“And so I leave this challenge to all of us. Let us not be content with the victories of the past. Let us continue to be the light and soul of society. Pagsumikapan natin hubugin ang mga kakayahan ng mga Wesleyians sa tunay na kahulugan ng servant leadership.”These stirring words of University President Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro, Jr., read through a letter by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Wilfredo C. Ramos, echoed across the Cushman Campus as Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) gathered for its Outreach and Extension Month celebration on September 10, 2025, spearheaded by the Wesleyan External Systems, Connections, Opportunities, and Partnerships (WESCOP), formerly known as Wesleyan Community Outreach Program Office.

With the theme “Salamat Wesleyan sa Walong Dekada ng Paglilingkod!” the celebration, part of the University’s 80th Founding Anniversary, became both a day of recognition and a reflection of WUP’s enduring mission of service that uplifts, educates, and empowers.

The campus radiated with warmth and gratitude as more than 200 participants from partner communities from Sta. Monica, Aliaga (Angat), and Old Sta. Lucia, Zaragoza (Kaisa)—joined faculty, alumni, and students.

Partner communities also showcased their local products that were sold to the people at WUP.

More than just an academic gathering, the celebration served as a reminder of what outreach and extension programs can do: build bridges between the university and the grassroots, transform lives through knowledge, and nurture partnerships that grow stronger with time.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ramos captured this spirit of thanksgiving. “Sa hapon po na ito, natupad po ang aming dalangin. Alam niyo po ba na walong buwan po namin sine-celebrate ang ika-walumpung anniversary ng Wesleyan? At ito pong Setyembre tinaon po namin talaga siya na ngayon buwan ipagdiwang ang amin Extension at Outreach [Month] kayo po ang dahilan. Salamat po sa mga komunidad na nandito po ngayon at amin pong naging bisita.”

The Outreach and Extension Month began with a Campus Tour from 6:00 to 9:00 AM, followed by a Thanksgiving Service led by Rev. Dr. Francis V. Fajardo, University Chaplain and 80th Founding Anniversary Celebration Chairperson.

During the service, a Plaque of Appreciation was also awarded to Rev. Dr. Antonio M. Cleto Jr. in recognition of his faithful service as University Chaplain and his significant role in the growth of United Methodist Church congregations in the Middle Philippines Conference.

Healing Hands, Serving Hearts

The Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) gymnasium turned into a place of compassion and care as the Outreach and Extension Month opened with a Medical Mission for the partnered and local and nearby communities, such as the Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City.

From dawn until late afternoon, students, families, and partner communities came together to receive free consultations, medicines, and health services.
Alongside the medical services, a Dental Mission also offered free check-ups and treatments, making the event a holistic effort to promote community well-being.

The medical and dental programs became a true expression of bayanihan, as doctors, nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, radiologic technologists, dentists, and even students worked hand in hand to extend care.

In addition, the Philippine Red Cross – Nueva Ecija Chapter facilitated a Blood Letting Program throughout the day, where student donors willingly shared the gift of life.

To further support healthy living, communities also brought home toothbrushes, toothpaste, milk, and grocery packs — thoughtful tokens sponsored by the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM), Alumni, WUP Faculty and Staff Association (WUPFSA), and the Graduate School.

These simple yet meaningful gifts served as reminders that healing comes not only from medicine but also from the kindness of a community united in service.
Building Healthy Communities: Knowledge that Heals

At mid-morning, the focus shifted from treatment to education as the University Auditorium hosted Usapang Kalusugan, a health forum designed to equip communities with knowledge on pressing health concerns.

“Kung saan nabibigyan diin ang social holiness, kung saan ang pagiging banal natin ay dapat ang kalas sa lipunan—na lahat ng dapat na gagawin natin kabutihan ay dapat iaalay sa lipunan,” Vice President for Administration and Planning Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos said as she opened the session.
The series of talks unfolded as meaningful conversations on issues deeply relevant to families and communities today.

Dr. Annie Dinh M. Alfaro, Guidance and Placement Center Director, opened the discussion with “Kabataan sa Makabagong Panahon,” emphasizing how Generation Z and Generation Alpha are products of their environment.

She reminded the audience that understanding and empowering the youth is not only a family’s duty but also a community’s shared responsibility, shaping tomorrow’s leaders with today’s guidance.

Equally pressing was the issue of malnutrition, which was explored by Prof. Celestino E. Bautista, Jr., a faculty member of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics of the CHTM.

