JHCSC Community Extension Program Project HUGS MOU Signing and Launching

The J.H. Cerilles State College Community Extension Program Project HUGS: Hope and Understanding for Gender-Sensitive Entrepreneurs Association, was launched with the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between JHCSC and its partner agencies at Pavilion Hall, Dao, Pagadian City, May 24, 2024.

The MOU signing ceremony saw the participation of JHCSC Representatives, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Vilma C. Grengia, Community Extension and Services Office (CESO) Director Ricky A. Egos, Project Leader Dr. Moibe F. Olitres, and Project HUGS President Ariel Tindoc, alongside representatives from the Provincial Government and various partner agencies in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur.

These Agencies include the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ACE Academy, and Summers Agricultural Farming.

Notable figures from these agencies attended were PGO-PDAO Chief Director Miriam C. Acosta-Llanos, PGO-PESO Roniel G. Garcinez, DOLE Head Miraflor J. Casanes, DTI Provincial Director Marlon A. Alabata, TESDA Provincial Director Engr. Samad B. Dibansa, ACE Academy Chapter President Wilma P. Bayaron, and Summers Agricultural Farming CEO Edgar Allan C. Monreal.

JHCSC President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, CESO Director Egos, and Dr. Olitres were thankful to the heads and directors of these partner agencies and the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Victor J. Yu, along with 2nd District Representative Congresswoman Victoria C. Yu and 1st District Representative Congresswoman Divina Grace C. Yu, who gave their full support of this project.

According to Dr. Olitres, Project HUGS is a need-based initiated project that seeks to empower 100 members, including self-supporting students, out-of-school youth, Single Parents, the LGBTQIA+ community, Friends Rescued (Former Rebels), Persons with Disabilities (PWD), Persons with Mental Health Challenges (PWMHC), Former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), and Senior Citizens or Older Adults entrepreneurs by utilizing their entrepreneurial skills and interests with perseverance to elevate their quality of life.

As Project HUGS progresses, JHCSC and its partner agencies are committed to providing continuous support and mentorship to ensure the success of these new entrepreneurs.