SU sends aid to community affected by Mt. Kanlaon eruption

Silliman University (SU) distributed relief goods to 137 families in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on June 28, 2024.

Asst. Prof. Novee E. Maestrecampo Jr., director of OCESL, said that the relief effort was coordinated with the Canlaon City government and facilitated by Mr. Seth C. Bariga, an SU alumnus.

“The Barangay Pula community was identified by the Office of the City Mayor as one of the most affected barangays when Mt. Kanlaon erupted last June,” Maestrecampo said

A few days after the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, The Sillimanian Initiative (TSI), an arm of the SU Student Government (SUSG), sent a call for donations, which successfully raised funds and enabled the SUSG, in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning (OCESL), Silliman University Civic Welfare Training Service (SU CWTS) and the Student Organizations and Activities Division (SOAD) of the Office of Student Services, to mobilize resources to benefit the households in the affected area.

The outreach effort received support from Engr. Greg Uymatiao of G. Uymatiao Jr. Construction, the SUCC Multipurpose Cooperative (SUCC), and the Silliman University Continuing Calamity Response Program (CCRP) of the Office of the University President, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann.

Several student organizations also contributed to the initiative including the School of Public Affairs and Governance Society, the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary – Silliman University Chapter, the American Concrete Institute Philippines – Silliman University, the Silliman University Biology Society, Beta Epsilon, the Silliman University Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, the Silliman University Physical Therapy Students Association, and the Silliman University College of Nursing Association.

(Reports from OCESL and TSI, along with photos courtesy of Angie Rival and Ben Guarin.)