The UST-SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office is tasked to develop, implement, and manage the University Community Development Program (UCDP) towards the University’s mission of “generation, advancement, and transmission of knowledge to form competent and compassionate professionals, committed to the service of the Church, the nation, and the global community.” Directly under the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs, it covers programs and projects of College/Faculty-based and University-wide student organizations; Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS) sections of the National Service Training Program (NSTP); and alumni groups and associations.

The College of Education spearheads a series of literacy seminars and activities in its partner communities participated by students, faculty members, administrators, support staff and alumni. These activities aim to enhance functional cooperation, including intensified activities in Education.

In line with the mission and vision of the university and the college, these projects increase responsiveness, both in the partner community and in the College of Education, about the plight of our brothers and sisters in our society and the relevance of proper Education today. They also emphasize to the students the importance of the Thomasian core values of Competence, Commitment and Compassion in the light of student leadership and selfless service.

Livelihood and health lectures were conceptualized to fulfil the aim of helping a partner community of the university in improving their health condition through food preparations and water safety seminars, which is among the expertise of the college. Medical and dental missions were also conducted which were effortful on the part of the sponsoring organizations because of limited contacts since said activities were not really related to the nature of the college.

The college also wishes to extend in her own little way the Catholic teachings obtained by the students from the university through Catechism lectures and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time which also encourage the children to appreciate themselves as gifts of God and establish a loving Christian atmosphere in their own homes.

Hand-in-hand, the College of Education Administrators, Faculty Members, Support Staff, Students and Alumni believe we can make a change through selfless sharing and sacrifice for our small brothers and sisters in Christ.

Asst. Prof. Myra P. De Leon, Ed. D.