BukSU Extends Assistance to Brgy. Can-ayan Senior Citizens

Celebrating the centennial year of Bukidnon State University (BukSU), previously known in 1924 as Bukidnon Provincial High School, the Extension Unit (EU) under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations (VPREI) and the Alumni Relations Unit (ARU) under the Office of the President (OP) extended assistance to the elderly lumads residing in Sitio Kilap-agan of Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City.

The community engagement initiative for the senior citizens, titled “BUKSU at 100: A Century of Love, Giving Assistance to the Senior Citizens of Can-ayan Malaybalay City,” was a product of the funds raised from a breakfast-for-a-cause event dubbed “Pamahaw Ta BukSU,” held on March 26, 2024, at the University Auditorium. This initiative provided around 50 seniors with essential packs, addressing their need for access to food.

Barangay Kagawad Remma Joy M. Tante, Committee on Health and Sanitation, and Sorita Lumison, Secretary of the Senior Citizen Organization of Can-ayan, assisted in the activity and expressed their gratitude to BukSU.

“Dako among kalipay ug pasalamat nga ania mo karon among mga bisita nga nakig-uban sa amo,” Tante said. SMART BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, along with the workforce and students from OVPREI, EU, ARU, and the BukSU-Bukidnon Studies Center (BSC), conducted fun games among the seniors, including singing and dancing, which were led by BukSU’s Chorale conductor Ivan Alboladura.

“We are here because we value senior citizens. Without senior citizens, we are not here. We would also like to tell you that BukSU is also encouraging the youth in your community to avail of the free education BukSU offers. We hope that whenever you have problems with education, you can always approach us,” Mirasol said.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa Ginoo nga kamo gipadala niya nga makaanhi dinhi sa among lugar aron makadumdom kanamo sa mga senior. Malipayon usab ako nga kamo gigrasyahan para makatabang sa amoa. Ang Ginoo na mubalos sa inyong kabuotan. Daghann kaayong salamat,” said one of the senior citizen recipients.

“This event highlighted the importance of teamwork in addressing community needs. Through this centennial celebration, BukSU reinforced its legacy of compassion and service, showcasing the significant impact educational institutions can have in nurturing and supporting their communities,” EU Director Dr. Jiemalyn Paulican said.

(With information from Stepanne M. Bracero)