UPOU NSTP-CWTS students attend the Project SINDI: NSTP Student Community Development Forum 2026 both online and onsite at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium in Los Baños.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), successfully held “Project SINDI: NSTP Student Community Development Forum 2026” on 20 February 2026 at the CCDL Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, with additional participation through an online conferencing platform.
The one-day hybrid forum gathered 62 students onsite and over a hundred participants online, primarily composed of students enrolled in the National Service Training Program – Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS). The event served as a platform for selected student teams to present their community development project proposals while strengthening their competencies in project pitching, project management, and resource mobilization.
NSTP-CWTS is designed not only to expose students to the realities faced by communities but also to develop their ability to design, communicate, and implement development interventions. As students transition from NSTP-CWTS1 (Project Formation) to NSTP-CWTS2 (Project Implementation), the forum provided an opportunity for them to refine their project plans through structured presentations and a competition-style format.
The program was hosted by Ms. Carren Urcia, OVCAA Project Staff, who introduced Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), to deliver the welcome remarks. This was followed by Assistant Professor Edmerson Calungsod, Program Development Associate (PDA) for NSTP, who delivered the pre-forum orientation and discussed the objectives of the forum.
Ms. Julieta Gonzalez-Torres, Small Business Manager of ACCESS, Inc., discussed Resource Mobilization Strategies for Community Development.
Ms. Julieta Gonzalez-Torres, Small Business Manager of ACCESS, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California, delivered a lecture focused on Resource Mobilization Strategies for Community Development. She explained that ACCESS implements workforce development and microenterprise programs aimed at supporting vulnerable and underserved communities in San Diego County by promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence through education, training, and employment opportunities.
Ms. Gonzalez-Torres emphasized that resource mobilization goes beyond financial fundraising and includes identifying various types of resources, such as human capital, networks, and partnerships, that support community initiatives. She also highlighted the importance of designing context-specific strategies, assessing project feasibility, and ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.
Seated in front are the panel of judges, namely, (L-R) Ms. Rutchelle Ann Quiblat, Asst. Prof. Ari Luis Halos,, Ms. Julieta Gonzalez-Torres, and Asst. Prof. Edmerson Calungsod.
Following the lecture, the panel of judges for the student pitching segment was introduced. The panel included Ms. Julieta Gonzalez-Torres, Asst. Prof. Edmerson Calungsod,Asst. Prof. Ari Luis Halos, an industrial engineer and MBA holder with experience in project management, and Ms. Rutchelle Ann Quiblat, Public Information Officer of the UPOU University Student Council (USC) and a student of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS).
The main highlight of the forum was the Community Development Project Pitching, where student teams presented their proposals in a “shark-tank”–style format. Out of 55 project proposals developed by NSTP-CWTS students, 18 teams were selected to present their initiatives. Teams pitched their ideas in two sessions, with half presenting in the morning and the remaining groups in the afternoon.
The pitching format encouraged students to clearly articulate their project objectives, demonstrate feasibility, and explain the potential impact of their initiatives on their partner communities. The activity also promoted innovation, collaboration, and healthy competition among the participants.
At the conclusion of the presentations, the winning teams were announced. The first place was awarded to “Pamagliya, Pamagobra, Pag-asa,” presented by Elisha Nicole Rivera, Charlize Pangan, Khrizia Ignacio, Prescilla Sagayaga, and Mary Grace Quiaoit. The second place went to “Pagbasa Para sa Pag-asa,” presented by Feivel Naina B. Azuelo, Cashey T. Molina, and Michelle Margaret M. Cruz. The third place was awarded to “UP&GO Bags,” presented by Cassandra Sophia Lakshmi Cervo, Zara Erika Cruz, Jana Ferre, and Lance Dheiniel Lazarte.
Each of the winning teams received a cash prize of PHP 3,000.00, while all onsite participants received UPOU tote bags and electronic certificates.
Following the forum, Assistant Professor Edmerson Calungsod also introduced the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program, a fully funded exchange program supported by the U.S. Department of State. The program provides emerging leaders from Southeast Asia with opportunities to gain professional experience in the United States while strengthening leadership skills and fostering international partnerships.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the winning teams, guest speaker, and judges, followed by closing remarks emphasizing the importance of translating student ideas into meaningful community impact.
The SINDI: NSTP Student Community Development Forum 2026 marks a significant milestone in strengthening experiential learning and civic engagement at UPOU, highlighting the role of students as active partners in community development and nation-building.
Written by aProf. Edmerson Z. Calungsod and Carren D. Urcia
