USJ-R Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement

USJ-R through CRCESI Strengthens Community Partnership through MOA Signing with Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through its Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), formalized its partnership with the Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center (CCOSCC) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing held on June 11, 2026.

The agreement was signed by Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz Jr., OAR, University President of USJ-R, and Mr. Fielberto S. Antiquina, R.N., Director of CCOSCC. Witnessing the signing were Rev. Fr. Glynn C. Ortega, OAR, Director of CRCESI, and Mr. John Mark M. Buhian, RPm, Chief Administrative Psychometrician of CCOSCC.

The partnership signifies a shared commitment to implementing programs and initiatives that foster empowerment, rehabilitation, transformation, and inclusive opportunities for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). Through this collaboration, both institutions seek to create meaningful interventions that support the holistic development and reintegration of CICL into society.

Anchored on the Josenian spirit of compassion, service, and social responsibility, this partnership reflects USJ-R’s continuing dedication to community engagement and social transformation. It underscores the University's mission of promoting human dignity and extending opportunities to vulnerable sectors through sustainable and impactful programs.

Through capacity-building activities, educational initiatives, and collaborative community programs, CRCESI and CCOSCC aim to strengthen support systems that contribute to the positive growth and well-being of CICL and their families.

This partnership also supports the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reinforcing the shared vision of building inclusive, resilient, and empowered communities.

🚨 ARCORES FILIPINAS RELIEF MISSION FOR GENERAL SANTOS CITY

In response to the recent earthquake in Mindanao, ARCORES FILIPINAS is organizing a relief mission for affected families in General Santos City and nearby communities.

Guided by our mission of “Moving Hearts, Transforming Lives,” we invite our Augustinian Recollect communities, partners, volunteers, benefactors, and friends who wish to journey with us in this work of mercy to coordinate with our office.

Together, let us become instruments of hope and channels of God’s compassion for our brothers and sisters who are suffering.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

🙏 Pray.
🤝 Share.
❤️ Serve.

📩 For coordination and inquiries, kindly send us a message through the ARCORES Filipinas page.

📞 You may also call us at:
+63 34 707 2176

ARCORES FILIPINAS
Moving Hearts. Transforming Lives.

Energy ni San Jose: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Energy and Service

The blessing of Energy ni San Jose was led by Rev. Fr. Glynn C. Ortega, OAR, Director of the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), marking a meaningful milestone in the University of San Jose–Recoletos’ commitment to sustainable innovation, community engagement, and service.

The University of San Jose–Recoletos, through the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in collaboration with the School of Engineering and Architecture through the Electrical Engineering Department, introduces Energy ni San Jose a solar energy project designed to promote sustainability, innovation, and community resilience.

Funded by the University of San Jose–Recoletos, this initiative provides a renewable energy solution that supports communities, especially during times of calamities and emergencies. Equipped with solar charging ports and Starlink connectivity support, Energy ni San Jose serves as a reliable resource for communication and essential power needs when communities need it most.

More than a technological project, Energy ni San Jose reflects the Josenian spirit of compassion, service, and innovation using knowledge and skills to create meaningful solutions for society. It strengthens the university’s mission of building communities that are prepared, connected, and empowered.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this initiative supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action by advancing renewable energy solutions and disaster resilience.

Through Energy ni San Jose, the Josenian community continues to transform compassion into action and innovation into service.

June 5, 2026

The University of San Jose–Recoletos continues to nurture a culture of compassion and service through programs that respond to the needs of the community. Through CRCESI and in partnership with Le Cercle Culinaire, Lamesa ni San Jose brought together volunteers and partners in a shared mission of extending care and hope to children and street dwellers.

The activity served as a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how simple, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By sharing meals and spending time with beneficiaries, volunteers became instruments of God's love and mercy, embodying the values that define the Josenian community.

We also extends its sincere gratitude to the volunteers from various offices whose generosity, dedication, and willingness to serve contributed to the success of the activity. Their selfless efforts reflect the true spirit of a Josenian who lives out faith through action and service to others.

Lamesa ni San Jose supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), demonstrating the university's commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable communities.

