“Kapwa Ko, Pananagutan Ko”
By Wilbert Aurner B. Namoc, PhD
The Institutional Community Involvement Center (ICIC) is extending its reach in diverse ways. The reality is inherently multifaceted in terms of academic extension and outreach programs. People come from different backgrounds and experiences with their own preferences, needs, and interests. Much more in the context of a community, diversity becomes complex as it involves navigating through a wide range of social, political, cultural, economic, and personal concerns. ICIC stands as the fulcrum between the adopted communities where it serves and the school community where it belongs. By actively engaging with both sides, ICIC acknowledges and addresses the unique needs of the adopted communities while also navigating the challenges and dynamics present in every department and sectors within the school environment. Thus far, extending the reach of ICIC may be limited to those who are accessible and may not extend to those who cannot be reached in diverse ways.
Several times and in many ways, primordial to the character of ICIC is extending its outreach activity by reaching out first and foremost to the school community. The office extends its reach due to the monumental challenge of getting people involved and engaged. A strong foundation within the community is a fundamental groundwork. Diverse approaches operate on the principle that
meaningful engagement starts from within through widespread initiatives.
Organize Information Sessions
The office communicates its plans and programs. It creates mutually beneficial relationships with dedicated personnel and volunteers through their involvement in town hall meetings and regular sectoral and office meetings about updates on ICIC’s mission, programs, and adopted communities. These sessions serve as a platform to present opportunities for academic and outreach activities, answer questions, address concerns, provide guidance, and participate in community events.
Participatory community visits and needs assessments
Aside from ICIC’s research output on community profiles, it fosters a culture of involvement
by organizing invitations and campaigns for schools’ administrators, faculty, personnel,
students, and parents to actual community visits to adopted communities and meet in
person the beneficiaries. It encourages cooperation in planning and decision-making, where
voices are heard and considered. This participatory approach nurtures a sense of ownership,
leading to more sustainable and impactful community programs and research.
Leverage technology and social media
To keep the school community engaged and informed, it utilizes technology platforms and official social media channels through our school’s communications office. Regular updates, success stories, and the impact of community undertakings are disseminated, which can inspire and motivate more members of the school.
Presence of parent – faculty councils and students
The office has involved these sectors in outreach projects by providing resources and assistance. It has strengthened its presence beyond the school community and inculcated a holistic approach.
ICIC would keep on reiterating that extension and outreach activities are integral to education and the formation of persons. The office never ceases to offer varied opportunities for students, faculty, non-teaching personnel, support service personnel, and even administrators to participate in outreach/extensions programs, volunteer initiatives, and advocacy efforts. It has introduced
several proposals for community engagements, to which everyone is beckoned to contribute. Any outreach conveys the message that it is more than reaching out to meet what others’ needs, but the presence imparts the extension and sharing of one’s own life with the other. As educators, we hold ourselves to high standards of excellence in both our delivery of instruction and our commitment to community service. In so doing, we embody the school’s core values and demonstrate our strong Christian commitment to serving others. The achievements of the school are intertwined with the development of communities.
