Stories of Transformation in Social Engagement | 1st Edition

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018-2019 | 1ST EDITION

De La Salle University CENTER FOR SOCIAL CONCERN AND ACTION (COSCA)

STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION

IN SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

This booklet is a compilation of stories that showcase various experiences and relevant transformations of different partners within and outside the Lasallian Community, through the Center for Social Concern and Action’s (COSCA) programs, projects, and activities during the Academic Year 2018 - 2019.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS LASALLIANS AS SOCIETY’S AGENTS OF CHANGE WORKING TOGETHER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAPACITATING INDIVIDUALS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE GUIDING STUDENTS TO LEARN WHILE SERVING VOLUNTEERING AS A TOOL TO BECOME SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS EDITORIAL TEAM

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AAFP LASALLIANS AS SOCIETY’S AGENTS OF CHANGE Developing the youth’s interest by involving them in various awareness raising activities is an opportunity for them to become society’s agents of change. COSCA’s Advocacy and Adult Formation Program (AAFP) regularly conducts different kinds of awareness raising activities through the Kapihan ng Malalayang Lasalyano Forum, commonly known as the KAMALAYAN Forum. This provides an opportune venue for experts, academic staff, support staff, students, and community partners to discuss relevant social issues.

Christian Esguerra, Jeanne Fernandez, and Karl Russel Sy are volunteers of COSCA that participated in a KAMALAYAN Forum focused on Human Rights and Democracy. Before engaging in the forum, they did not really concern themselves with Philippine politics since they were primarily focused on academics, sports, and their usual activities as volunteers. When Christian, Jeanne, and Russel were tapped by the AAFP Coordinator to be part of activities such as the two-day training on Truth Guiding about Martial Law and the People Power Revolution and other KAMALAYAN Forums centered on Human Rights and Democracy, they not only learned more about the different experiences and perspectives during the Marcos period but were also enlightened about the great social injustice the period had wrought. Prior to the activity, Jeanne confessed that she did not engage in political discussions because she was not aware of the specifics of some political issues. This opportunity encouraged her and her fellow advocates to participate and engage more in other advocacy related activities implemented by AAFP.

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“In that activity, we learned about key incidents that happened during the Marcos period. At first, I felt shy interacting with other people about those issues because I was not aware of them. But, after that KAMALAYAN Forum, I became interested in politics and everything that is happening in our country. With that interest, I continued participating in the succeeding forums on voter’s education and other post election forums…”

AAFP

- Jeanne Fernandez, COSCA – LOVE Aside from gaining awareness in social issues, they became more eager to learn and participate in the larger discourse surrounding the latter. The exposure of Christian, Jeanne, and Russel on the social realities through the program’s advocacy and social formation activities helped them become critical thinkers. Apart from this, they now recognize the need for collaboration and dialogue in understanding and addressing different issues.

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AAFP “It is important for everyone’s opinion to be heard that is why we should become more open to the opinion of other people. Instead of creating different groups in addressing a problem, working together is better in identifying solutions on various social issues to avoid conflict.”

- Karl Russel Sy, COSCA – LOVE For Christian, Jeanne, and Russel, this is simply the beginning of a greater journey towards learning and enlightenment. Now, they realize and understand the need to step up and contribute to the promotion of inclusive change by sharing the significant lessons and insights they gained to their networks outside the Lasallian community: their family, friends, and other children and youth.

“Before, my idea in participating is only to become aware. Eventually, I continued to participate and share the lessons I have gained with others. All those lessons will be for nothing if I keep those ideas and not use them to influence others.”

- Christian Esguerra, COSCA - LOVE

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LSDP WORKING TOGETHER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The empowerment of organizations and the communities they partner or belong to is crucial to the achievement of sustainable economic development. The Buklurang Migranteng Manggagawa at Kapamilya Inc. or BMMK, one of DLSU-COSCA’s esteemed partner organizations, serves as a testament to this, having been part of the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localization Project.

Established by the Kanlungan Center Foundation, BMMK serves Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Caloocan City as well as their families. Funds from the contributions of BMMK’s members fund the implementation of their various capacity-building programs which include Seminars on Migrant Strike, the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), learning sessions on accessible legal entities abroad, and many others.

As a larger testament to the growth of the organization, BMMK grew from 25 members in 2008 to more than 150 today, facilitated largely by their constant engagement and collaboration with the Lasallian Community.

