Comm. Libre urges BukSU to prioritize programs fostering students’ growth, welfare

MALAYBALAY CITY – CHED Commissioner Jo Mark M. Libre urged Bukidnon State University to prioritize programs fostering the students’ growth and welfare during the first episode of BukSU’s Share to Heal Season 3 program aired on October 4, 2023. 

“I challenge the members of the university and even the members of the governing board to support and prioritize the student affairs and welfare program, the faculty and personnel development program,” Comm. Libre said.

“I challenge the university president to have this Smart BukSU where our services are actually felt by our stakeholders, particularly our students,” he added.

Chair of BukSU Board of Regents and CHED Commissioner Libre was the invited guest speaker of BukSU’s Pag Ambitay daw Agkaulian (Share to Heal Program) focusing on the topic: “Usap Tayo: Fostering Students’ Growth and Welfare.”

Comm. Libre cited several CHED programs ensuring the welfare and development of the students.

He mentioned the student financial assistant programs, Tulong-dunong program, career guidance advocacy program, gender and development program, special study grant program, and the RA 10931 – an act promoting universal access to quality tertiary education by providing for free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges and state-run technical-vocational institutions.

Libre also mentioned that BukSU’s Office of the President through the Office of the Vice President for Culture, Arts, Sports, and Student Services provide food assistance to students who cannot afford their meals.

Aside from the economic-related support, Comm. Libre emphasized the safe space program, the culture of inclusivity, and the strong support in terms of the students’ social and emotional wellbeing.

“There must have an open communication between the management and the students. Our students are our major stakeholders and they are the beneficiaries whether the services that the university provides are actually efficient for that matter,” he said.

The Commissioner also commended BukSU’s promotion of mental health awareness, which are helpful for the personnel and students’ welfare.

To manage academic pressure and tension, Comm. Libre cited the comprehensive education program for both academic and non-academic activities.

He stressed the importance of having a holistic approach to every student’s concern and encourage the university to give a leeway for them to express themselves. This includes the members of the LGBTQIA, the Indigenous People (IP) community, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

“We must collectively strive to create an environment where the students will flourish with their academics. Their emotional and social concerns must be given with utmost attention. Let us be the pillars of support to all of these,” he said.

He assured that as CHED Commissioner, he will give his full support in all the university’s undertakings especially for the students.

The Pag-Ambitay daw Agkaulian (Share to Heal) Program is a Social Innovation Kontra Covid-19 Extension Project of BukSU.  It is implemented by 45 faculty extensionists across colleges and academic programs.

Share to Heal was awarded as “The Most Development-Oriented Program” in the 2022 Gandingan Awards (https://buksu.edu.ph/2022/04/25/buksu-share-to-heal-is-gandinganmost-development-oriented-fm-program/).

In 2021, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in cooperation with other government agencies, also recognized the university’s extension program as one of the awardees of the Search for Outstanding COVID-19 (SOVV) Volunteers in Northern Mindanao for the Group Category. 

The Program Share to Heal is now on its Season 3 airing every Wednesday, 9AM-10AM via the radio station DXBU 104.FM, also streamed and shared live on the official social media accounts and participated by identified listening audience at the University Auditorium.

Watch the full coverage of the Share to Heal Program Season 3 Episode 1 thru: https://fb.watch/nsQwM0mZ0w/ (Information Unit)