DLSU takes part in guiding neighboring barangays to achieve Millenium Development Goals

During the year 2000, the United Nation (UN) established the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that are geared towards eradicating poverty, improving healthcare and education, promoting gender equality, among others. All member countries of the UN, including the Philippines, are required to accomplish these goals by 2015.

In line with this, De La Salle University (DLSU) has decided to team up with seven nearby barangays to help them achieve the MDG. Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission Br. Michael Broughton FSC and Ma. Lourdes Melegrito, director of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), represented the University in signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) earlier today at the Tereso Lara Seminar Room. The other signatories were representatives of the local government units of barangays 704, 707, 714, 717, 718, 719, and 720 in District 5 of Manila.

The project, entitled “DLSU Five-year Community Engagement Master Plan Supporting the MDG Localization in District 5, Manila, particularly in San Andres, Malate Areas”, will begin this month and will end by September 2019. It aims to provide education assistance, technical support, healthcare services, workshops, professional consultancy services, research and other resources to the LGUs and its community, especially to the youth and women.

According to the MOA, DLSU shall work together with the LGUs to conceptualize and implement various development projects based on the MDG Localization Framework created by the Department of Interior and Local Government. Faculty members and students are highly encouraged to participate in the program through fund-raising and training seminars. As agreed upon, at least 1,500 Lasallian Brothers, alumni, parents, students, and administrators of the University shall take part in the five-year initiative.

With over one hundred barangays in District 5 alone, DLSU officials are quick to note that partnering with the seven pilot barangays is only the beginning.

“Eventually, po magexpand po tayo to cover the entire District 5 kung kakayahin po natin.” Joseph Rosal, Program Manager and Community Engagement Coordinator of COSCA, informs.

To jumpstart the partnership, a training workshop on community-based monitoring system will will be held in the University from Sept. 11 to 14. The workshop will be an avenue for barangay officials to learn about various techniques and technology that could help them plan their respective development projects.