NDMU MPA Students Turn Public Governance into Community Action Through Three Extension Initiatives

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — Putting out public governance in meaningful action, the Master in Public Administration (MPA) students of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) under the PA 263A: Seminar in Public Governance conducted three community extension activities on October 23-25, 2026. The initiatives focused on mental health and emotional wellness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship and childhood immunization awareness under the guidance of Professor Sheila B. Roma, MPA.

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The MPA students went beyond the classroom into communities through these activities, demonstrating how public governance and public service can contribute to individual empowerment, community awareness, and social development.

Promoting Mental Health among Child Development Workers

The first community extension was held at the National Child Development Center (NCDC) in the Municipality of Santo Niño, South Cotabato on October 23, 2026. Twenty-six (26) Child Development Workers (CDWs) from the municipality participated in the seminar entitled “Caring for Children, Caring for Yourself: Promoting Mental Health and Emotional Wellness among Child Development Workers”.

The activity was facilitated by the following students; Mr. Abner M. Penafiel, Ms. Jane Blessy B. Manguray-Peniero, Ms. Marifel D. Salmeron, Mr. Richdale M. Ravanera, Ms. Ezabel M. Wanan, Ms. Sheryl L. Sunga and Ms. Charlene Joy S. Flores.

A seminar was organized to raise awareness on mental health and mental wellness among Child Development Workers (CDWs), recognizing the demands of their profession, the difficulties they encounter in their personal and professional lives, and the importance of taking care of their own well-being while looking after young children.

The activity recognized the important role of CDWs in the provision of early childhood care and development, and emphasized that those who care for and guide children also need care, understanding and support. It highlighted the need to create a space for CDWs to recognize their emotional needs, engage in self-care and preserve their mental health as they carry out their duties.

The campaign delivered a powerful message: caring for children means caring for those who care for them. The activity highlighted the value of supporting the people involved in children’s early learning and development by focusing on the mental and emotional health of CDWs.

Building Financial Confidence and an Entrepreneurial Mindset to NDMU Graduating Students

On October 24, 2026, another group of MPA students facilitated and conducted the seminar “Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Mindset: Essential Foundations for Business Success and Sustainability” at the SMC Hall, NDMU, Koronadal City. The activity gathered thirty (30) graduating NDMU students for hands-on discussions on financial management and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Noel E. Mena, Ms. Kate D. Saptula,Ms.  Honey M. Kamsa, Ms. Kim Duane B. Ba-Ay, Mr. Jerick D. Mariano, Ms. Edelle Sophia Alpas, Mr. Tristan Jay C. Quiam, Ms. Zoila Faith B. Gordiones, Mr. Alvin Nashif D. Magarang, Ms. Ma. Tessa Mae L. Maravillesa, and Ms. Ma. Princess Catherine I. Gulmatico facilitated the seminar.

The activity was composed of two sessions that aim to provide the participants with basic knowledge and practical perspectives as they prepare for their transition from the university life to their respective careers and future endeavors.

The first session was dedicated to financial literacy, covering budgeting, saving and spending responsibly. It highlighted the value of developing sound financial habits, using resources judiciously and making wise financial choices.

The second session focused on the entrepreneurial mindset, and dealt with initiatives, creativity and opportunity recognition. The participants were encouraged to appreciate the value of innovative thinking, to identify possible business opportunities and to develop skills needed to embark on sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.

The seminar was organized to integrate financial management principles with entrepreneurial thinking, to equip graduating students to manage financial responsibilities, explore livelihood opportunities and make prudent decisions that could lead to their long-term financial well-being.

The activity highlighted the significance of providing young adults with practical life skills that go beyond academic preparation and support them in their transition to professional and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Protecting Children through Immunization Awareness

As part of the series of community extension activities, the MPA students held the seminar on understanding the Government Immunization Program and Protecting Our Children with the theme “Bakuna: Proteksyon Ngayon, Kalusugan Bukas” on October 25, 2026, at the NHA-KSS Day Care Center, Barangay San Isidro, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The seminar was conducted by Ms. Fritzie M. Punzalan, Ms. Rona Sheena Laine F. Bulao, Mr. Kcharlo Lanz C. Pulido, Mr. John Mhar D. Samodal, Mr. Remy Abbie E. Tanco, and Ms. Donna Belle G. Teruel.

The aim of the activity was to provide day care pupils’ parents with basic and reliable information on the importance of immunization, the role of parents in making sure their children complete their recommended vaccination schedules and the importance of obtaining accurate health information from qualified health professionals.

The seminar highlighted the need for informed choices and responsible participation in childhood immunization programs, recognizing that parents and caregivers play a vital role in safeguarding children’s health. It also highlighted the need for consulting professionals to address concerns and make informed decisions about children’s vaccinations.

Anchored on the theme “Bakuna: Proteksyon Ngayon, Kalusugan Bukas,” the campaign promoted the understanding that protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases is an important aspect of ensuring their health and supporting their growth and development.

The MPA students through this community-based activity showed the importance of public awareness programs in helping families better understand health programs and their role in promoting the health of the next generation.

Community Service: Advancing Public Governance

The three activities showed the different ways in which public governance can be used to meet the needs of people and communities. The projects ranged from promoting mental well-being for frontline early childhood workers to increasing the financial knowledge of soon-to-be graduates and educating parents on childhood immunization. They showcased the power of education as a tool for community empowerment.

Under the guidance of Professor Sheila B. Roma, MPA, the students were able to translate classroom learning into community engagement. The activities also served as a platform for the development of their leadership, communication, facilitation and public service competencies.

More importantly, these initiatives demonstrated that good public governance is about more than policies, institutions and administrative processes. And it means knowing what communities need, disseminating appropriate knowledge, facilitating sound decision-making, and providing opportunities for people to enhance their own well-being.

NDMU MPA students demonstrated their commitment to service-oriented leadership and community development. Altogether, they emphasized the value of linking academic learning to real-world public service, and the importance of seeing principles of good governance reflected in initiatives that respond to people’s everyday needs.

The university continues to train future public administrators and leaders and these community extension activities are one-way higher education can build informed, empowered and resilient communities.

The NDMU MPA students brought to life the principles of public governance, one community, one initiative and one meaningful contribution at a time through knowledge, compassion and service.