COMMUNITY EXTENSION

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

University Community Development Office (UCDO) is the arm of the university in implementing its corporate responsibility through community extension programs and activities geared towards uplifting the quality of life of the people in the community.

VISION

A self-sustained community motivated with Christian values.

MISSION

Assisting the poor in their struggles to become a developed and self-reliant community, animated by its values-oriented, family-centered, and community concerned members.

UCDO THRUST

Health – promotion of good health/wellness of families through healthy living and practices.

Economic – increase family income through livelihood skills development in order to satisfy basic needs.

Education – Enhancement of knowledge, attitudes, & skills to improve self and contribute for the common good of society.

Spiritual-Moral – enrichment of one’s faith through active involvement in religious programs and activities.

Socio-Cultural – development of positive values and relationship among the members of the community.

Environment – development of effective stewardship to a secure, clean , and healthy environment.

COMMUNITY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Volunteer Tour 2026: Japanese Students Experience Environmental Conservation and Community Immersion

On July 19, 2026, Grow Forward JP Inc., in collaboration with the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R) through the University Community Development Office (UCDO), conducted Volunteer Tour 2026, bringing together seventeen (17) Senior High School students from Japan for a day of environmental conservation and community immersion.

The activity aimed to promote volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and cross-cultural understanding through meaningful engagement with local communities.

The morning began with a Mangrove Growing Activity at the mangrove area in Purok Can-itom, Barangay Sampinit, Bago City, where the students planted mangrove seedlings and learned about the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.

In the afternoon, the participants visited the Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (DARCO) in Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, one of UNO-R’s partner communities. They were introduced to the community’s history and development and had the opportunity to interact with the children through a meaningful cultural exchange.

To support the community’s educational initiatives, the students also donated books and learning materials to the Recoletos Paglaum Learning Hub, contributing to the promotion of literacy and lifelong learning.

Volunteer Tour 2026 highlighted the value of international collaboration in fostering environmental responsibility, cultural appreciation, and community development. Through initiatives like this, UNO-R continues to strengthen its commitment to building empowered and sustainable communities through service and meaningful partnerships.

University Community Development Office and UNO-R Senior High School Students Join Japanese Students in Community Outreach

UNO-R Senior High School students, together with 18 Japanese students on their Philippine cultural exchange, participated in a community outreach activity at Kalipay Negrense Foundation last March 24, 2026. These SHS students are the same batch who participated in the Japan Cultural Exchange program last November 2025. As part of the exchange program activities, UNO-R SHS students and their Japanese counterparts worked hand in hand to organize and facilitate interactive games for the children under the foundation’s care. Beyond the activities, the students also shared a unique cultural experience through food preparation. Together, they cooked omurice, a popular Japanese dish. Through this exchange, the participants demonstrated that cultural diversity can serve as a bridge toward unity and compassion.

Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, the University Community Development Office successfully conducted the Institutional Tree Planting Activity on January 23, 2026, at the Recoletos Eco Park in Don Salvador Benedicto. The initiative brought together faculty members and non-teaching personnel in a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability and ecological responsibility.

More than a tree-planting activity, the initiative served as a meaningful expression of the university community’s shared commitment to protecting and preserving the environment. Through the active participation of its employees, the university continues to foster a culture of environmental awareness and collective action toward building a greener and more sustainable future.

Memorandum of Understanding and Computer Donation

In line with its commitment to community development and agricultural advancement, the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, Incorporated through its Agriculture Department formalized a partnership with the Dalapayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This significant event was held last October 2024 and marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance agricultural education, research, and community engagement. Additionally, UNO-R extended its support to Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative by donating five computers to aid in cooperative management and operational efficiency.

Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, the University Community Development Office successfully conducted the Institutional Tree Planting Activity on January 23, 2026, at the Recoletos Eco Park in Don Salvador Benedicto. The initiative brought together faculty members and non-teaching personnel in a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability and ecological responsibility.

More than a tree-planting activity, the initiative served as a meaningful expression of the university community’s shared commitment to protecting and preserving the environment. Through the active participation of its employees, the university continues to foster a culture of environmental awareness and collective action toward building a greener and more sustainable future.