June 5, 2026

In the spirit of compassionate service and community engagement, the Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in partnership with the SDPC, conducted a meaningful outreach activity for the children of Paglaum sa mga Bata sa Carbon in preparation for the upcoming school year.

As part of the Balik-Eskwela initiative, the children received school supplies to support their educational journey. The activity also included delightful treats, exciting games, and prizes that brought smiles, laughter, and joy to everyone present.

Beyond providing school materials, the outreach reflected the Recollect mission of fostering communion and extending care to those in need. It also embodied the Josenian commitment to service, emphasizing that education is strengthened not only through learning but also through compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals—the initiative sought to help equip children with the resources they need for school while promoting inclusivity and collaborative community action.

As we shared our time, resources, and presence with the children, we were reminded that every act of kindness can inspire hope and encourage young minds to pursue their dreams. Through collective efforts, we continue to build a future where every child is supported, empowered, and given the opportunity to succeed.

Turning Pages, Building Futures:

As part of its commitment to community engagement and educational empowerment, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), through its Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in collaboration with the USJ-R Library System led by Dr. Marline G. Roma and the dedicated library staff, donated books to Maslog Elementary School during Brigada Eskwela on June 2, 2026.

The donation was formally received by Mr. Alan M. Lauro, School Principal II, together with the faculty and staff of Maslog Elementary School in Brgy. Maslog, Danao City. This initiative was undertaken in response to the challenges faced by the school after Typhoon Tino, which caused significant damage and washed away many of its learning materials and books.

Through this meaningful act of solidarity, USJR continues to uphold its mission of fostering education, compassion, and social responsibility. The donated books aim to help rebuild the school's learning resources, providing pupils with renewed opportunities to read, learn, and grow despite the difficulties they have experienced.

More than a donation, this initiative symbolizes hope, resilience, and the power of community partnership. By restoring access to educational materials, USJR and its partners help ensure that every child can continue their learning journey and pursue a brighter future.

When books return, opportunities begin. When communities unite, hope is restored. Together, as Recoletos, we build bridges of learning, empower communities, and nurture resilient generations through education.

SDG Connection:
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
SDG 11 – Sustainable Communities

May 29, 2026

The University of San Jose-Recoletos, through its Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), successfully conducted the Lamesa ni San Jose for children and street dwellers a meaningful initiative that embodies the Recollect spirit of compassion, service, and community.

Grounded in the Recollect values of love, unity, and social responsibility, the activity became a simple yet heartfelt expression of care and solidarity for those in need. Through shared meals and volunteerism, the initiative reminded everyone that even small acts of kindness can create hope and dignity in the lives of others.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to JFINEX for generously sponsoring and volunteering during the activity. Your support and presence greatly contributed to the success of this outreach program and reflected the spirit of servant leadership and social involvement.

Together, let us continue building communities rooted in compassion and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially
SDG 2: Zero Hunger,

Living out the Recollect mission of compassion and service, the University of San Jose-Recoletos through its Center for Recollect Community Engagement and Social Involvement (CRCESI), in partnership with ARCORES Filipinas, shared hope with children and families through the distribution of “Bags of Hope” on May 21, 2026, at Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish, Brgy. Dugmanon, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

More than the bags filled with school supplies, chocolates, and pasta, this outreach became a living testimony that no community is too far to be reached by love, compassion, and solidarity. Every smile, every grateful heart, and every child inspired to continue dreaming reflects the true meaning of being a Recollect — to serve with humility, to journey with the marginalized, and to become instruments of hope where it is needed most.

Anchored in the spirit of St. Augustine and the Augustinian Recollect charism, this initiative embodies our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: promoting Quality Education (SDG 4), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and strengthening partnerships that transform lives and communities (SDG 17).

Our heartfelt gratitude to our brother priests — Fr. Mike Catama, OAR, (prior), Fr. Mark Saludes, OAR, (parish priest) and Fr. Virgilio Calalang, OAR — for warmly welcoming the team and for making this mission of hope possible through their faithful pastoral ministry and genuine love for the people entrusted to their care.