The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a government agency that creates, develops, and implements projects that provide services to the poor and vulnerable sectors of the country. One of these programs is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or more commonly known as 4Ps, which is at the core of the partnership between DSWD Region 4A (CALABARZON) and Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School (MCL).

The DSWD Region 4A has been an active partner of MCL in coordination with the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) from 2017 to 2019. Through the Youth Development Program of the DSWD, members of MCL’s faculty and staff were able to attend training workshops for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) that had helped them develop their skills in community engagements especially in programs that focus on out of school youths.

Last July 12, 2022, the MCL CSCE team headed by its Director, Ms. Jocelyn T. Bellin, attended the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the renewal of partnership between the regional office of DSWD Region 4A and MCL, held at the DSWD Field Office IV A, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The event was also attended by the Pantawid Regional CSO Partnership Officer, Ms. Angelica Anne Leonor, the Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Dir. Mylah S. Gatchalian and the DSWD IV A Regional Director, Dir. Marceto Nicomedes J. Castillo.

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The renewal of the partnership between MCL CSCE and the DSWD Region 4A will focus on the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 4Ps is a DSWD program that aims to improve the well-being of the poorest of the poor, that includes health, nutrition, and education. One of the salient features of this partnership is the collaboration with the DSWD’s KAAGAPAY (Anti-Poverty Projects and Activities) and GABAY (Mechanism for Extending Technical Assistance) programs, and Family and Youth Development Sessions (FDS/YDS).

 

With this partnership, MCL CSCE will engage with DSWD through the different Community Engagements and other initiatives that will be of assistance to the beneficiaries of the 4Ps in coordination with the Region 4A DSWD Provincial Program Coordinators. The MCL community will have the opportunity to attend the FDS/YDS Facilitators Training Programs and Workshops that will be useful in the creation of interventions for Not-Attending-School (NAS) children and other 4Ps beneficiaries. It will also be an avenue to strengthen community engagements with the capability building activities that the DSWD will provide to the volunteers and the members of the MCL community.

With the renewal of the MOA, both the DSWD and MCL CSCE will be able to bring better fitting and much needed programs to a bigger population of stakeholders. The CSCE is hoping that this will create a fruitful and meaningful partnership between a national government unit and the private sector.

by: Chris Robert H. Llamoso

Last June 2022, Ms. Amra Sultana Mendoza Mahmood, Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School’s College of Arts and Science (CAS) alumna was recognized by the prestigious international award-giving organization, Guinness World Records.

 

Ms. Amra Mahmood said on a Facebook post “Art may not be an important subject to some, but (it) may give us the character of persistency, becoming goal oriented, (and) having pride and honor that we can carry out through one’s lives,” after being granted a Guinness World Records Title for the “Largest Origami Heart” together with her student Arshia Shahriari from Iran, and with assistance from Mr. John Michael T. Alconaba and others who helped to set this world record.

After a long period of time, they finally got recognized by the Guinness World Records. The record was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last June 29, 2022.  It is after creating a total of 4.01 x 3.45 meters (13 ft 1.8 in) Origami Heart. Arshia and Amra decided to break this record in celebration of the UAE’s 50^th National day.

 

 

Ms. Amra Mahmood also earned an Educational Profession License in Specialty Applied Visual Arts from the UAE. With these accomplishments, it shows MCL’s dedication to its mission and vision to build globally competitive professionals who are and could be recognized not just in the Philippines, but in different parts of the world. This clearly shows that the excellence of MCL students could also be recognized not just in the Philippines, but in different parts of the world. Click here to learn more about this.

 

by: Bea Patricia C. Marin

After almost three years of conducting online classes, Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School’s college departments are welcoming students back through a week of conducting midyear general assemblies, gathering seniors, sophomores, and freshman alike who have yet to meet one another personally. With the goal to restore the bond, camaraderie, and most especially the fun and excitement in meeting different people in one’s college, the College of Arts and Science (CAS), the Mapúa-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (Mapúa-PTC CMET), the College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS), and the Mapúa Institute for Technology in Laguna (MITL) held their respective General Assemblies last July 12, 13, and 14 and conducted programs to reconnect and reignite the spark among its current and incoming students.

