In a meaningful expansion of its community outreach, Holy Name University (HNU) has officially adopted Barangay Cambanac in Bohol, committing to monthly visits that provide essential health services and economic support to local residents.
Through its Center for Community Extension, Linkages, and Partnerships (CELP), HNU is bringing healthcare directly to the doorsteps of Cambanac families . Once a month, a team of HNU students and health personnel will visit the barangay to offer free blood pressure monitoring and blood sugar testing to local residents. These screenings are vital for early detection and prevention of hypertension and diabetes, conditions that often go unnoticed in communities with limited access to regular medical check-ups.
The initiative draws from the university’s established Health Services Department, which emphasizes the importance of extending well-being beyond the campus and into the community . By providing these basic but critical health services, HNU aims to create a healthier, more informed community where preventive care becomes a regular part of life.
Empowering Stay-at-Home Mothers Through Livelihood Programs
Beyond healthcare, the university’s adoption of Barangay Cambanac carries a deeper mission: economic empowerment for women. HNU students and faculty are working to help stay-at-home mothers in the barangay generate their own income, lifting families toward greater financial stability.
This effort builds on HNU’s successful track record of livelihood initiatives in other adopted communities. In Barangay Tanday, Corella, the university’s “Bahandi sa Kawayan” project has supported local women in basket weaving and sustainable bamboo use, creating economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage . A similar model is now being explored for Cambanac, with students assessing the skills and interests of local mothers to develop tailored income-generating projects.
“We believe that true community development happens when families can support themselves with dignity,” a CELP representative shared. “By empowering mothers, we strengthen entire households and create ripples of positive change throughout the barangay.”
A Partnership Built on Trust and Shared Goals
The adoption of Barangay Cambanac reflects HNU’s longstanding commitment to extension work as a core function alongside instruction and research . The university’s approach emphasizes participatory planning, where barangay officials and community members work alongside faculty and students to ensure that programs are relevant, sustainable, and truly address local needs.
Monthly visits will include not only health missions and livelihood training but also opportunities for values formation and community connection. The program aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being (SDG 3), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) .
How the Community Can Get Involved
As HNU deepens its roots in Barangay Cambanac, the university welcomes support from alumni, local organizations, and partners who share its vision of holistic community development. Whether through donating medical supplies, offering skills training, or sponsoring livelihood starter kits, every contribution helps build a stronger, more resilient community.
For more information about HNU’s community extension programs or to explore partnership opportunities, contact the Center for Community Extension, Linkages, and Partnerships (CELP) through the university’s official channels.