UNO-R and Provincial Veterinary Office Turn Over of 150 Native Chicken to Dalayapan Cooporative

The University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos, Incorporated, in partnership with the Provincial Veterinary Office, successfully facilitated the turnover of one hundred fifty (150) native chickens to the Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative on August 12, 2025. The distribution was carried out through the Provincial Veterinary Office’s dispersal program, which supports community-based agricultural development initiatives.

This intervention is expected to strengthen the cooperative’s poultry production capacity, providing members with an additional and sustainable source of livelihood while contributing to improved local food security. By enhancing access to productive resources, the program empowers beneficiaries to develop income-generating activities anchored on practical and sustainable farming practices.

The collaboration underscores the University’s sustained commitment to community extension and inclusive development. Through strategic partnerships and responsive programs, the University continues to support its partner communities in building resilience, improving economic opportunities, and promoting long-term sustainability.

University Community Development Office spearheads Tree Planting Activity

Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, the University Community Development Office successfully conducted the Institutional Tree Planting Activity on January 23, 2026, at the Recoletos Eco Park in Don Salvador Benedicto. The initiative brought together faculty members and non-teaching personnel in a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability and ecological responsibility.

More than a tree-planting activity, the initiative served as a meaningful expression of the university community’s shared commitment to protecting and preserving the environment. Through the active participation of its employees, the university continues to foster a culture of environmental awareness and collective action toward building a greener and more sustainable future.

Site visit conducted at Dalayapan Eco Tourism Area for Proposed Solar Panel Installation Project

On August 01, 2025, a site visit was conducted at the Dalayapan Café Darco Eco-Tourism Area as part of the preparatory activities for the installation of solar panels in the site. The activity aimed to assess and identify the most suitable location for the proposed renewable energy infrastructure that will support the operations of the eco-tourism area.

Present during the site assessment was University President Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, together with key stakeholders involved in the initiative. Their presence underscored the University’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable and environmentally responsible development projects in partner communities.

The evaluation focused on determining optimal placement based on sunlight exposure, site conditions, and structural considerations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the solar energy system. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate sustainable technologies that promote clean energy use and reduce environmental impact.

Once implemented, the solar panel installation is expected to greatly benefit the Dalayapan Eco-Tourism Area by enhancing energy efficiency, supporting cost-effective operations, and reinforcing environmental conservation efforts. The project reflects a shared vision of sustainability, innovation, and long-term community development.

Sharing Gratitude: Gift-Giving reaches 98 Dalayapan Households

On February 3, 2026, a gift-giving activity was conducted for the members of the Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative, benefiting a total of 98 households. The initiative served as a gesture of appreciation for the community’s active participation and unwavering support in the University’s various extension programs.

The activity provided an opportunity to recognize the meaningful involvement of the Dalayapan community in initiatives that promote development and collaboration. Beneficiaries received the gifts with gratitude, reflecting the strong sense of partnership and shared commitment between the University and the community.

More than the distribution of assistance, the event highlighted the enduring relationship built on trust, cooperation, and mutual support. It also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining community engagement and acknowledging the vital role of its partner communities in the success of its programs.

Relief and Solidarity: UCDO and BIR extend aid to fire-affected families in Barangay 27

On September 23, 2025, a donation drive was conducted for the fire-affected residents of Barangay 27 as a gesture of support and solidarity during their time of recovery. The initiative was spearheaded by the University Community Development Office in collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, headed by Regional Director Ms. Mary Jane B. Asuncion.

Through the joint effort, a total of 220 gift packs were distributed to families who were affected by the fire incident. The distribution aimed to provide immediate relief and basic assistance to help ease the burden of the displaced residents as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Beyond the provision of material support, the activity reflected a strong sense of compassion and collective responsibility among partner institutions. It demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the University and government agencies in responding to community needs during times of crisis.

The initiative also served as a reminder of the value of solidarity and bayanihan, as both organizations extended their support to uplift the affected families of Barangay 27 and contribute to their ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.

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