THE XAVIER University Ateneo de Cagayan partnered with four local government units in Misamis Oriental for the conduct of its Service Learning Program.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by key officials of XU and LGUs of Alubijid, Laguindingan, Malitbog and Tagoloan to formalize the collaborative efforts of various academic disciplines for the first semester of Academic Year 2023-2024.

University President Fr. Mars Tan said that SLP has an important role in the academic and social formation of students.

“There are different ways of doing formation and SLP is another one where students become the main actor bringing their experiences [to the communities] and learning from the community, making the service learning experience dialogical,” Tan said.

The XU official stressed that Xavier Ateneo prioritizes formation and invited partners to join the university in shaping individuals with competence, conscience and commitment for the greater good and sustainable community development.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Social Development Dexter Lo said that the XU is committed “to the transformative learning experience of our students, faculty and partners.”

Gail dela Rita, Service Learning Program director, discussed program milestones and partnerships that aim to “co-create solutions” with communities, emphasizing their relevance.

“Service learning cannot work on its own to be sustainable, we have to work with you, our partners, so that sustainability can be our common agenda; when we partner and synergize, we can do a lot of work for communities,” she said.