On 06 March 2026, Saint Louis University (SLU) shared its expertise with the Municipality of San Quintin, Pangasinan, by conducting a series of transformative training sessions for various community stakeholders focused on early childhood education, senior citizens’ wellness, and digital governance.
This initiative was part of a long-standing partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Quintin, Pangasinan, led by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, SLU President and Mayor Farah Lee M. Lumahan, and coordinated by Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD of SLU, and Mrs. Delia C. Quero, Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer; and Mr. Anthony David L. Neri, Social Welfare Officer.
A key part of the day was a workshop for parents and daycare teachers facilitated by Marilyn L. Balmeo, PhD, faculty member of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA). This session held at the San Quintin Auditorium, stressed the importance of home-based instruction, where parents of kindergarten children serve as teachers at home. Dr. Balmeo provided parents with practical strategies to help young and struggling young learners. The training also helped daycare teachers adjust their teaching methods, moving from simple supervision to engaging cognitive and social-emotional support. This partnership between home and school ensures that San Quintin’s youngest learners get a solid start during their crucial early years.
At the same time, Keven John N. Allit, PhD, STELA faculty member, led a wellness program for senior citizens at the Auditorium. This program provided discussions about holistic health to help the elderly manage their physical and mental well-being. Focusing on the “silver generation” underscored the importance of inclusive community service, allowing senior citizens to stay active, healthy, and engaged in society. For the participants, this training was a crucial reminder that fair access to health resources is key to a thriving community.
To meet the needs of the digital age, Cecilia A. Mercado, PhD, Director of SLU’s Information Systems and Technology Services Department (ISTSD), shared insights on data privacy for local government officials through a seminar held at the National Child Development Center (NCDC). As LGUs move toward more digital systems, protecting citizens’ personal information under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 is increasingly important. By providing municipal leaders with the skills to handle personal data responsibly and transparently, SLU helped San Quintin build a culture of trust and safety. This comprehensive approach shows how academic institutions can effectively empower local leaders and citizens, creating a more resilient and informed community.
By connecting academic resources with rural needs, the program highlighted SLU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Good Health and Well-being (SSG3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). This activity also captured the CICM advocacy on Justice and Peace. (Article and Photos by Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD)
