Pangasinan State University-San Carlos Campus conducted its extension program that highlights community service with the theme, “EDUKALIDAD ALAY PARA SA BADJAO” this September 29, 2023 at Roxas Blvd. San Carlos City, Pangasinan. This extension activity aims to share compassion and wisdom for the Badjao community.
The Campus activity headed by the College of Education offered some basic needs, sanitary utilities and provides services such as haircut, nailcut, reading activity and others. With that, the LETC Organization have participated in this meaningful activity with their helping hand as they showcase their skills for haircutting on the badjao community. A special thanks to the Campus Executive Director, Dr. Liza L. Quimson for the unwavering support, to the College Dean of Education, Dr. Myra C. Catungal for her unwavering effort, BTLED Chairperson Mdm Lydsamia B. Lonjawon that offered help, to the LETC Adviser, Mdm Aileen DG. Catungal who supervise and guide the student volunteers of BTLED Department, all faculty members that offered goods and services and most specially the BTLED students that shared their time and skills.
The recently concluded “Agew na Pasasalamat cum Sharing of Blessings: ALAY BIYAYA PARA SA MGA BADJAO”on September 29, 2023 was a heartwarming outreach activity organized by the College of Teacher Education, Pangasinan State University, San Carlos Campus. The event aimed to extend a helping hand and share blessings with the Badjao community – people who are also known as sea-gypsies, originally from the island of Mindanao, who, by circumstances, reached Pangasinan.
𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 1: 𝑺𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
Part 1 of the event featured a series of simultaneous activities designed to address the various needs of the Badjao community:
Simple Math Tutorial. Mr Jayson C. Salvatiera, Chairperson of the Elementary Education Department, and Mr. Nick C. Caiga, faculty member of the General Education Department, both dedicated to imparting basic arithmetic skills, conducted a simple math tutorial to the Badjao community. The activity aimed at empowering these beneficiaries, especially the children, with basic math skills, ensuring that they have the tools for a brighter future.
Reading Tutorial. The Filipino department took charge of the reading tutorial, engaging the Badjao children in reading sessions. This activity encouraged a love for learning and literacy among the young participants.
Nail Cutting Tutorial for Mothers. Contractual faculty members provided a nail cutting tutorial for the Badjao mothers. This not only addressed hygiene concerns but also offered a moment of self-care and relaxation for these hardworking women.
Haircut for Fathers. Technology and Livelihood Education students demonstrated their skills by providing haircuts for the Badjao fathers. This grooming activity allowed the fathers to feel refreshed and confident.
𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 2: 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒔
Part 2 of the event centered on the presentation of gifts to the Badjao community, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to sharing blessings:
Distribution of Hygiene Kits. Hygiene kits, containing essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and towels, were distributed to ensure the health and cleanliness of the community.
Distribution of Slippers. Every Badjao child and adult received a pair of slippers, providing comfort and protection for their feet.
Giving of Food Packs. Food packs, filled with nutritious essentials, were given to each family. These packs aimed to alleviate their immediate food security needs.
The “Alay Biyaya para sa mga Badjao” was a profound experience that showcased the power of unity and compassion. It not only provided much-needed assistance but also created lasting memories of hope and love. The event served as a reminder that together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need, and that gratitude should always be followed by action.
