The Eastern Visayas State University renewed its partnership with Side- by- Side Alliance, Inc. through officially signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to maintain a relationship of support with the said organization’s philanthropic efforts in the region, March 11 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning.
Project officials Ms. Jolina Abrogar and Mary Jane Dadulla from Side-by-Side Alliance Inc. were present in person for the MOA signing, while Executive Director Laura Barbee and Chief Financial Officer James Barbee graced the event virtually.
The university MOA signing officials were Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, University President; Vice President for Research and Extension Office, Dr. Analyn Españo; the Dean of the College of Technology, Prof. Bernard Nino Q. Membrebe; the department heads, Prof. Eduardo Cabuyao, and Prof. Harvey Romawak and the College of Technology Extension Coordinator, Dr. Mark C. Partosa.
Other key officials, faculty members, and students from the College of Technology witnessed the event.
EVSU and the charity organization, Side-by-Side Alliance Inc. have worked together for years to create the IMPACT (International Mobilization of Partners for Action, Compassion, and Transformation), a program that provides knowledge and skills-training workshops in civil technology. It is an international non-government organization that seeks to come alongside the people in rural areas as they work together for long-term, transformative development.
The said partnership was first started with the College of Engineering of the university. EVSU and SSA reached out to local community leaders to find out what they thought was most needed. The communities expressed a need to find more stable jobs.
The IMPACT Project helped day laborers who often do not have regular work the opportunity to learn a skilled trade for free. Participants started with a two-year instructional training program. Once they completed the training, they could take an exam certifying them in one concentration. The goal was to alleviate poverty by equipping participants with employable skills.
With a plan in order, the partnership began to take shape. SSA provided the funding, from materials to transportation, food, and fees for the review course and NCII exams. EVSU provided the skills training necessary for the program. The local government in Santa Fe, Leyte provided the logistical support.
On March 21, 2021, the IMPACT Project held its official Opening Ceremony. It is now equipping dozens of participants from the Santa Fe community with skills in carpentry, masonry, steelworks, and plumbing.
To continue its program to build communities in Eastern Visayas, the Side-by-Side Alliance, Inc. pushed through its partnership with Eastern Visayas State University, this time with the College of Technology.
The said partnership with the College of Technology focuses on training the participants in Electrical wiring and installation for 10 consecutive Sundays to commence on March 19, 2023.
“The mandate on extension services is not just a matter of compliance but because we have the heart… moral, and social obligation to be of service to the community…” said Dr. Españo on her closing remarks and mentioned that the organization is a replica of a good Samaritan, “we are glad that you chose EVSU to materialize your dreams and make them come true to the vulnerable communities, particularly the Eastern Visayas and our noble country, the Philippines”.
