By PJ dela Peña, USTP System STRATCOMM
USTP CDO Chancellor Atty. Dionel O. Albina (top left) and Punong Barangay Eldo G. Casiño (top right) led the USTP and Barangay 22 officials in the signing of the MOA.
Cagayan de Oro City. The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) has officially partnered with its adjacent community in Barangay 22 for the implementation of the University’s sustainable projects.
Chancellor Atty. Dionel O. Albina represented USTP Cagayan de Oro and Punong Barangay Eldo G. Casiño represented Barangay 22 in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The MOA highlights the conduct of a three (3) year sustainable program that would benefit the residents including the women and the youth through the implementation of projects designed by the Extension and Community Relations Division (ECRD) of USTP CDO and the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (DEST).
USTP will also undertake monitoring of the water quality of Bitan-ag Creek including the creation of the Bitan-ag Creek Health Watch and provide training and capability building including livelihood opportunities.
Bitan-ag Creek borders the campus of USTP Cagayan de Oro and Barangay 22. Flooding occurs when Bitan-ag Creek overflows.
For its part, Barangay 22 will support in the rehabilitation of the Bitan-ag Creek, identify problem areas, provide manpower and resources and support all the programs of USTP.
Chancellor Albina underscores the full support of the University on the projects that will strengthen the bond between neighbors.
“The more important part is we are going to educate, assist and facilitate the community and in so doing we can create a bond in order to protect Bitan-ag Creek,” Chancellor Albina added.
Punong Barangay Casiño is optimistic on the partnership and assured of the community’s commitment on the agreement.
