Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
Future educators from the PUP Calauan Campus extended learning beyond the classroom through “Walis Kabuhayan: Community-Based Broomstick Production Training Program,” an extension initiative designed to empower community members with practical livelihood skills while promoting inclusivity and social responsibility.
Implemented in partnership with Banca-Banca Integrated National High School (INHS), the program served as a partial graduation requirement for fourth-year Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) students who are currently undertaking their pre-service teaching internship at the partner school. Through the project, the aspiring educators translated their academic learning into meaningful community engagement by sharing livelihood education with local residents.
The initiative was further supported through the leadership and vision of PUP Calauan Campus Director Dr. Arlene R. Queri, who continues to champion extension programs that connect the university's expertise with the needs of the community.
A total of 10 beneficiaries, composed of individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), participated in the training. The selection of participants reflected the program’s commitment to ensuring that learning opportunities remain accessible to all sectors of society.
More than teaching broomstick production, the activity aimed to provide participants with a potential source of livelihood while fostering self-reliance and community development. It also allowed the BTLEd students to practice the principles of extension work and community-based education, preparing them for their future roles as educators and development advocates.
According to the student organizers, the project was designed not only to engage learners within the school community but also to reach out to neighboring communities and equip them with practical skills that may contribute to their economic well-being.
One of the student leaders, Jerica Katipunan, a fourth-year BTLEd student, reflected on how the experience embodied the values she learned as a PUPian.
“Inclusivity, isa sa mga core values na ginagamit ni PUP. Ang sa akin po kasi, si PUP po ay open to all the people na kahit meron ka man kapansanan or regardless sa gender mo, yung kapasidad mo, open si PUP tanggapin ka at turuan at maishare yung knowledge nila [students] at the same time pati ang mga teacher sa ibang tao, hindi lang limited dito sa school.”
(“Inclusivity is one of the core values practiced by PUP. For me, PUP is open to all people. Whether you have a disability, regardless of your gender, or whatever your capacity may be, PUP welcomes you, teaches you, and shares knowledge not only among students and teachers within the school but also with other members of the community.”)
Her statement underscored the essence of the extension program, which sought to make education a tool for empowerment beyond the confines of the classroom.
Through initiatives such as Walis Kabuhayan, PUP Calauan Campus continues to demonstrate its commitment to producing educators who are not only competent in their profession but are also socially responsive and dedicated to nation-building. By bringing livelihood education directly to underserved sectors, the university strengthens the bridge between academic learning and community development.
The program also highlighted several of the University's core values, particularly Inclusivity, by ensuring the participation of marginalized sectors such as 4Ps beneficiaries and PWDs; Integrity, through the students’ commitment to serving the community with sincerity and purpose; and Excellence, as future educators applied their knowledge and skills to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing accessible learning opportunities, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting livelihood skills and income-generating opportunities, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive participation of vulnerable sectors, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the collaboration between the university and Banca-Banca Integrated National High School in advancing community development.
Please click/tap the appropriate link to help you in your navigation of our services
Applicant Student Faculty Member or Employee Researcher or Extensionist Alumni Campus Life Sustainable Development Goals Back to Homepage