๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฒ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐๐ค๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ง ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ 101 ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฒ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐๐ค๐๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ
In its commitment to strengthening volunteerism, cultural grounding, and ethical service among student-volunteers, Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi, in partnership with the Office of University Extension Services (OUES) Department of Volunteerism Management, and in collaboration with the Department of Communication and the TSU Communicatorsโ Guild, spearheaded the Volunteerism 101: Orientation on Culturally Relevant Media and Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi Overview on October 7, 2025, at the Theater Room, CASS Smith Hall, TSU Main Campus.
The orientation began with an opening remark from Associate Dean Dr. Raffy S. Aganon, who spoke on behalf of Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano. In his message, Dr. Aganon highlighted: โAs BA Communication students, you are not only trained to write, speak, and create; you are called to connect, to listen, and to give voice to the unheard.โ
He added that volunteerism is not about grand gestures but about small, sincere acts that create ripples of changeโunderstanding peopleโs stories, respecting their culture, and helping build communities that thrive in dignity and unity.
The activity was attended by student-volunteers from the Department of Communication. It aimed to introduce the essence of volunteerism and ethical work while encouraging active participation in community engagement through culturally relevant initiatives. It also sought to provide meaningful opportunities for communication students to gain hands-on experience in cultural media as they document and share the stories of the Aeta Mag-Anchi community in Sitio Manabayukan.
Through this initiative, the program underscored the importance of volunteerism, ethical service, and cultural groundingโnurturing a sense of purpose and responsibility among student-volunteers as they contribute to cultural preservation and community development.
The orientation consisted of three parts: an overview of Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi, Volunteerism 101 and Ethical Volunteer Work led by Dr. Francelle L. Calub, and the Introduction to Culturally Relevant Media, which featured discussions and activities related to cultural media initiatives.
In the first part of the orientation, Dr. Calub presented the overview of Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi, explaining that the name comes from the Kapampangan word โitalalad,โ which means to raise or to build up. In her study, she combined it with โAytaโ to represent the community she walks with. โItโs about standing with the Ayta Mag-Anchi community as they continue to live, breathe, and pass on their identity on their terms,โ she emphasized.
Dr. Calub also discussed the training module derived from her dissertation, which serves as a capacity-building framework developed in collaboration with partner organizations. These partnerships play vital roles in providing support, extending expertise, and implementing activities that promote cultural education, language documentation, wellness and arts, and sustainability initiatives for the community.
In the second part, Dr. Calub emphasized that volunteerism is not merely an extracurricular activity but a mission anchored in the Volunteer Act, relevant guidelines, and the TSU Volunteer Management Manual. โBeing a volunteer doesnโt mean being informal; it means being responsible,โ she said, noting that while skills can be taught, it is attitude that defines impact.
She also discussed ethical practices and procedures essential for responsible volunteer work, reminding students of the TSU Volunteer Core Values โ Integrity, Respect, Humility, Confidentiality, and Accountability.
โAs communicators, our integrity is our identity,โ she added, emphasizing that communication students are bridge builders who use creative media to document, promote, and educate.
Dr. Calub further encouraged volunteers to take part in documentation, writing, editing, and literary facilitation, noting that creative outputs serve as powerful tools for cultural preservation.
Adding inspiration, Ms. Blottin, a Peace Corps volunteer, shared her journey and reflections on service: โHuman connection is the point of volunteerism and is the point of service.โ
โService learning is how we keep going. We are learning through the experience of giving service.โ
The final part of the orientation was led by Ms. Jay Ann Pablo, Component Head for Culturally Relevant Media, who presented the componentโs objectives and goals for the Aeta Mag-Anchi community. She discussed various initiatives, including the creation of learning materials such as big books, placards, flashcards, and other educational resources.
Ms. Pablo encouraged student-volunteers skilled in writing, voice acting, videography, photography, and other creative fields to share their talents with the community. โThis is not forced volunteerism. Dapat kapag nagvo-volunteer po tayo, kung ano po sa tingin natin ay kaya nating gawin at gusto nating gawin. Kasi ang pagbo-bolunterismo ay hindi pinipilit,โ she reminded.
Following the speakersโ discussions, certificates of appreciation were awarded, followed by a photo opportunity with the participants. The event stands as one of the important milestones in the studentsโ volunteer journey, reinforcing their commitment to service and cultural contribution to the community.
The orientation concluded with Dr. Francelle Calub delivering the closing message on behalf of Engr. Emir Lenard Sicangco, where she extended her gratitude to the organizers and participants, igniting the spirit of volunteerism within the students.
Report by Romer Madrid
Photos by Yukiya Harano, Jenler Garcia, Joseph Mendoza, Raphael Resultay, Webster Lacson, and Shay Cajuguiran
