By Jaren Marr P. Jaco
The Director of the CPU Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center highlighted the UniversityÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ™s initiatives in advancing volunteerism and service-learning during a guest appearance on 702 DZAS, a broadcast radio station based in Pasig City, Philippines.
May 13, 2026 (Wednesday), Asst. Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr., Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center, an extension arm of the university, was invited to be a guest on 702 DZAS, a broadcast radio station in Pasig City, Philippines, to share the CPU initiatives in Advancing Volunteerism and Service-Learning for Local and National Development. This initiative is also an invitation from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) – Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).
Asst. Prof. Dipol pointed out that, under Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, extension is one of the mandatory functions of higher education institutions in the country, alongside instruction and research. Extension is a transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology in the development of the community. He mainstreamed the vital roles of volunteerism and service-learning in community development.
To ensure the integration of the spirit of the volunteerism in the University, he highlights some of the initiatives in touched in volunteerism such as the establishment of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Outreach Students’ Volunteers Society (CPU OSVS), CPU-Arukahik Tailoring Shop and Training Center, CPU-Kinaadman Reading Development and Diagnostic Services and CPU-Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity Conservation.
Asst. Prof. Dipol also highlighted the importance of community needs assessments as a basis for developing various social development and volunteerism initiatives, integrating service-learning into the curriculum, and advancing community development. Additionally, service-learning is a meaningful teaching strategy that provides students with a meaningful learning process in community settings. Meanwhile, the Program E.R.N.E.S.T., a university scheme for community development, is also introduced, which stands for Education, Resource Utilization, Nurturance, Environment, Social Welfare, and Technology Transfer. This approach assumes that the community faces multidimensional challenges and needs appropriate intervention programs and services. Moreover, in addressing those challenges, it is very important to have collaborations, partnerships, and linkages with various government and non-government organizations and institutions.
Lastly, Asst. Prof. Dipol advised that it is very important to diversify programs, services, and initiatives based on volunteerism, as students, faculty, and even the community join in volunteer work out of passion, interest, and expertise, which gives them a sense of purpose.