In line with its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Saint Louis University (SLU) forged a partnership with the local government unit of San Quintin, Pangasinan.
On 9 December 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the Alejandro Roces Boardroom, Fr. Jose Burgos Building-Administrative Center, to establish cooperation on the training of day care workers, particularly those focused on teaching beginning and struggling readers.
University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, represented by Rev. Fr. Emery E. Mwako, CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity, and Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD, Executive Assistant to the President signed the MOU with the Municipal Government of San Quintin, Pangasinan, led by Municipal Mayor, Farah Lee M. Lumahan, represented by Ms. Liza Paine, Municipal Councilor, and Ms. Delia C. Quero, RSW, Municipal Social Welfare and Development.
The Office of the University President and Office of the Vice President for Mission and Identity, through their Sustainable Development Goals Programs, will spearhead comprehensive capacity-building initiatives for the municipality. The scope of the partnership extends to empowering parents of Day Care children to become effective home-teachers; conducting discussions with the local council about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and their practical implementation in local government programs; providing specialized training on data privacy among Local Government Offices; facilitating training on the conduct of rapid rural appraisal (RRA) in preparation for participatory-based programs; and leading discussion and training on upcycling for local constituents to promote sustainability.
In addition to the formal signing, the representatives from San Quintin were provided with a campus tour, allowing them to explore SLU’s facilities and gain a deeper appreciation of the university’s mission-driven initiatives, learning environment, and academic programs.
This collaborative effort significantly strengthens SLU’s mission to extend transformative education, expertise, and resources beyond its campuses and into partner communities. Furthermore, it supports the University’s direct alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in advancing Quality Education (SDG 4), promoting Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and fostering robust Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) and with the CICM Advocacy on Justice. (Article by Mardrig Matias, OGRAASP Intern | Photos by: Macuja Ylizalde Alfiler, BMMA 2)