At present, BMMK is a direct partner of COSCA. Through the NSTP program of DLSU, Service Learning Program of COSCA, and DLSU-COSCA’s SDG Localization Project, BMMK was able to learn and grow more. These opportunities and avenues for 5

LSDP learning helped them either establish a livelihood or a social enterprise that can potentially support the sectors in the community who need it most, particularly the mothers.

“Nagka-interes yung mga nanay para kung wala mang… hindi na [mag-tuloy] ang La Salle [at] COSCA, mayroon silang iniwan sa amin na alam namin na gagawin na panghabangbuhay sana ng mga nanay na trabaho, na pagkakakitaan…” (“Mothers from the community got interested to participate in the livelihood programs provided to BMMK because they saw that even if their engagement with La Salle and COSCA ended, the skills that they acquired in the program could be their source of income.”)

– Marites ‘Tess’ Calvey, BMMK

Apart from this, some members of the BMMK also took part in the LSEED Boot Camp, which implemented as part of the SDG Localization Project.

During this activity, participants learned about the technical aspects entailed in setting up a social enterprise (SE). They were also enabled to 6

LSDP present and showcase their ideas, helping them to gain more confidence as potential social entrepreneurs. “[Dati] wala akong negosyo, totally lang ako nagtitinda ng isda, yung kumbaga nakikihango lang ako… Ngayon, parang naano ko yung magbusiness kaya… humawak ako ng negosyo [para] subukan ko yung ginawa ko, yung natutunan ko sa boot camp…” (“Before, I do not have other sources of income aside from selling fish. After participating in the boot camp, my learnings helped me to establish the small businesses that I have now.”)

– Danice Pedrigosa, BMMK Furthermore, the participants learned the importance of participatory and collaborative planning, realizing that each step taken by the organization must be achieved together – a feat that they can only accomplish with the support and trust of the families and communities they serve. “[Yung] natutunan namin – paano magkaisa, magkaisa ng isip. Kasi po nung una namin eh parang nagkawatak-watak kami ng utak, gumulo po lalo, yung pinakagusto naming mithiin, naiba po… pero nung 7

LSDP nagkaisa yung aming mga kaisipan… nagkasundo po kami. Kailangan may pagkakaisa, may pagkakaunawaan, (at) may bigayan, at may pagmamahalan…” (“We learned how to be united, to have one goal. At first, we had different points of view and our main goal shifted. But when we learned to listen and collaborate with each other during the boot camp, we came up with a common goal. It is really important for a group to have unity, understanding, sharing, and love for each other.”)

– Lourdes Pajares, BMMK The hard work and willingness of BMMK to finish the LSEED Boot Camp gave them not just learnings but also another opportunity to partner with a group of DLSU students in the social enterprise “Juaniko.” Together, they worked in providing affordable supplies to the small variety store owners in their communities. This, according to the BMMK members, may better facilitate financial stability in their community as it would prevent store owners from borrowing money from loan sharks.

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LSDP With these seeds of hope planted in their hearts and minds, leaders of the BMMK are eager to enable other members of their partner communities not only in attaining economic stability but also in empowering the mothers and sari-sari store owners toward resilience, recognizing that their whole community is only as strong as the mothers and families living in it. “[N]aisip namin po namin ito kasi maraming sari-sari store dito tapos gusto po naming makatulong sa maliliit na sari-sari store kasi nga po yung ibang sari sari store hindi sila naggrow minsan nawawalan [s]ila ng puhunan… gusto namin wala nang mahihintong sari-sari store” (“Since there are many sari-sari stores in our community, we wanted to help the store owners so that their businesses will continue to grow and not fail due to the lack of resources.”)

– Lourdes Pajares, BMMK

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PNDP CAPACITATING INDIVIDUALS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE Fulfillment in working with the communities can be seen when its people become empowered throughout the partnership.

As a social development arm of DLSU, the COSCA works directly with the university’s community partners through PNDP. The program ensures that partners are not only consulted in the activities and projects COSCA implements but also engaged as active stakeholders and duty-bearers in the process. The program manages this by linking the partners to the Lasallian community and providing opportunities for capacity development.

The Lian Fisherfolk Association (LFA) is a people’s organization composed of fisherfolks in Sitio Kayreyna, Barangay Lumaniag and has been one of COSCA’s long-time partners in the Municipality of Lian, Batangas.

