University of Cebu

Aimed primarily to equip the National Service Training Program (NSTP) educators, Extension Program implementers, principals, teachers, students and stakeholders with the knowledge, skills and attitudes of good citizenship, some 34 representatives from schools within Cebu and Mandaue Cities gathered at UCLM for the Orientation and Seminar for the promotion of the Good Citizenship Movement (GCM).

On December 5, 2007, the annex audio visual room of the LM campus was the venue for the event. The delegates were from Cebu Institute of Technology, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of the Philippines-Cebu, St. Theresa’s College, University of San Carlos, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, and even from the Naval Reserve (NRCEV).

They were welcomed by Ms. Judith Almonte, UCLM NSA Assistant Project Coordinator.

The rationale was delivered by Sr. Sandra G. Clemente, RSCJ, Director Community Extension Services and Development and Civic Welfare Training Services (CESDEV/NSTP-CWTS). The first topic was on Core Filipino Values, rendered by Commissioner Teresita Baltazar, GCM Committee Chair.

After the break, Bro. Hermie Ceniza, Director of GCM spoke of “Teaching the GCM module” which includes the 16 good citizenship values enshrined in the preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. These basic values are: faith in the Almighty God; respect for life; order; work; concern for the family and future generations; love; freedom; peace; truth; justice; unity; equality; respect for law and government; patriotism; promotion of the common good; concern for the environment.

He then shared informative video clips of our country’s economic condition, from being one of the most progressive countries before Martial Law in 1972 and today, where our Asian neighbors have surpassed us in so many ways. The presentation was entitled “Ang Pilipinas, Saan Ito Ngayon”. Then he showed the crowd moving power-point presentations of the country’s social ills. Guide questions were given to aid the participants’ reflection who subsequently presented their views to the assembly. Towards the end of Bro. Hermie’s talk, he shared slides about the geese’ v-formation which inspired the group to practice teamwork and share that same trait with their students.

After lunch, Sr. Luz Emmanuel Soriano, RA, spoke about “Caring for the Mother Earth.” She presented repulsive yet real statistics of the global state which were based on the comprehensive United Nations study.

Towards the end of the affair, linkages among schools were forged, particularly for the institutions’ collaboration to commit to make Cebu a pilot area of GCM.