It is again the season of giving joy and commemorating the birth of our Savior.
As such, the Pangasinan State University – Open University Systems (PSU-OUS) embarked on a Christmas Gift-Giving Extension Activity for the Persons Deprived of Liberty at the Pangasinan Provincial Jail on December 19, 2022.
Bringing in the festive vibe, the activity started with a Zumba led by the OUS staff which led everyone groove to the beat.
Jail Warden Lovell V. Dalisay welcomed the PSUnians as he recounted the start of the partnership with a seminar on mental wellness at the height of the pandemic.
PSU-OUS Executive Director Dr. Phillip G. Queroda then stated in his message that the four fold core functions of the University are instruction, which aims to teach; research which aims to conduct studies on various matters; production where various innovation centers are put up; and the fourth is extension which aims to help the community in every way possible.
“This year PSU-OUS decided to give and share love and blessings to our PDLs who cannot be with their families this Christmas season but are always in the prayers of the community. Sana pagbalik namin dito ay wala na kayo dito meaning malaya na kayo,” Dr. Queroda said.
The Executive Director mentioned that the gifts are from faculty, staff and students of OUS with many of them from overseas.
Aside from game prizes, raffle draw prizes consisting of electric kettles, rice cookers, electric fans, pillows, grocery items, sacks of rice and blankets were given to the inmates. All 270 PDLs were also handed out goodie bags and hygiene kits.
To show their gratitude and appreciation to PSU, the PDLs showcased their talent in dancing and the PDL mayor extended his deepest thanks to the university in his speech. The event concluded with a community sing-along.
Indeed, Pangasinan State University is one with the whole Province of Pangasinan in giving peace, hope, love, and joy to everyone.
#PSUcares #PSUgives
(NOTE: Photos were purposely blurred out for the protection of the PDLs)
