MONTEVISTA, DAVAO DE ORO — In a demonstration of proactive community engagement, the non-teaching personnel of Davao de Oro State College Montevista took the lead in organizing and executing a community outreach program at Bankerohan Sur Elementary School on March 23, 2026, directly benefiting 60 grade school students.

The initiative, titled “Bridging Support and Service: DDOSC Montevista Non-teaching Personnel (NTP) Community Outreach,” was designed to provide both essential health instruction and resources to learners ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

The program commenced with an opening prayer, followed by a formal welcome message from Leah V. Angostura, School Principal III of Bankerohan Sur Elementary School.

In her address, Principal Angostura expressed gratitude for the partnership between the two institutions, emphasizing the value of external support in enhancing the elementary school’s capacity to serve its pupils.

Meanwhile, Leah R. Guirigay, Ed.D., Head of the Administrative and Finance Unit at DdOSC Montevista, presented the rationale for the activity and underscored the institution’s commitment to extending its resources beyond the college campus.

Dr. Guirigay further noted that the outreach was a concrete expression of the non-teaching personnel’s dedication to community engagement.

The event was bolstered by the presence and participation of key government agencies. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Davao de Oro was on hand to support the initiative, while the Philippine Red Cross – Davao de Oro Chapter conducted a basic first aid symposium. Richelle Anne Tabino Gumapac served as the resource speaker, providing students with foundational knowledge on managing common medical situations, including wound care, nosebleed treatment, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The session was preceded by an introduction from Priendhel Rodriguez of the Extension Services Section, who set the context for the training.

Substantial contributions from various donors enabled the scale and success of the outreach. Generous support was provided by ID Polinar Office and School Supplies Trading, Remarkable Production and Events, Paterno L. Pacquiao, PhD, and Candido Printing Shop.

Following the symposium, certificates of appreciation were presented to the head organizer, partner agencies, and donors.

A message of support was delivered by Evangeline V. Vargas, representing Shiela L. Basalo of the Municipal Women’s Development Council. In a gesture of solidarity, the council donated arroz caldo for all attendees, adding to the meal provisions for the students.

Thereafter, the non-teaching personnel facilitated a series of games for the elementary students, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. The activities allowed the students to participate actively and win prizes, adding an element of recreation to the day’s events.

The outreach culminated in the distribution of health kits, meal packs, and loot bags containing snacks and juice. The distribution was facilitated by the non-teaching personnel, led by Dr. Guirigay.

The program concluded with a closing message from Sharmaine Faith Mahumas, MBA, Head of the Extension Services Section, who reaffirmed the college’s dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships and sustaining outreach efforts that directly benefit the local community. (Marian C. Mahilum, LPT)