SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 1: No Poverty
Mapúa MCL Spreads Joy to the Aeta Community in Porac, Pampanga
By Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias
As part of the ongoing celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 10 (Reducing Inequalities), volunteers from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) organized a meaningful outreach program on October 5, 2024, titled “SamaKatutubo: Hearts and Minds for the Aetas”. Assistant Vice-President for External Relations and Global Linkages shared that ‘the project started in 2015 with some student volunteers and employees who thought of a unique community service project for the Christmas season. That was the first time that Mapua MCL got engaged with the Aetas community.
The program was spearheaded by the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), in collaboration with the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) and the Mapúa MCL Alumni Center. Participated in by more than 50 volunteers composed of students, faculty members, employees, and alumni who organized a feeding program serving hot meals for some 300 Aeta residents and children. Volunteer participation is very strong for being able to gather donations such as rice, canned goods, and other essential supplies from their peers and friends in the Mapua MCL community. Volunteers from the Senior High School, Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education, College of Health Sciences, Mapua Laguna Institute of Aviation, and the Mapua Institute of Technology at Laguna also organized games for the children and interaction activities with the local residents.
Prof. Mesina added that “SamaKatutubo: Hearts and Minds for the Aetas” does not end with the October 5 community engagement which coincides with World Teachers’ Day, stressing that this activity is a unique celebration as students receive a learning experience ‘outside the four walls of the classroom’ by having a meaningful interaction with the Aetas. To maximize the experience, the participants also had a side tour of the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor town which survived the devastation of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991. It showcases a parish museum where photographs of the old and the present Church site are exhibited depicting the resilience of Filipinos in times of disasters and crisis.
The community engagement is also timely as it coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Month that is celebrated in October of every year. Mapúa MCL is set to return to Porac in December 2024 as part of its “Paskong Mapúa Malayan” celebration, continuing its commitment to support indigenous communities and expand its outreach efforts. As a key part of the OneMapúan community, Mapúa MCL reaffirms its dedication to social responsibility and the vision of “One Sustainable Goal,” ensuring that its efforts contribute to lasting positive change. Students, faculty members, employees, alumni and other partners are encouraged to collaborate with OSPGE and the Alumni Center on ways to help.