Since its establishment in 1987, the Balayan Social Development Center has stood as the University’s pillar of community service, making a profound impact on both the Lasallian community and local communities around.
The Balayan Social Development Center serves as an extension of the University’s mission beyond education by embracing the broader responsibility of community engagement. The center's work is rooted in the Lasallian values of faith, service, and communion. Through its comprehensive programs, the center aims to address the pressing needs of impoverished communities. By focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions, Balayan works to foster sustainable development and create positive, lasting change for future generations.
It implements programs such as Volunteer Formation, Social Awareness & Advocacy, Campus Clubs Outreach, Christian Service Learning, Gawad Kalinga, Environment/Disaster Risk Reduction Management, and Community Organizing. BALAYAN also collaborates with national agencies, local government units, NGOs, and other external partners to expand its outreach and impact.
Under the leadership of Ms. Teresita Barcoma, who began her second term as director in 2022, the Balayan Social Development Center has continued to grow and strengthen its initiatives. It remains a driving force in empowering underserved communities through its essential services, including educational programs, health and nutrition initiatives, and environmental conservation projects. Each outreach effort is designed to reach the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind.
One of the standout features of the Balayan Social Development Center is its culture of volunteerism. Volunteers, both students and faculty, are at the heart of the center's activities. Guided by the philosophy of "learning to serve and serving to learn," volunteers actively participate in projects that not only improve the lives of others but also foster their own personal growth.
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The impact of Balayan’s volunteerism is not just seen within the University, but also across the communities it serves. The center’s initiatives are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making a significant contribution to global efforts aimed at ending poverty, reducing hunger, promoting quality education, and addressing climate change.
As it continues to evolve, it remains committed to providing hope and opportunity to the marginalized and underserved. The center has become a beacon of compassion, demonstrating how an integrated approach to community service and volunteerism can produce powerful results.
The Balayan Social Development Center is a vital part of the University’s broader mission to make a positive impact. By nurturing a culture of volunteerism and compassion, the center empowers individuals, supports community development, and contributes to a more sustainable future. As it continues its work, it will remain a source of inspiration and a catalyst for change, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to build upon.