Strengthening Community Ties: UDM-URELIA Coordinates Extension Activities in Barangay 790
By: Dr. Leila R. Gano
Venue: Barangay 790 Hall, Sta. Ana, Manila
As part of its commitment to sustained community engagement and development, the Universidad de Manila (UDM), through the University Research, Extension, Linkages, and International Affairs (URELIA) office, conducted a revisit and coordination meeting in Barangay 790, Zone 86 to align the university’s Extension Program activities with the needs of its adopted community.
Revitalizing the UDM-Community Partnership
URELIA Director Dr. Leila R. Gano personally met with Punong Barangay (PB) Hon. Ian Orendain and Barangay Secretary Maria Carmen Magsino to discuss the ongoing collaboration between UDM and Barangay 790 under their five-year partnership, established through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in 2023. The meeting served as an opportunity to reaffirm commitments, revisit past initiatives, and lay the groundwork for more effective and coordinated extension activities.
Protocols for Barangay-Based Initiatives
To ensure the smooth and organized implementation of extension activities, the meeting outlined barangay protocols that UDM must observe when conducting community-based programs. Among the key protocols discussed were:
- Prior Notification and Clearance– All extension activities must be communicated and approved by barangay officials before execution.
- Use of UDM Extension Linkage Activity Form 001– A standardized form documenting the objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and participants must be accomplished in triplicate and signed by the College Focal Person, a Barangay Representative, and the URELIA Director.
- Community Engagement Guidelines– Activities should be collaborative and aligned with the barangay’s needs, ensuring mutual benefit and sustainability.
Aligning with the “Healthy Habitat” Platform
The coordination meeting reaffirmed UDM’s commitment to its Extension Linkage Platform, “Healthy Habitat: Sustainable Community Solutions for Vector and Domestic Animal Management.” The initiative aims to address pressing environmental and health concerns in Barangay 790, such as:
- Unregulated domestic animal upkeep and waste management
- Vector-borne disease prevention
- Community awareness and capacity-building for sustainable practices
By strengthening coordination efforts, UDM and Barangay 790 reinforce their shared mission of community transformation, sustainability, and improved public health. Moving forward, the university’s colleges will work closely with barangay officials to implement meaningful and impactful extension programs that truly empower residents and enhance community resilience.
