History Launches Extension at San Miguel

By Evedanie G. Beldad & Jamelyn B. Palattao

MSU-IIT carries a trilogy of functions: instruction, research and extension. In line with these, the History Department of CASS embarked on an extension project and Barangay San Miguel is its beneficiary. The said barangay lies within the periphery of the Institute and is currently housing many faculty members, personnel, and students of the Institute. It is in this context that the department hopes to establish a long term partnership with barangay San Miguel.

As a prelude, the Historical Society and the newly formed Master in History Class Organization sponsored a gift-giving and feeding out reach program last December 18, 2010. The said activity aimed to benefit the regular children of the barangay. The children were entertained with an afternoon of fun and games. The entire activity was concluded ban inspirational message by Barangay Captain Fredrian Xavier K. Busico and a session of Christmas carols led by Prof. Geoffrey G. Salgado.

The development towards a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the Barangay commenced on December 20, 2010 in a conference held at the Barangay Hall. The Department represented by Prof. Melecita G. Baena, Prof. Rosello C. Macansantos, Dr. Ma. Cecilia B. Tangian, and Ms. Evedanie G. Beldad met with the barangay council. A rationale for choosing Barangay San Miguel as an adopted barangay of the department was explained by Prof. Baena followed by the presentation of the community extension proposal. Prof. Macansantos discussed the different areas that the department can assist the barangay effectively.

Impressed by the plans of the History Department, the council unanimously approved the proposal and the formal signing of the Memorandum was held last January 11, 2011. The signing was attended by the Chancellor Dr. Marcelo P. Salazar, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Arnulfo P. Supe, Chief of Staff and Campus Secretary Dr. Rhodora S.N Englis, CASS Dean Prof. Nora A. Clar, the Barangay Council of San Miguel, purok presidents, representatives of the senior citizen, Historical society members and faculty of the Department of History.