Caravan of Hope: Peacebuilders Organization Launches First Service of Hope Outreach in Tboli in Honor of NDMU’s 80th Foundation Anniversary

As Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) celebrates its 80th Foundation Anniversary, the Peacebuilders Organization, in partnership with the Center for Peace and Environment/Community Extension Services (CPE/CES) Office, embarked on the first Mission of Hope through the launch of the “Caravan of Hope: Extending Marist Love Through Community Service” on August 15, 2026, in Talufo, Tboli, South Cotabato.

A Peacebuilders Organization member installs a marker bearing the words “First Service of Hope” in Talufo, Tboli, South Cotabato, signifying the inaugural community outreach activity of the Caravan of Hope in celebration of Notre Dame of Marbel University’s 80th Foundation Anniversary.

Inspired by the anniversary theme, “80 Years of Mission: A Legacy of Marist Education, A Journey of Hope,” the activity transformed the university’s celebration into a meaningful expression of service, bringing the Marist spirit beyond the campus and into the communities it seeks to accompany and empower.

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Serving as the inaugural stop of an eight-part outreach journey, the First Mission of Hope reflects NDMU’s enduring commitment to forming students who are not only academically competent but also compassionate, socially responsible, and deeply engaged in the service of others. Through this initiative, the Peacebuilders Organization seeks to honor the university’s eight decades of mission by creating opportunities for students to live out the values of solidarity, stewardship, and servant leadership.

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A highlight of the activity was the planting of 80 molave seedlings, symbolizing the university’s 80 years of transforming lives through Marist education. The tree-planting initiative underscored NDMU’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development while encouraging students and community members to become active partners in caring for creation.

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More than an environmental activity, the First Mission of Hope served as a concrete reminder that service is at the heart of the Marist vocation. By working hand in hand with the community of Talufo, participants experienced firsthand the value of accompaniment, generosity, and collective action in building a better future.

The launch of the Caravan of Hope marks only the beginning of a wider journey. With seven more missions scheduled in the coming months, the initiative aims to continue spreading hope, strengthening communities, and fostering meaningful connections among people from different sectors and backgrounds.

 Peacebuilders Organization officers and members pose for a group photo in Talufo, Tboli, South Cotabato, following the successful conduct of the First Service of Hope, marking the launch of the Caravan of Hope community outreach initiative in celebration of Notre Dame of Marbel University’s 80th Foundation Anniversary.

As NDMU commemorates 80 years of mission, the First Mission of Hope stands as a powerful testament to the university’s legacy, one that continues to grow through acts of compassion, service, and care for both people and the environment.

Through every outreach activity, the university reaffirms its commitment to making Marist education a force for positive change, ensuring that its journey of hope extends far beyond the classroom and into the lives of the communities it serves.