A Service-Learning Project of 4th Year International Studies Students
The 4th Year students of Miriam College Department of International Studies, majoring in Global Development and Gender Studies (namely, Trixia Garrido, Arianne Malate, Ysabelle Mendoza, Gebelle Palad, Ria Resurreccion, Julia Santoyo, Jessica Tapawan, Erika Yee, and Louise Zapanta) conducted a community profiling service learning project titled ‘’Gender-Inclusive Community Profile Survey of the Kaisahang Ugnayan ng Mamamayan (KUM) in Park 7: Promoting Gender Justice at the Community Level’’ in Park 7, Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Among key highlights of the pilot survey results include the persistence of traditional gender roles in the households, where mothers remain primarily responsible for unpaid care work, both in their households and in their community. The respondents underlined the need to promote community engagement and more collaboration with the youth. As stated by one of the residents: “Bigyan naman natin ng chance yung mga kabataan. Kung ano ‘man ang mga proyekto nila, nakasuporta naman kami, basta’t sa ikabubuti ng nakararami, hindi yung pangsarili.” The youth are called to collaborate with the elderly women and men, in governing the organization towards challenging the existing traditional gendered practices, as they address their community’s concerns, namely, infrastructure development, electricity and power, health and education, livelihood opportunities, and recreational and social activities.
By: Arianne Malate, Julia Santoyo, and Jessica Tapawan, 4th Year BA International Studies