One of the beneficiaries of this enduring partnership is former LFA Board Member Mr. Edgardo “Enggay” Casihan who remains grateful to the latter.

Prior to the engagement of LFA with COSCA, Enggay and other fisherfolks in Sitio Kayreyna relied primarily on fishing as their main source of income, but it simply did not suffice. They had to resort to alternative means of livelihood such as part-time construction jobs to sustain their families’ needs.

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PNDP “[Noong] wala pa kaming koneksyon sa COSCA at De La Salle, ayon nag-sideline [kami] sa construction. Halos sakto lang ang kinikita.

[Kapag] walang sideline, [mangunguha] sa dagat, mangingisda [para lang may] pangtawid, panggastos…” (“Before we became partners with COSCA and De La Salle, we had construction jobs as our alternative source of income and what we earned was just enough for our families’ needs. During those times, we would catch and sell fish to earn enough and cover our daily needs…”)

Since the organization’s partnership with DLSU-COSCA, many things changed in Sitio Kayreyna. DLSU, through COSCA, was able to acquire support and raise funds for various livelihood opportunities not just for Enggay but also for other LFA members. Much like the seedlings they had cultivated, the mangrove forest they had nurtured simply started when the organization gained the chance to host mangrove planting activities where each seedling helped a member to earn. Apart from this, they were also trained to become “reef rangers,” guiding interested students and visitors who want to marvel at their marine protected area (MPA).

Throughout the long-standing partnership, other members of the DLSU 11

PNDP community helped LFA build other facilities in their communities such as comfort rooms, a kubo or nipa hut for their orientations, balsa or raft, the boardwalk leading to their MPA, and mangrove planting sites for DLSU students and other visitors.

Beyond the impact the partnership made to the organization, it has facilitated change in Enggay’s life. His hard work and perseverance selling mangrove seedlings, digging holes on the planting site, and working as a reef ranger has not only enabled him to be more active in his community but also helped augment his income and regularly provide for his family. In addition to that, because of all the extra money that he earned, he was also able to start building a concrete house for his family. “…napakasaya na ng nangyari sa buhay ko. Dahil sa inyo ‘di na ko magiisip na bukas wala o bukas aagahan ko ang gising para kumita. Dahil sa inyo nagkaroon kami ng kaunting ipon kaya masaya ako na naging partner kayo ng aming samahan.” (“I am very grateful with what happened in my life. With your help, I no longer worry whether I have nothing for tomorrow or I would need to wake up early to earn money. With our group’s partnership with you, I now have savings for my family.”)

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SLP GUIDING STUDENTS TO LEARN WHILE SERVING As Lasallian Formators, teaching students go beyond the theories and four walls of a classroom. Learnings that can be acquired by students from the people that they serve creates impact on their minds and touches their hearts inspiring them to live a better and meaningful life for themselves and for the people that they serve.

Dr. Maria ‘Kit’ Paquita-Bonnet is one of the many Lasallian Formators from the Management and Organization Department that highly supports service-learning as an effective strategy to teach and learn about theories and the realities of life both at the same time. Seeing the effectivity of this strategy, Dr. Kit continues to make this happen by bringing her students in the graduate program to different communities and organizations with the help of the Service Learning Program (SLP) of Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA).

“I teach and COSCA helps me out in the implementation. Students learn both the concepts and real situation on the ground . In this way, they were able to share their skills, their knowledge, and their value system with those who have less in life.”

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SLP As Dr. Kit continues to apply the service- learning component in her academic program, she always remembers the saying of St. La Salle on the importance of keeping in mind the last, the lost, and the least in everything that Lasallians do. With that, she decided to constantly bring her students to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to provide service to the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

“I want to bring my students here in NBP because the PDLs need us but we need them as well. I always tell my students, ‘I cannot teach you freedom, I can only teach you in principles and cognitively , but in terms of how it is lived, those who do not have will tell you what freedom is’.”

Coming from the traditional teacher-centered approach of teaching, Dr. Kit’s methodology shifted because of all the potentials that she saw not just on her students but also to the PDLs of NBP. They, Dr. Kit and the classes that she handled, started their engagement with NBP by providing short term activities and eventually creating programs for the PDLs that are sustainable and developmental.