FORDA CAS: Kitakits Mga Ferson!

Spearheaded by the CAS Student Council, Forda CAS: Kitakits Mga Ferson was held to welcome B.A. Multimedia Arts, B.A. Communication, and B.S. Psychology students as the current students are given recognition for their exemplary academic performance while engaging once again with their fellow CAS students – CASangga, as they would call them, in games and various exciting activities.

A campus tour was held in the morning to introduce the grounds of MCL to the sophomores and freshmen who are yet to experience them on a regular basis. The seniors, however, were reintroduced to the newly renovated facilities that were constructed when online classes began. The second part of the event held the main program which was held in the Einstein building.

“Remember that you are a star,” CAS Dean Lito Suello says in his speech as he greets the members of the CAS Department in person after almost 3 years, “You shine even in the dark times as you have displayed in your persistence to go on during your online classes.”

The third floor of the Einstein building was once again filled with students’ laughter and energy and in attendance were some of the professors and the program chairs of each program who were just as excited and jovial to witness their students once again sans the screen.

Elections for the new CAS Student Council Officers were also held during the event as the outgoing officers also made their thanks and bid farewell to their CAS Community.

See-CMET: Welcome Aboard!

Likewise, the Mapúa-PTC CMET held their General Assembly at the newly renovated MCL Gymnasium and welcomed their current and incoming cadets.

The Mapúa-PTC CMET students set sail for a day of fun and excitement as the CMET Student Council held an Educational Tour of their learning classrooms in M11, M120, M121, and M122 that housed their immersive learning tools that many of their seniors considered to be their second home during face-to-face classes.

In its goal of bringing back and forming stronger than ever bonds, a one-day basketball league was also held among the students that not only allowed for familiarity among the different batches but also reigniting their competitive spirits.

Distinguished professors in the CMET department were also in attendance to meet and welcome back their students and share their messages of hope and encouragement for the incoming academic year.

The outgoing CMET Student Council Officers were also given a chance to introduce themselves in person for the first and last time as the day also gave way for the introduction and induction of the new incoming members of the CMET Student Council.

CCIS Wizards: Housewarming Event

The College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) held the first part of their midyear general assembly by recognizing the members of the Dean’s List at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium last July 13.

The exemplary efforts that the students have displayed in their academic performance were given recognition as they are greeted and welcomed once again by the CCIS Dean, Prof. Khristian G. Kikuchi. Special awards were given to certain students as well who have excelled in various skills unique and highly coveted in the Information Technology industry. Distinguished professors from the CCIS Faculty were also in attendance during the awarding where they were able to introduce themselves personally to their students.

Part two of the Housewarming program was held at the Einstein building where the outgoing CCIS Student Council introduced themselves in person for the first and last time. They also conducted the election in search of the next officers for the incoming academic year after a program that engaged the CCIS first-year students, sophomores, and seniors in exciting activities that allowed them to mingle with each other.

#MITLCardinalsAssembly

The Mapúa Institute for Technology at Laguna’s (MITL) Cardinals General Assembly, which was held last July 14, was the last college department to hold its midyear general assembly that welcomed the different batches from the different programs under its department, hosted by the MITL Student Council.

A formal program was held to welcome the students in the morning that kicked off with an opening address from the then MITL College Dean, Engr. Orlando G. Perez. After the morning welcome, the campus tour followed shortly simultaneous with the student organization program that introduced the current MITL Student Council officers to their fellow MITL students. Beloved and distinguished professors also joined in on the event to both witness and welcome their students, with others being able to share their insights on what’s to come in the student’s academic life and what to expect for those who are poised to venture into the professional and working industry soon.

