Central Philippines State University celebrates yet another groundbreaking event centered on community development and commercialization of locally produced merchandise to help the locals within the University to better improve their current state of living.
Headed by Kabankalan City Mayor Hon. Pedro P. Zayco, Jr., together Vice-Mayor Raul Rivera and Camingawan Brgy. Captain Hon. Rico Regalia, the groundbreaking and launching ceremony of the CPSU housing project was held earlier today, March 10, 2021 at Sitio Lucay I, Brgy. Camingawan, Kabankalan City.
A total of 10 hectares land area, which can accommodate up to 400 houses, was allocated by the University for the said project to provide decent and accessible housing site for the settlers within the said community who are situated in the reservation area of CPSU.
Director for Extension and Community Development Dr. Jimmy Degillo welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for the support and presence of the city and barangay officials in the launching of the said housing project.
VP for Admin and Finance Dr. Marc Alexei Caesar Badajos stated that this opportunity is an outcome from the desire of the University to help the community. He stated that the realization of this initiative had undergone tedious process of planning to get the University BOR’s approval for the granting of the relocation site.
“What the president [Dr. Aladino Moraca] wants is not to oust the settlers but to provide a better housing site for you. This will become a resettlement to all households in this community which will be provided with recreation center, as indicated in the plan. The said project will be similar to subdivisions wherein model houses are being prepared to have uniform building designs,” Dr. Badajos explained.
Kabankalan City Mayor Zayco lauded CPSU for realizing this project that will ensure safety and protection of the settlers within the community in terms of their land tenure. He further signified support by allotting a budget of 12 million for the road concreting project in the area to provide ease in transportation of the settlers especially in traversing to other barangays. This will likewise lift possible dangers brought about by the usual muddy and slippery condition of the road in the area.
Vice-Mayor Rivera also stated his commendations to CPSU seeing that shelter is one of the basic necessity of the people. Granting this project to the settlers in the community is a great initiative of the University and ensured everyone of the support of the local government for the success of the project.
Hon. Regalia stated that this project is a huge recognition to the University having resolved the long-standing concern of the households regarding their settlement within the University’s reservation area. Expressing his huge appreciation, he exclaimed that this will bring greater good to the people as well as to their children’s future.
Present to witness the event were the Camingawan brgy. council members, the University Director for Planning Engr. Maria Cristina Canson, Graduate School Dean Dr. Mary Ann Dagunan, IMPDC Director and University publication adviser Dr. Josephine Asuncion Emoy, College of Engineering Dean Engr. Rene Dagunan, College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Sir Corold Romano, Campus Site Development and Beautification Director Carol Jane Parcon, along with the settlers within the community.
Immediately following the event was the launching and inauguration of the CPSU Green Technology and Community Livelihood center located just across the CPSU Main gate. Displayed here are CPSU’s own produced merchandise such as the Rainforest Coffee, Muscovado Sugar, essential oil-based products and sanitizers made from Citronella and lemon grass, along with other products processed by the University. Also displayed were farmers’ by-products and handicrafts, as well as ornamental plants for the green-hearted customers.
This project will not only promote and showcase the unique products of CPSU, but will also serve as means for farmers to sell their goods as additional livelihood opportunities for them.
The site benediction in the housing project as well as in the Green Technology and Community Livelihood was led by Rev. Fr. Roger Aliligay.
Also present during the Green Tech and livelihood community ribbon-cutting were Hon. Mayor Pedro Zayco, Jr. Vice-Mayor Rivera, Hon. Rico Regalia, the VP for Research and Extension Dr. Mae Flor Posadas, Communication and Information Director Dr. Flora Carpio, SP member Jerzy Guanzon, CPSU Hinobaan Campus Administrator Sir Mark Abello, along with other guests and CPSU personnel.
Photo credits: F. Emoy
By: J.A. Emoy