not simply end when the humanitarian mission concludes. Rather, the experience invites the Holy Crossian community to listen, learn, reflect, and discern how it can continue walking alongside communities on their journey toward recovery.

Through reflection and collective learning, HCDC continues to strengthen its commitment to faith in action, compassionate accompaniment, responsible community engagement, and transformative social action.

From response to recovery, from service to accompaniment—our mission of hope continues. 💙

HCDC Brings Project H.O.P.E.: Haligi sa Pagbangon to Earthquake-Affected Families in Jose Abad Santos

Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), through Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Others, Promoting Empowerment): Haligi sa Pagbangon, extended humanitarian assistance to earthquake-affected families in Barangay Butulan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, on July 4, 2026, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026.

Through the collective efforts of the Holy Crossian community, partner institutions, volunteers, donors, and local stakeholders, 100 earthquake-affected families received H.O.P.E. Packs and Survival Kits, while an estimated 300 individuals—including children, youth, adults, and senior citizens—benefited from medical, psychosocial, recreational, and other humanitarian services.

The H.O.P.E. Packs, prepared through the generosity of the HCDC community and its donors, contained ready-to-eat food provisions, hygiene products, bottled water, and other essential items. These were complemented by Survival Kits provided by San Pedro College and its Alumni.

More Than Relief: A People-Centered Humanitarian Response

More than a relief distribution, Project H.O.P.E. adopted a holistic and people-centered approach that recognized the different needs of individuals and families recovering from disaster.

Before receiving the H.O.P.E. Packs and Survival Kits, beneficiaries participated in interventions designed to promote their physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being. These included basic medical consultations and health assessments, psychosocial support and wellness interventions, and recreational sports and youth engagement activities for children and young people.

The mission also included Pagpaminaw sa Komunidad, a community listening session that provided residents with a safe and respectful space to share their experiences, challenges, immediate needs, and hopes following the earthquake. Beyond gathering information, the activity allowed volunteers to listen, accompany, and better understand the realities faced by affected families.

The stories and insights gathered through Pagpaminaw sa Komunidad will help inform possible future recovery, rehabilitation, and resilience-building initiatives in coordination with the Local Government Unit, community stakeholders, partner institutions, and other organizations.

Witnessing Resilience at the "Ground Zero"

Following the humanitarian services, the volunteers visited Purok Malipayon and Purok Talisay, among the most severely affected areas of Barangay Butulan and referred to by local residents as their "ground zero."

There, the volunteers personally witnessed the aftermath of the earthquake and the extent of its impact on the community. Damaged and collapsed homes stood as visible reminders of the tremendous force of the earthquake and the losses experienced by many families.

Yet amid the devastation, the volunteers encountered something equally powerful—the resilience and gratitude of the people of Barangay Butulan.

As volunteers witnessed the damage, residents themselves offered words of comfort and reassurance. They shared that the houses and possessions destroyed by the earthquake were material things that could eventually be rebuilt; what mattered most was that they were alive and that their families had survived.

Their words transformed the visit into a profound encounter with courage, faith, gratitude, and hope. The experience reminded the volunteers that even amid significant loss, the strength of a community can remain firmly rooted in its people.

Residents likewise expressed their gratitude for the presence of HCDC and its partners and for the different services made available to the community. While much of the assistance they had received following the earthquake had understandably focused on material donations and relief goods, they particularly appreciated having access to medical services, psychosocial interventions, recreational activities, and opportunities to share their experiences and be heard.

The encounter affirmed an important dimension of Project H.O.P.E.: humanitarian service goes beyond what we give. It is also about being present, listening with compassion, affirming human dignity, and accompanying people as they begin to rebuild their lives.

A Collective Mission of Hope

Project H.O.P.E. was spearheaded by the Office of the President and the Center for Integral Evangelization – Social Action Office, together with the Office of Philanthropic Engagements and Networks, Office of Student Affairs and Services, Human Resource Office, Office of Guidance and Counseling, Campus Ministry Office, Center for Wellness and Sports Excellence, Office of the Vice President for Operations, Center for Social Communication and Alumni Affairs, and other participating offices and volunteers of the College.

The humanitarian mission was made possible through the shared commitment of HCDC and its partners, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in responding not only to the immediate material needs of affected communities but also to their health, psychosocial well-being, and journey toward recovery.

Our Partners in H.O.P.E.

Holy Cross of Davao College extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the institutions, organizations, donors, alumni, volunteers, and partners whose generosity and service made this humanitarian mission possible:

San Pedro College and its Alumni for conducting the Medical Mission, supporting the psychosocial interventions, and providing Survival Kits for earthquake-affected families;
Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) – Southern Mindanao Chapter for providing professional volunteers who supported and facilitated the psychosocial interventions;
Davao's Cake Counter for generously providing food provisions in support of the humanitarian mission;
HCDC Alumni for their generous donations and continued support for earthquake-affected families; and
Local Government Unit of Jose Abad Santos for its invaluable assistance in the coordination, identification and validation of beneficiaries, logistical guidance, community coordination, and facilitation of the humanitarian mission in Barangay Butulan.

HCDC likewise expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all donors, volunteers, students, personnel, community leaders, and individuals who contributed their time, resources, expertise, presence, and prayers. Every contribution became part of a collective expression of compassion and solidarity with the people of Jose Abad Santos.

Beyond Relief, Toward Recovery

Beyond the 100 families who received H.O.P.E. Packs and Survival Kits and the estimated 300 individuals reached through medical, psychosocial, recreational, and other humanitarian services, Project H.O.P.E. became an encounter between communities—an opportunity not only to give, but also to listen, learn, accompany, and be inspired by the resilience of those affected by the disaster.

As Barangay Butulan and other affected communities continue their journey toward recovery, HCDC remains committed to exploring opportunities for sustained accompaniment, partnership, rehabilitation, and resilience-building initiatives responsive to the needs and priorities identified by the community and in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

In the midst of devastation, the Holy Crossian volunteers witnessed not only what the earthquake had destroyed, but also what it could not take away—the faith, courage, gratitude, resilience, and hope of a community determined to rise again.

Project H.O.P.E.: Haligi sa Pagbangon
Helping Others. Promoting Empowerment. Restoring Hope.