St. Paul University at San Miguel
(A Branch of St. Paul University Quezon City)
Culminating Activity
Clean-Up Drive
“Go Green, Keep Planet Clean”
In accordance with the Dengue Awareness Program initiated by the SPUSM third-year students and other volunteer students from different levels, this clean-up drive aims to help the adapted community of the SPUSM institution lessen the skyrocketing number of dengue cases in San Miguel, Bulacan.
More than two hundred students are deployed to benefit an individual's social and environmental responsibility as they act as role models to maintain the environment’s cleanliness and remove the non-biodegradable waste that decomposes in a decade or two—they must inspire future generations.
As they descend the almost steep, narrow pathway with something in their hands, carrying heavy sacks full of trash and removing trash and waste from various areas. Including picking up litter along the hiking trails, near water bodies, and in recreational areas.
With the combined actions of these students, they filled more than 420 sacks with trash and almost swept away the litter, trash, and garbage on the trail. This drive works with the burning passion within the students of SPUSM and will significantly impact society and the environment. Their actions have proven that the indomitable spirit of youth can breathe life into even the most desolate corners and transform them into sanctuaries of beauty and resilience.
“Control and Protect”
Dengue Awareness
In the land of greenery and beauty, Biak na Bato has 49 barangays, and a dengue awareness program is conducted in each barangay to educate them and help the residents prevent having this disease. Everyone must be ready to take charge and protect themselves from dengue infection because it does not only occur during the rainy season and is "active all year round," as Ms. Gemma Fernandez stated.
Through this awareness program, SPUSM traverses the pathways of enlightenment to aid the adopted community in coping with this virus. Since San Miguel happened to be in the top spot for having high dengue cases in Bulacan in 2019 and 2022, there were 4531 cases recorded in San Miguel last year and four deaths—most of them children. Biak na Bato is in the 19th spot for high dengue cases. With gentle hands and caring hearts, they distribute hygiene kits door to door and give informative flyers to every individual they encounter. This simple act of kindness created a bond among their neighbors, reminding them they were not alone in this fight.
To prevent this infectious virus, a clean-up drive is created to eliminate the possible spaces where mosquitoes can live, especially in stagnant water—this is where the Department of Health created 4S to eradicate the source of mosquitoes. The third-year students from SPUSM organized an exciting program to educate the individuals in Biak na Bato about the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for dengue. As Mr. Dennis San Roque told the individuals in the program, San Miguel has an outbreak of dengue every time due to active case findings. Consistent cleaning every four days or weekly can make a difference, considering this will lessen the number of mosquitoes around. By feeding individuals knowledge and enabling them to make informed decisions, we are encouraged to assume active roles in curbing the proliferation of dengue.
“Stop, Look, and Listen” or “Important Comes First” choices!
Disaster Awareness Program
Awareness and preparedness are necessary in times of emergency and unexpected disaster. However, the question is: is everyone prepared? Equipping every individual with the skills required to respond to and mitigate the impact of an emergency effectively Many individuals in this community must familiarize themselves with appropriate response protocols, essential life-saving techniques, and preventive measures during emergencies.
The critical thing to remember during the disaster is the evacuation centers—where are the nearest? Since the evacuation areas for floods and earthquakes are different, the safest place for floods is high ground away from strong winds, and for earthquakes, open spaces are far from buildings and establishments. The goal for flood evacuation is zero casualties—no one is injured or dies.
Authorities used forced evacuation to make this happen, and there was no relief for those who were not in the evacuation centers. As the representative from MDRRMO San Rafael told Mr. Reynaldo Villaneuva, "Safety first before the other stuff." The priority groups to evacuate first were PWDs, seniors, pregnant women, and children—the cooperation of the community and the officials can keep everyone safe from danger.
Implementing preventive measures during disasters aids the community in surviving any possible injuries and, at worst, death. The SPUSM gladly introduced this awareness program to the Biak na Bato community because this place is near mountains and can be prone to landslides and liquefaction. Mr. Reynaldo Villaneuva quotes during his speech, "Take lessons from what happened around us because this will be necessary for us to survive." Lastly, preparing for basic needs before the disaster is a must.
“Support and Beat Hunger”
Feeding Program
Access to adequate and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. However, millions worldwide, including children, face food insecurity and malnutrition. Sharing the joy of food changes the lives of those individuals and families in need.
The SPUSM takes action on Sustainable Development Growth: No Poverty and Zero Hunger by providing the residents, children, and adults with foods personally made by third-year Business Administration students. The students strive to offer well-balanced meals that provide essential nutrients and ensure the food is packed and well-prepared. Each family in Biak na Bato has shown up for a program intended to address the issue of the rising number of hungry people in the community. It underscores the idea that every meal provided has the power to make a difference in the recipients' lives.
These experiences can have a lasting impact on their understanding of every family issue and inspire them to continue making a difference in the future.
Feeding programs are essential to addressing hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. They provide immediate relief and contribute to long-term development by nourishing communities and empowering individuals. Feeding programs promote health, education, and economic opportunities by ensuring access to nutritious meals. To build a brighter future for all, everyone must cooperate to help those in need. We must not neglect their hunger.