The highly anticipated 3v3 basketball game was held in the afternoon and Team Yummers emerged as the champion after a smashing performance against Team Newbie at the finals, scoring a clean 25-11, among the 16 teams that participated overall. In recognition, they were crowned during the awarding ceremony that also served as the closing for the MITL Midyear General Assembly.

Left on a hopeful and exciting outlook for the academic year to come, the Midyear General Assembly week was concluded with a promise of an even bigger, better, and stronger Wizards Community to come.

Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School’s (MCL) Jose Rizal Award for Excellence in Virtue in Community Service (JRAEVCS) is an institutional award conferred to a graduating MCL student who has had commendable community engagement initiatives all throughout their college years. The award represents MCL’s commitment to continuously encourage students to pursue their passion and commitment to serve and create positive impacts on the lives of individuals and communities, especially the disadvantaged. The Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) facilitated the overall conduct of the JRAEVCS.  

This year’s JRAEVCS nominees presented their own community engagement portfolios to the CSCE and members of the Award Selection Committee (ASC) last June 30, 2022. The ASC consisted of three (3) individuals from the Administration and Faculty, namely, Prof. Christie C. Amores (current Cluster Chair of the Social Sciences Department of the College of Arts and Sciences or CAS); Mr. Rafael Louise D. Gregorio (Head of the Center for Student Advising of the Student Affairs Office or SAO); and Dr. Roel C. Rodrigo (Director of the Learning Environments and Innovations Office or LEIO).  

Ms. Jocelyn T. Bellin, CSCE Director, facilitated the JRAEVCS program and presentation of the nominees’ portfolios. Two (2) MCL graduating students were nominated by their respective Deans and Program Chairs to be this year’s JRAEVCS finalists: Mr. Dustin O. Divina, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication graduating student (CAS), and Ms. Shelishiyah Mers M. Fulo, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management graduating student from the Enrique T. Yuchengco College of Business (ETYCB). Both have finished their academic requirements with exemplary status and will be participating in the face-to-face graduation ceremony in September 2022.  

Each nominee presented the projects and initiatives for 30 minutes, and confidently responded to each of the ASC members’ questions. To date, the recipients of the JRAEVCS have totaled nine (9) since the award was initially given in 2014.  

Mr. Dustin O. Divina 

As a communication practitioner and a social influencer, Mr. Divina brought himself closer to the less privileged with his very first project called “Helping Hands” in 2016, where he distributed food and clothing to those who lived beside the railways. This initiative then led him to undertake several civic engagements. 

One of his notable works was “Talentulong,” a series of multimedia fundraising activities that addressed the plight of the victims of the recent natural calamities in 2020. ‘Talentulong’  made use of artistic and informational content that enticed social media users to lend financial donations. Through this engagement, Mr. Divina could gather a modest amount for the benefit of those affected by typhoon Rolly and Ulysses with the help of Pluma ni Juan and CSCE; the former being an organization that aims to build a stronger foundation in establishing partnerships and communities in the Philippines. Pluma ni Juan is solely run by teachers alongside their former students to induce public awareness using available educational materials, while CSCE as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of MCL. Moreover, ‘Boto Mo #Bansa Mo’, a sub-project of Talentulong, encouraged the youth to become registered voters and taught them the importance of exercising one’s right to suffrage.  

In his most recent engagement last April 22, 2021, titled “Dokyung Bayan,” Mr. Divina documented the process of the distribution of financial assistance or ayuda in the City of Calamba at the height of Covid-19 lockdown. This documentary showed the process by which the citizens claimed their ayuda and who expressed dismay over health protocols being completely overlooked in the process of the provision of financial assistance from their respective barangays.  This led Mr. Divina to question the process of cash distribution in Calamba City through a video documentary, accompanied by relevant facts about the city and interview clips with some cash aid recipients.  

 The video documentary reached the attention of then Calamba City Mayor Chipeco, together with the DSWD, who later engaged Mr. Divina in a serious discussion regarding the contents of the video documentary. Thus, Mr. Divina’s community project has spurred public interest among the citizens concerned and has proven its relevance at the height of the global health crisis.  

