BukSU Student Volunteerism for DRR-CCA: A Legacy of Service and Action

For decades, student volunteerism at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) has been a foundation of humanitarian work, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and climate change adaptation (CCA). This commitment was highlighted during the culmination activity of BukSU PROJECT MICHELANGELO, the university’s emergency response team under the DRRM Unit.

In the week of the second quarter, PROJECT MICHELANGELO volunteers represented BukSU’s campus at the 2025 Fire Rescue Olympics organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection – Malaybalay City. This marked the culmination of a year of student engagement and public service.

For School Year 2024–2025, the team was deployed in 43 activities, including 34 event medical support operations. They also participated in two initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action:

• SAKA (Saving and Keeping Alive): The Caul-Mansikol Creek Cleanup Drive, a partnership with the City Government of Malaybalay.
• TED TREES Project: An environmental preservation effort under the “Magbalantay sa Malaybalay” movement.

The volunteer corps continued to grow in number and diversity, promoting inclusivity and citizenship in advancing BukSU’s DRR-CCA thrusts.

Currently, the group is composed of 80 volunteers, representing all six undergraduate colleges in the campus. The team includes Lumad, Christian, and Muslim youth, demonstrating unity in diversity through shared service.

Among the groups are:

• SHIFA: Muslim responders wearing their hijabs.
• BAYLAN: Indigenous youth responders grounded in cultural resilience.

These groups collaborate with faculty and staff members who form the Tactical Response Initiative Base-protection Unit (T.R.I.B.U.), strengthening the university’s emergency preparedness network.

“BukSU’s DRRM Unit remains committed to fostering student volunteerism as an avenue for cultivating selflessness, patriotism, and a sense of service among the youth. As the climate crisis intensifies and risks evolve, the university’s volunteers stand ready – not only as responders, but as hope-bearers for communities they serve,” Rhondell M. Paraiso, DRRMU Head, said. (Rhondell M. Paraiso, DRRMU Head)