Forging Student Leadership in Community Action: URELIA Meets with New SSG Officers

By: Dr. Leila R. Gano

On June 5, 2025, a significant coordination meeting took place at the URELIA Office between Dr. Leila R. Gano, head of the University Research, Extension Linkages, and International Affairs (URELIA) – Extension Linkages Unit, and the newly appointed Supreme Student Government (SSG) President Mr. Shan Kao, alongside key members of the SSG, specifically the Vice President for Internal Agenda for Ocular Visit. The meeting marked the beginning of a renewed partnership between URELIA and UDM’s student leadership in promoting civic engagement and university-wide involvement in extension work.

The dialogue focused on orienting the SSG leaders with UDM’s Extension Agenda, branded as L.E.A.D.E.R.S., which outlines the university’s strategic approach to community involvement—Leadership development, Environmental action, Advocacy, Development support, Education, Resilience-building, and Sustainability. Dr. Gano emphasized the vital role that students play in bringing these principles to life through meaningful and hands-on initiatives that go beyond the classroom.

Also discussed in depth was the flagship extension platform “Healthy Habitat: Sustainable Community Solutions for Vector and Domestic Animal Management,” which is currently being implemented in Barangay 790, Zone 86, Sta. Ana, Manila. The platform addresses urgent urban issues such as sanitation, stray animal control, and vector-borne diseases through a multi-disciplinary and community-partnered approach. Dr. Gano invited the SSG to become active partners in this initiative—mobilizing student volunteers, supporting education campaigns, and amplifying youth-led action in local communities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to align student activities with the university’s extension goals, positioning the SSG as a vital link between UDM’s academic mission and its social responsibility. As the SSG charts its new course under President Kao’s leadership, the groundwork has been laid for a more inclusive and participatory extension culture that empowers both students and communities alike.