“Pagdating po sa eskwelahan mahina po yun performance nung bata… at kapag po poor performance po yan, yung productivity po ng ating bansa apektado. Yung productivity ng pamilya apektado rin,” he said with conviction.

Prof. Bautista also introduced Pinggang Pinoy as a practical guide in crafting nutritious meals even on a limited budget, reminding everyone that solutions to malnutrition can often be found in the simplest, most accessible foods around us.

The conversation then turned to public health vigilance as Dr. Wilfredo S. Corpus, MD, FPCP, took the stage to discuss dengue—its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

From Learning to Earning: WUP Empowers Communities Through Livelihood Forum Pangkabuhayan forum. Here, the atmosphere was one of inspiration and hope, as participants learned skills that could blossom into sustainable sources of income.

The program opened with remarks from Dr. Marites A. Castañeda, Vice President for Finance, who encouraged the participants to embrace opportunities for entrepreneurship and community development.

Mr. Joel C. Piring, President’s Office Staff, demonstrated the art and practicality of making salted eggs, reminding participants that entrepreneurship often begins with something small.

“Ang pagnenegosyo ay palaging nagsisimula sa maliit… Kapag nag-umpisa ka at gusto mo ang ginagawa mo, magtatagumpay ka, at syempre ipagpasa-Diyos mo,” he said, inspiring nods from the audience.

Adding more flavor to the forum, Professors Nancy Mae S. Ricio and Nikki M. Toga, CHTM faculty members, guided the participants in hands-on sessions on producing tocino and longganisa that highlighted their potential as a livelihood venture.

The afternoon forum concluded with the awarding of 20 Livelihood Program beneficiaries, each receiving ₱2,500 from WUP—a moment that symbolized fresh opportunities and the promise of brighter futures for families and communities.

Honoring Former WESCOP Directors

The celebration also honored those who have shaped WUP’s legacy of community service through the WESCOP Office. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the former directors whose leadership left indelible marks:
● Mrs. Zeinada F. Del Rosario (1990–2004)
● Mrs. Lorna M. Joson (2005–2009)
● Mrs. Susan F. Bustamante (2004–2005, 2009–2012)
● Dr. Apolimar M. Alfonso (2012–2016)
● Dr. Marietta B. Agustin (2016–2017)
● Dr. Myrna O. Balanque (2017–2018)
● Dr. Juanito C. Leabres Jr. (2018–2023)
● Dr. Wilfredo C. Ramos (Aug–Dec 2023)

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Alfonso urged everyone to carry the torch of service. “Sa mga kapwa ko manggagawa, patuloy tayong magbahagi ng kaalamanan, at panatilihin at pagyabuhin ang mga nagsimulang programa, sa pagtutulungan ng pamunuan, manggagawa at mag-aaral.”

Recognizing Partner Communities and Institutions

Equally honored were the partner communities and institutions whose collaboration with WUP has brought outreach and extension programs to life. Plaques of Appreciation were awarded to:
● ADM Foundation, Inc.
● Angat Sta. Monica
● Barangay Bakod Bayan
● Barangay Kalikid Norte
● Barangay Pangatian
● Barangay Sta. Lucia Old
● Department of Education
● DSWD Regional Home for Girls
● East-West Seed Foundation, Inc.
● KAISA
● Outreach Philippines Inc.
● Municipality of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
● Wadhwani Foundation

“Sa walong dekada na paglilingkod, nasaksihan po natin yung mga pagpapala ng Panginoong Diyos at ang patuloy na dedikasyon ng bawat isa. Mula sa pamunuan ng Wesleyan, sa mga kawani nito, sa mga estudyante, sa mga alumni, na patuloy na nagbuklodbuklod upang iparating sa komunidad ang aming dedikasyon na ibahagi ang kakayahan, para tumulong sa ikakalago ng mga taong nangangailangan,” Dr. Eufemia C. Ayro, OIC-Director of WESCOP said closing the ceremony.

Godliness in Outreach, Greatness in Servant Leadership

Holiness is not only found in prayer but also in the act of reaching out. Each mission, training, and simple gesture of care becomes a living expression of faith—compassion shared, humility practiced, and communities uplifted. Outreach transforms service into a sacred calling, where helping others is a way of honoring God.

Servant leadership, in turn, is greatness rooted in selflessness. It is leading by listening, guiding by walking alongside, and inspiring by serving first. In every effort to build bridges with communities, servant leadership reflects the heart of true holiness: love in action, hope in practice, and transformation in service.
by Ayumi San Cai Valerio
Photos courtesy of John Carlo Dauz and Ayumi San Cai Valerio