Written by John Oliver M. Ramos (EdD Regular Sem Student) | Photos courtesy of Dr. Rhoda Tique
Students from the University of Baguio School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts Graduate School came together to extend assistance to families affected by the recent landslide in the Guisad Surong community.
The EdD Chinese and Regular Semester students organized a donation drive in partnership with the STELA Community Outreach and Extension Unit, collecting both cash and in kind donations for the affected families.
The initiative was led by Dr. Rhoda Tique, Program Chair of the EdD/MAEd programs of the STELA Graduate School, in partnership with the STELA Community Outreach and Extension Unit. Coordination for the activity began on August 3, with an initial plan to conduct a physical outreach activity that involves community service and cultural immersion. However, due to the continuing weather conditions and the Chinese students’ scheduled defense presentations, the planned physical activity could not push through.
Instead of putting the initiative on hold, the group decided to conduct a donation drive. This allowed the students to continue their planned community service while also considering the weather and their academic responsibilities. The students were able to contribute through cash and in kind donations, giving everyone an opportunity to participate according to their capacity.
The participation of the EdD Chinese students also made the initiative a meaningful opportunity for students from different backgrounds to work together. Despite differences in nationality and culture, the students shared one goal: to provide assistance to people who needed it.
The activity showed how simple acts of generosity can bring people together and create a stronger sense of community.
The donation drive culminated on August 20, when Dr. Tique and representatives of the Chinese students turned over the accumulated donations at the RIECO Office. The turnover marked the completion of the initiative and the collective effort of the STELA Graduate School, and the Community Outreach and Extension Unit.
The activity also reflects several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The collaboration among students from different nationalities also highlights the importance of working together across cultures to respond to community needs.
The landslide in Guisad Surong is also a reminder that community support should go beyond responding to disasters after they happen. Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. Caring for forests, waterways, land, and other natural resources can help communities become safer and more resilient. This connects the initiative with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land, which call for greater action to protect the environment and address risks related to climate and environmental change.
The donation drive may have started with a different plan, but the goal remained the same: to help. For the STELA Graduate School community, the initiative is a simple reminder that when people come together, even small contributions can make a difference.
