Transformative Service-Learning Experience Through Participatory Project Management

Studies have shown that for Service-Learning (SL) to be truly valuable and transformative, it must employ participatory project management practices and is ideally conducted in a face-to-face setting. This case study aims to highlight the strategies used to make SL projects long-term and participatory. It also measures the effectiveness of such approach in achieving a valuable and transformative SL experience for students and partner communities. Qualitative results show that students were able to develop desired personal, professional, and civic competencies. On the part of the partner communities, qualitative results reveal that they appreciate the year-long participatory SL engagement with the students that brought about high quality SL projects. Quantitative data, on the other hand, indicate that the paired samples t-test resulted in a moderate practical significant difference in the pre-and post-test scores of students when it came to their personal, professional, and civic mindedness skills. Finally, quantitative results indicate that partner communities reported that SL projects brought them a very favorable impact in terms of skills and competencies, motivation and commitments, personal growth and self-concept, and acquisition of knowledge

Journeying with Communities: A Community Engagement and Organizing Handbook for University Extension Workers

This handbook highlights the public and social mission of higher educational institutions (HEI) through Community Engagement; a term that brings forth the important use of Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Community Organizing for Community Development (COCD). The unique contribution of this handbook is that it specifically situates HEI Community Engagement within the unique historical context of the Philippines; thus adding a Philippine voice in the literature of Community-Engaged Scholarship (CEnS). It also provides activity exercises and case studies where readers can situate themselves and apply the theories; concepts; and tools they have learned so they can enhance the Community Engagement programs and projects of their respective colleges and universities with their partner communities

Community-Based Leadership in Disaster Resilience: The Case of Small Island Community in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines

There are limited studies on the role that community-based leadership plays in small island communities to achieve disaster resilience. Hence, this research sought to address the gap. Utilizing the toolkit for measuring community disaster resilience (MCDR) by GOAL, the study examined factors that contribute to or impede the successes of community-based leadership of the people of Pugad Island in the Philippines to achieve disaster resilience. Research findings reveal the interplay of the strengths and limitations in the practice of disaster risk reduction (DRR) among the community-based leadership of Pugad which fostered and hindered the achievement of their community disaster resilience. Such interplay revolved around the wins and limits on the practice of community leadership, upholding of human rights, funding for community-based DRR plans, partnerships with external development actors, and inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women, in DRR. Recommendations were given in the study to foster more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable means to prepare the people of Pugad for impending hazards and further enhance their community disaster resilience. Such recommendations are also applicable to small island communities facing similar challenges in the Asia-Pacific and equatorial regions of the world