The 6th Annual Service Learning Program (SLP) of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) is currently being hosted by Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), in Naga, Camarines Sur, from 5th to 25th August 2013.
This three-week SLP gathers together nine (9) participating Jesuit schools in the tertiary level in the Asia Pacific region, namely the host institution, ADNU, the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Xavier University (XU, Ateneo de Cagayan), and Loyola College of Culion in Palawan, as well as other Jesuit schools in the Asian region such as the Universitas Sanata Dharma of Jogjakarta in Indonesia, Elizabeth University of Music of Hiroshima in Japan, Sophia University of Tokyo in Japan, and Sogang University of Seoul in South Korea.
AJCU-AP’s SLP has been implemented for six (6) years now, promoting a “Jesuit” brand of participative learning paradigm that propagates the service of the faith and the promotion of justice, appreciation of culture, and inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. It specifically designs its method of SLP using the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP). AJCU-AP is currently chaired by ADDU President, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ.
The theme for this year’s SLP is “Love for the Poor” in which participants will be exposed to contemporary situations of poverty in the local community. In the course of the three weeks, participants will be given the opportunity to be engaged in participative learning of the richness of the local community’s cultural milieu. Ultimately, this year’s SLP has the overall intent of instilling among the participants the value of service and solidarity through the implementation of a common project. Along this line, participants are expected to build houses for the poor.
A total of thirty-three (33) student participants, representing their respective colleges and universities, are attending this year’s SLP in Naga. ADDU is represented by Ms. Jonamae J. Eusebio (BS-Accountancy, 4th Year), the Internal Vice-President of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), Ateneo de Davao Chapter; Mr. Daniel C. Dayao (BS-BM, 4th Year), the Internal Vice President of the Campus Club Organizations (CCO); and, Ms. Christine Grace D. Ruta (BS-HRM, 3rd Year), the President of Sub-Dominant 7. Both Ms. Eusebio and Ms. Ruta are members of the corps of Arrupe Volunteers (Batch 42). Mr. Dayao, on the other hand, is one of the participants of this summer’s Ateneo Student Exposure Program (ASEP) conducted by the Arrupe Office in the Pablo-stricken Municipality of Baganga, Davao Oriental.
It may well be remembered two (2) years ago that ADDU hosted the 4th SLP, managed by the Arrupe Office of Social Formation (formerly the Social Involvement Coordinating Office [SICO]). It carried the theme of Education for Environmental Stewardship: A Model toward Reconciliation with Creation, based on the agenda promoted by the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. (By M. Isabel S. Actub, Arrupe Communications & Advocacy)