In the endeavour to realize its vision of becoming a catalyst of transformation in the ASEAN and beyond and its mandate to providing formal and non-formal education and undertake vigorous extension and research programs, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) formally entered into an agreement with the Davao City Alliance for Out-of-School Youth Development (DCAOSYD) through a ceremonial signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) on July 17, 2023, at the Office of the President, USeP-Obrero Campus.
With the MOA, USeP officially expressed its support for the DCAOSYD as a member of the alliance to advocate and provide opportunities for youth development.
University President, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, represented the University; while Board of Trustees Chairperson, Ms. Cherrylin B. Casuga, represented the DCAOSYD. Also present in the said signing were Mr. Isagani C. Busque, Youth Development Coordinator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) O2 Program; Ms. Sylvia L. Piedad, General Secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)-Davao; Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva, USeP Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (VPRDE); Dr. Roby V. Pagong, Director of USeP Extension Division; and Dr. Velouna R. Perez, Deputy Director of USeP Continuing Education Center (CEC).
In introducing the DCAOSYD to the attendees, Ms. Casuga has expressed her thanks to the University for welcoming such partnership. She looked forward to collaborations that can help shape and mold DCAOSYD to become more effective in reaching out the out-of-school youth (OSY).
Dr. Generalao, in her speech, stated that the partnership with the DCAOSYD aligns with the vision of the University which is to be a transforming force in the communities in the ASEAN and beyond. She then expounded on the University mantra of ‘We build dreams without limits’ and shared the University’s journey and endeavors in making the vision possible- by opening unique and transforming programs such as the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) and the opening of the Malabog Extension Campus in partnership with the PEACE 911 of Davao City.
Partners for Out of School Youth (OSY) Development
DCAOSYD, formed and organized during the virtual organizational meeting of Youth Development Alliance, brings together partner government line agencies, the private sector, academe, non-government organizations (NGOs), youth organizations, and other civil society organizations with complementing programs and projects to address the significant challenges and issues facing the out-of school youth. In relation to this, DCAOSYD has chosen the University due to its dedication to transforming communities and its reputation of having expertise that could help in providing services to help-out the out-of-school youth in Davao City.
Moreover, Davao City is one of the twelve (12) sites of the Opportunity 2.0 (O2) program, a five-year (2022-2025) education program funded by the USAID. The City Government of Davao City has also recognized the need to provide opportunities to its youth sector to have better education, employment, and livelihood support, thus expressed its continual support to the endeavors of the DCAOSYD and approved a resolution to support programs under the auspices of USAID O2 program.
