Empowering Service-Learning: DLSU-COSCA and Uniservitate Asia & Oceania Regional Hub Host Faculty Training and Workshop

The DLSU-COSCA Service-Learning (SL) Program and Uniservitate Asia & Oceania Regional Hub successfully conducted the SL Faculty Training and Workshop last August 22 and 23, 2024 in Balay Homestay, Indang, Cavite, Philippines. The theme “SL Research Methodologies and Understanding SDGs” provided faculty members, SL practitioners and advocates, community and social engagement officers, and administrators with an understanding of various research methodologies tailored to the context of SL. The participants explored innovative approaches to designing, implementing, and evaluating SL projects that align with the SDGs, and integrate it with their respective courses and disciplines.

The training speakers were Dr. Stephen Chan and Dr. Shuheng Lin of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. They discussed the significance of doing research related to SL. They also provided inputs and suggestions on improving the participants’ research proposals during the workshop. Ms. Fritzie Ian de Vera, DLSU Vice President for Lasallian Mission, highlighted the importance of SL in the mission of the University in her keynote address. Mr. Antonio Carlos Maralit, Executive Director of DLSU University Sustainability Office, mentioned that the impact rankings can be used as a guide in the curricular social engagements of a university.

It was attended by 60 participants from De La Salle University, member schools of De La Salle Philippines, and new CHEI members of the Uniservitate in the Asia & Oceania region. These universities are De La Salle Lipa, La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, De La Salle University – Dasmarinas, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, University of San Agustin, University of St. La Salle, University of San Carlos, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, and Ateneo de Davao University.