Camalaniugan, Cagayan—In a powerful demonstration of unity and shared commitment to community resilience, St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines partnered for a community outreach program at Joaquin Dela Cruz Integrated School in Camalaniugan, Cagayan.
St. Paul University Philippines partners with GPF to provide school supplies for children at Joaquin Dela Cruz school.
Anchored on the national theme “KUMIKILOS para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan” (Moving for Preparedness, Safety, and Resilience), the outreach activity aimed to empower the school community through emergency preparedness education, essential supply distribution, and capacity-building sessions.
School children receive backpacks donated by GPF Phliippines.
Led by Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC, University President of SPUP, the event featured a key learning session titled “Teaching Children to Stay Safe in Any Emergency.” This session, conducted for both students and teachers, emphasized practical strategies for responding safely and effectively during various emergency scenarios.
The outreach went beyond education. It also addressed the tangible needs of the school community. Students received rain protection gear, backpacks, and essential school supplies, while teachers were given emergency preparedness kits to help them respond better during disasters.
The initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of the Paulinian community, including SPC Sisters, university faculty, staff, and student leaders from both the Paulinian Volunteers for Community Development (PVCD)and the Paulinian Student Government (PSG). These young leaders not only assisted in the distribution of goods but also helped facilitate basic emergency preparedness and disaster response sessions, reinforcing the values of service and solidarity.
School children receive backpacks donated by GPF Phliippines.
The activity was also graced by Hon. Mayor Isidro Cabaddu, Local Chief Executive of Camalaniugan, who expressed his support and appreciation for the collaboration between educational institutions and peacebuilding organizations in strengthening local capacity for disaster resilience.
“This outreach is a strong testament to what we can achieve when institutions, organizations, and communities come together for a shared purpose,” said a GPF Philippines representative. “Preparedness is not just a responsibility—it’s a culture we build together.”
Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, also underscored the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting the education sector, “Global Peace Foundation Philippines believes that schools are critical pillars of community transformation. Our partnership with institutions like SPUP reflects our deep commitment to helping schools across the country become not just centers of learning, but also hubs of resilience, safety, and hope.”
School children receive backpacks donated by GPF Phliippines.
This collaboration between SPUP and GPF Philippines underscores the power of education, service, and multi-sectoral partnerships in promoting sustainable peace and development. By engaging students, educators, and local leaders, the initiative reflects the core mission of Global Peace Foundation—to build ethical and cohesive communities where everyone plays a role in shaping a safer and more resilient future.
