Program Principles
Spirituality of Transformation
Spirituality is woven into the very fabric of community development work. The UCDP is guided by the Christian perspective of social transformation. The UCDP is the University's contextualization of its commitment towards the realization of the Church of the poor.
Holistic Development
The strategies and interventions must seek the holistic development and capability building of communities. That "development cannot be limited to mere economic growth. In order to be authentic, it must be complete: integral, that is, it has to promote the good of every man and the whole of man" (Populorum Progressio)
As a learning institution, the UST through the UCDP, must also contribute to the overall formation and capability building of the students, academic and support staff. Formation imbued with the values of being Filipinos, Christ-centered servant leaders committed to be of service to the least, the last and the lonely.
Participation
The UCDP shall support and sustain the effective participation of all stakeholders in the whole development process. Structures and processes must enable the partner communities, students, administrators, support staff, faculty members to effectively engage, on equal footing, in the program.
Sustainability
The UCDP shall promote development that the communities can maintain that will have long term impact in their lives. It shall also be conscious of the effects to the environment. The UCDP shall strive for "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". (Brundtland Commission)
Social Justice and Human Rights
The policies, structures and process shall be consistent with the worth and dignity of the human person. "The agenda for social justice and the realization of our preferential love for the poor are seriously tested in our resolve to address the problem of inequity" (Act sand Decrees of the Second Plenary Council, No. 391). The Program shall also continue to advocate moral, social, economic and political issues that affect the marginalized.
Stewardship
The program, its process and policies, shall ensure protection, proper utilization and development of its resources, including its people, its property and its financial assets. It shall exercise transparency in processes and procedures with all stakeholders.
The Thomasian community shall also emphasize responsibility for the care of creation; its protection and its sustainability.
Knowledge Generation
The UCDP shall be a venue for knowledge generation and discourse / reflection based on practice, utilizing participatory methodologies. These shall contribute to the improvement of community development practice, student formation, and curricular development.
Partnership and Linkages
The UCDP shall optimize the internal linkages between and among the Academic units and alumni groups of the University. At the same time, it will pursue partnership with Church, non government organizations, local government units and private institutions to further community development objectives in our partner communities and institutions.
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