 Ms. Shelishiyah Mers M. Fulo 

As a Tourism Management (TM) student, Ms. Fulo had the opportunity to travel to selected communities where some famed tourist spots are. The experience also served as an eye-opener, which made her realize and witness the plight of the less privileged. She then developed her skills in interpersonal communication which helped her to focus on initiating different donation drives for the benefit of her chosen beneficiaries and spearheaded different activities. With the help of the Hospitality and Tourism Enthusiastic Leadership Society (HOTELS), Ms. Fulo was able to conduct feeding programs and distribute hygiene kits to the Children’s Joy Foundation. With the same foundation, a donation drive was made for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Rolly and Ulysses.  

The Taal Volcano erupted in January 2020 and displaced many residents within the affected area in Batangas. Ms. Fulo also reached out to the victims and, together with her dormmates, initiated a food relief operation. From her initial community engagement activity under the National Service Training Program (NSTP), Ms. Fulo conducted English and Math lessons with selected elementary students from Casile Elementary School, along with the distribution of food and school supplies. She has also partnered with the CSCE to provide hygiene kits to Pulo National High School, Southville 1 Integrated National High School and Biñan Integrated National High School-Timbao Campus and to undertake a fund-raising activity for Brigada Eskwela in September 2021.  

Ms. Fulo’s biggest community initiative yet was the “Bente-Bente ngayong 2020”, a donation drive for the communities affected by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses and by the Mt. Mayon eruption in the Bicol region. She used her social media platform, such as Facebook, to inform the public about the situation and the needs of the communities like food supplies, clothes, medicine, and other necessities. Ms. Fulo collected funds for the purchase of relief supplies for the families affected by these calamities. 

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As the JRAEVCS presentation ended, the CSCE gave a Certificate of Recognition to the nominees in sincere appreciation of their arduous work and exemplary contribution to community service. 

 The winner for the Jose Rizal Award for Excellence in Virtue in Community Engagement was announced last July 14, 2022, and the award will be conferred during the graduation rites. The CSCE continues to tap more deserving MCL students as recipients of the award, a way to inspire others to give their time, volunteer and give back to their communities. 

 

 

By: Daniela H. Hipolito 

In observation of the National Mental Health Month, Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School’s Center for Guidance and Counseling (MCL-CGC), in collaboration with MCL’s College of Arts and Science (CAS) Student Council, MCL-CGC Peer Facilitator’s Club, and the official academic organization of B.S. Psychology, Ugnayan ng Malayang Sikolohiya (UGMASIKO) held an event last October 2021 about raising awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues virtual event titled You Matter: MCL Mental Health Awareness Month that was filled with new knowledge and enjoyment due to the activities prepared and offered for the whole MCL community. 

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis that has had a negative impact on student life. Nobody was ready since no one anticipated this to happen, and it heavily impacted the mental health of a lot of people, including the students. Everyone has challenges in life that may be detrimental to their mental health. It has never been more important to understand that one’s mental health is a significant component of one’s entire health and well-being and that mental ailments are treatable. 

The Mental Health Program, in compliance with R.A. 11036, is one of the services provided by MCL-CGC which aims to offer mental health programs to the MCL community and give a platform to spread accurate information about mental health through events like webinars and seminars (inviting mental health professionals to speak about current issues in mental health that are helpful to the MCL community), information dissemination services through posters, infographics, brochures, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra and other means. 

MCL-CGC constantly reminds the students that they matter and that there is support available. It is significant to their students if ever they find themselves in a challenging position to reach out to their support system, whether it be their family, friends, community, or significant others. To those who belong to the system of assistance, simple words like “Kumusta ka?” may provide a window of hope for those who have mental health issues. 

The MCL-CGC is always open to helping and advising students on how to assess themselves, maintain a balanced and healthy personality, succeed academically, and improve their basic life skills to be well-adjusted and highly functional individuals. 