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SLP “...we always look at the three multi-stream approach in the MBA program. Some interventions of my students are focused on the environment, skills building for people, and entrepreneurship. ” Since then, upon recognition of the potentials of her students, Dr. Kit’s classes became student-centered because every time the students visit NBP, they were the ones who took the lead from the planning phase up to the implementation of their intervention to the PDLs while Dr. Kit is just there to guide them.

“I brought my students in NBP and saw transformations from them. They were touched by how human beings transform inside NBP and they, in turn, transformed in terms of their perspective in life. In this experience, the students also saw the importance of filling their own gaps, changing their views, and how their judgements can make or unmake people.”

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SLP Having meaningful experiences and visible changes on the students’ perception about PDLs and the PDLs’ social development, the servicelearning component became and will continue to be a part of Dr. Kit as she continues to teach at the university.

“As a Lasallian educator, I now see myself not only as someone who experiences personal transformation but who also shares this experience with my students.”

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SSFP VOLUNTEERING AS A TOOL TO BECOME SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS Influencing students to become academically competent and socially responsible individuals not only benefits their development but also the communities they engage.

Through COSCA’s Student Social Formation Program (SSFP), DLSU provides different types of social engagements [or volunteering opportunities] that contribute in the formation of students to become socially responsible. Through the student volunteer arm COSCA – Lasallian Outreach and Volunteer Effort (COSCALOVE), students are not only engaged to participate in various social engagements but also in leading and organizing activities like the For the Kids event, EHEMPLO Immersion Program, and KAMALAYAN Forums.

Iza Gonzales, a fifth year student from the College of Science taking up Biochemistry, is one of the many volunteers of COSCA-LOVE who started out as a participant of different SSFP social engagement activities.

The experience and lessons Iza gained from the activities she attended continue to inspire her to engage in the different activities of the SSFP. She now prides herself as an active student leader who can organize and implement activities that will help engage other people from the Lasallian Community. Apart from this, she deems it an opportune venue to share her learnings to other students in DLSU:

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SSFP “[The] experience is different when you’re the participant or the volunteer, and it’s also different when you’re the one organizing the activity itself, [but] both [are] fulfilling because they [are] avenues…for me to be more engaged with people.”

Of all activities of the SSFP, what sparked volunteerism among the DLSU students is the EHEMPLO Immersion Program. To wit, when Iza learned about the resumption of EHEMPLO both in 2018 and May 2019, she immediately applied to be part of the immersion program because she knew that it helped her better engage with DLSU’s partner communities.

She was exposed to the communities’ way of life, opening her heart and mind to the realities on the ground. This definitely helped her see things in a different light: “[You] can’t just go to a community and say that ‘I am here to help’ or ‘I’m here to make a change in their lives’. It’s one thing to know that a certain problem exists in our country and it’s another thing to experience it firsthand [because] that’s where you usually get your motivation and passion if you want to help in providing a sustainable solution.”

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SSFP Serving as a favorable platform for students to not only be exposed to the current social realities but also to reflect on their vital role in sustainable development, the SSFP aims to continue implementing and improving the EHEMPLO Immersion Program to help stoke the fire of passionate civic engagement and volunteerism in students like Iza. Dreaming of becoming a doctor someday, Iza imparted: “I really know personally that [serving the community] is something that I want to continue even outside of La Salle. I really want to keep [volunteering] alongside my professional path. I’m really grateful because that’s when it kick-started or ignited a new flame inside me... it was through those immersion programs that I really got to envision what I can do once I leave [DLSU].”

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EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Neil Oliver Penullar COSCA Director

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Angeli Alagar Program and Resource Development Coordinator

COPY EDITORS DLSU - Office for Strategic Communications BAGCED - Department of English and Applied Linguistics

CONTRIBUTORS Jimi Caldea Juan Paolo Cendana Jericho Roel Cruz Marichel Escalante Marietta Guanzon Jose Maria Angelo Herrera Laizalyn Layco Patricia Emily Lim

Bethany Grace Lucero Angelika Mae Mozo Roel Quenamot Mary Ann Santiago Leo Tadena Benjamin Emmanuel Uy Niku Vicente Rafael Zaballero

Center for Social Concern and Action RM 202, Br. Gabriel Connon Hall De La Salle University 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Direct Line: (02) 523-4143 Trunk Line: (02)524-4611 https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/ovplm/cosca/ @DLSUCOSCA

@cosca_official