Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) strengthened its community partnership with Barangay Sta. Arcadia by providing livelihood-oriented training to 30 members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) on September 1, 2026.
The initiative, held at the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) Function Hall, brought together the University’s Master of International Hotel and Tourism Management (MIHTM), Wesleyan External Systems, Connections, Opportunities and Partnerships (WESCOP), Graduate School (GS), and faculty members in an effort to extend skills-based assistance to the University’s partner community.
Rather than limiting community engagement to immediate assistance, the program focused on giving participants skills they could continue to develop and potentially use as sources of additional household income.
Participants were introduced to several practical areas, including food production, personal grooming, and haircutting. Gary Tangonan, CHTM faculty, led the food preparation demonstration, teaching participants how to prepare pork tocino and chicken pastil, while the other sessions provided basic instruction in manicure and pedicure services and haircutting.
The activity was anchored on the theme, “SERBISYONG MAY KALINGA, KASANAYANG MAY KABUHAYAN,” highlighting the University’s approach to combining community service with skills development.
WESCOP Director Eufemia C. Ayro and GS Dean John Mark F. Bondoc opened the program with messages emphasizing the role of the University in engaging with communities and providing programs responsive to their needs.
The initiative also provided an avenue for faculty members and academic units to apply their expertise beyond the university setting. Through the collaboration of WESCOP, the GS, MIHTM, and participating faculty, the training connected academic knowledge with practical community-based applications.
Nancy Mae S. Ricio, CHTM and GS faculty, and MIHTM Program Coordinator Jonafaye A. Gaspar delivered the closing messages, encouraging the participants to make use of the skills gained during the activity and continue developing them beyond the training.
The livelihood program formed part of WUP’s broader community extension efforts and reflected its continuing engagement with Barangay Sta. Arcadia as a partner community. The initiative also supported Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through community-based skills development and livelihood-oriented learning.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17yhY1kcas/
Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Information and photos courtesy of WESCOP Office