With the question “What can MCL CGC say about the students who struggle with managing their mental health?” CGC sent a message to the MCL community by saying, “Dear Malayans, the Center for Guidance and Counseling offers comprehensive guidance and mental health program, if you find yourself you need someone to talk to, even about anything under the sun, just to release some stress and you need someone to listen to you, send us a message to book for your counseling session. Remember that #CGCcares.” 

By: Angelica Mae I. Javier

Last February 7 to 11, 2022, Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School’s Center for Guidance and Counseling (MCL CGC) together with MCL Senior High School (MCL-SHS) Department held the SHS Career Week for S.Y. 2021 – 2022 titled “Building Professionals: Career Exploration in the New Normal,” with the official hashtag #CGCSHSCareerWeek. 

Held annually, the SHS Career Week is a seven-part event. MCL CGC collaborated with the MCL Supreme Student Council (MCL SSC) and the CGC Peer Facilitators’ Club to cultivate the career paths that the current SHS students will further explore in the new normal set-up. 

 

The list of activities prepared showcases what the current SHS students should look out for before they choose their own career paths and programs for college which are aligned with the global trend with the objectives of being aware of the factors to be considered in career exploration and career decision-making, to be informed of the latest career trends and job markets in the new normal, and to appreciate the importance of career exploration in making right career choices in the new normal. 

The celebration of the SHS Career Week launched via Blackboard Learn (BBL), MCL’s learning management system with the events of SHS Career Week Module for Grade 11 and Grade 12, along with the Career Bingo last February 7, 2022. MCL-CGC also posted various Career Testimonial videos of MCL alumni on their official Facebook page. 

As part of the event celebration, webinars were held last February 8, 2022, via Facebook Live. As the first invited guest as part of their online seminar series, Ms. Joanna Pareja, the Workforce Development Trainer for the Center for Education Innovation for the National Teachers’ College, discussed the career paths to consider for the first webinar titled “Exploration and Career Decision Making.” Alongside the first speaker, Ms. Mary Jane T. Banasihan-Corcuera from the PESO Provincial Office of Laguna was also invited to talk about “The New Normal Market: Staying Ahead on the Curve” during the second webinar.  

The first part of the webinar tackled the possibilities of your future career paths, what to consider, and even the weight of how influential the people we are surrounded with are. Ms. Pareja also enlightened the audience on how important it is to have both skills and knowledge and the work habits that are important to possess before entering the industry. She ended the first part of the webinar with the quote “The career you choose is not just what you want. It is a combination of many other things and there should be alignment in skills, work habits, and resources.” 

Aside from knowing what mindset we should possess it is also important to know what the market has to offer. As part of the second half of the program, Ms. Banahisan-Corcuera then shared the importance of being informed of the Labor Market avoiding the dilemma of job skills mismatch. She then imparted an important tip to all the SHS students, she said, “Be informed to be able to decide”  on how to be more competitive on what career path to choose and to stay driven with your passion in line with the market demand. 

The SHS Career Week also held online competitions such as Digital Slogan-Poster Making Contest and Career Dress Up Video Making Contest in which all SHS students can participate. All winners were posted on the MCL CGC Facebook page after submissions were closed. 

To end the week, MCL CGC held Online Kamustahan: SHS Career Week Edition last February 11, 2022, wherein members of the SHS community hosted the event and invited graduates of MCL-SHS as part of the program. 

The MCL CGC and MCL-SHS Department ended the SHS Career Week with a blast and as per usual, the annual event has become a tradition for both CGC and SHS. Still, with pandemic restrictions easing, both SHS students and CGC are looking forward to the face-to-face versions of these events. 

“Of course, the CGC is excited to see the students face-to-face, and right now, as we plan our activities for the upcoming school year 2022-2023, we also plan to incorporate both online and face-to-face activities. We hope that the students will continue to participate and support these activities and events for the next school year,”  said Ms. Laryh Cuevas of MCL CGC.