ASU Launches Social Transformation Initiative

by Sally R. Villasis

The Aklan State University (ASU) through the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Banga and Muguing Barangay Council launched the extension program “Livelihood and Nutrition Intervention for Social Transformation in Barangay Muguing” on January 29, 2013 at Barangay Muguing, Banga, Aklan.

The launching program and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was attended by the officials of LGU-Banga headed by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Antonio T. Maming, faculty and staff of ASU led by the University President, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon and Muguing Barangay Council headed by the Barangay Captain, Hon. Luzviminda A. Miraflores.

In her welcome remarks, Hon. Miraflores expressed her appreciation for the support extended by the program partners.

Dr. Abayon, in his message, emphasized the important roles that the partners play in transforming Barangay Muguing into a progressive community.  He highlighted the significant contributions of the University in terms of research and extension that can be shared to the community.

Hon. Margarito Andrade, Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Agriculture said that the program is very timely in response to the needs of the residents of Barangay Muguing particularly on livelihood and nutrition.

Mrs. Josephine Pajo, CAFES Faculty cited the ASU extension program which aims to address the request for assistance of Barangay Muguing to improve the quality of life of its populace specifically the out-of-school youths, unemployed adults, and women.

She mentioned the several projects which comprise the program namely, Gender Empowerment through Enhancing Gender Sensitivity Awareness; Nourishing the Vulnerable that includes Nutrition Education for children, mothers and the elderly; Livelihood for Food such as production, processing and marketing of organic food; Healthy Muguing for Enhancement of Rural Health Services; and Re-greening Muguing that will initiate climate change mitigation and adaptation activities.       

For his part, Prof. Alexander I. Ramos, Director of ASU-Extension and Community Services (ECS) emphasized that the ECS is the forerunner of the University’s efforts to reach out to people who are in need of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and opportunities for quality education, sustainable agriculture, enterprise development, health and social welfare.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Member of ASU-Board of Regents expressed his support to the extension program in the barangay. He encouraged the community to participate actively in the implementation.  Likewise, he shared significant insights on farming practices and climate change.   

Meanwhile, PO3 Philialyn Navarra of Banga-Philippine National Police imparted some important information on domestic violence.      

Part of the activities include forum on Gender Empowerment discussed by Prof. Therese Jean Sarabia of ASU-College of Teacher Education, while the topic on Climate Change Adaptation was shared by Prof. Eva Orlina.   /MP