TCM Joins Launching of Program ASSURE and MOA Signing to Strengthen CSO Empowerment in Maasin City

The College of Maasin (TCM), alongside Southern Leyte State University – Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC), Saint Joseph College (SJC), the City Local Government Unit of Maasin, and the Maasin City People's Council, formally launched Program ASSURE (Associations for Sustainable Stewardship, Unity, Resilience, and Empowerment) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony held on October 27, 2026, at the SLSU-MCC Audio-Visual Room.

Representing TCM were School President Rev. Dr. Joshue Zuriel G. Tiempo, Community Engagement Services (CES) Director Dr. Gemar B. Mori, Liberal Arts and Education Department Dean Dr. Cristean Sumelheg, NSTP Instructors Carmela Gono and Jonathan Biluan, Clinical Instructor Ma. Maya Capor, IT Instructor Niel Keneth Orit, and CES Staff Xianne Fernandez.

Program ASSURE is a collaborative initiative to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Maasin City through coordinated community engagement, capacity-building, and empowerment programs. The partnership brings together the resources and expertise of participating higher education institutions, the local government, and community stakeholders to promote sustainable and participatory local development.

During the program, SLSU-MCC Campus Director Dr. Frederick C. Aniga emphasized the importance of aligning educational institutions' extension efforts to empower communities and CSOs. Maasin City People's Council President Dr. Jerome O. Paler expressed gratitude for the initiative and encouraged participants to make the most of the learning opportunities it offers. Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Johnrey Sibi, representing SJC President Rev. Msgr. Oscar A. Cadayona, conveyed a message highlighting the importance of bringing institutions and communities together and bridging the divide between the public and private sectors in pursuit of community empowerment.

TCM School President Rev. Dr. Joshue Zuriel G. Tiempo reaffirmed the institution's continuing commitment to utilizing its resources and expertise to empower communities. Dr. Rhoderick D. Malangsa, Director of Extension and Community Outreach Services (ECOS), representing SLSU President Dr. Jude A. Duarte, also delivered a message on behalf of the university.

In his closing remarks, SLSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy emphasized that academic research must extend beyond institutional boundaries and be disseminated and utilized for the betterment of communities. City Administrator Lourse E. Ortega, representing Maasin City Mayor Hon. Luz V. Mercado, further highlighted the need for behavioral change and personal commitment to ensure that the knowledge and opportunities gained through the program translate into meaningful community development.

Through this partnership, TCM reinforces its commitment to meaningful community engagement and collaborative extension initiatives, working alongside fellow institutions and local stakeholders to build stronger, more capable, and empowered civil society organizations in Maasin City.

October 27, 2026
Photos by Xianne Fernandez and Gemar Mori