Center for University Extension Services
Extension services is one of the triadic functions of the University. In fact, it has become a criterion-component of accreditation. The University is not only accredited on the basis of its excellence in teaching and research functions but also of its service to the community.
In recognition of the vital role of community extension services in the life of the university, a Task Force on Community Extension Programs and Services was organized in November 1989, the main purpose of which is to recommend policies and programs designed to actualize the concept of "Malasakit sa Kapwa, sa Malasakit sa Madla". The Task Force consisted of duly designated representatices from the various units/colleges.
In June 1990, the Faculty Development Work Conference focused on the social vision and mission of the university and strongly endorsed the creation of an office to take charge of the administration and coordination of the university's extension programs and services.
Thus, on 10 October 1990, the Board of Regents, during its 230th Regular Monthly Meeting, approved BOR Res. No. 1411, creating the University Extension Programs and Services (UNEPS).
On 03 July 1992, the University President issued Pamantasan Administrative Order No. 7, s. 1992 changing the name of the Office of the University Extension Services (UNEPS) to Center for University Extension Services (CUES) and placing it under the direct supervision of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
On 03 May 1993, the supervision of the office was transferred back to the Office of the President based on the new Organizational Chart of the University approved by the Board of Regents.
Since 1993 up to the present the CUES becomes the fulcrum of all the extension programs and services rendered by all colleges and units under the leadership of the University President with the CUES Director and staff, and all the Extension Coordinators of different colleges and offices who are the members of the CUES Task Force.
The Center for University Extension Services (CUES) was organized:
- To strengthen university-community relationship through mutual cooperation and support of planned extension programs and services.
- To mobilize the university constituency for meaningful and responsive community service.
- To maximize the use of university resources for the improvement of urban community life.
- To provide technical, educational, social, and health services to outside agencies and communities as long as these are within the capability and resources of the University.
- To generate financial support for University extension projects through its conduit, the PLM CONCERN Foundation, Inc.
Grounded in its commitment to the City of Manila and the whole country, PLM implements a framework of action that fosters a culture of service among its administrators, faculty and alumni dubbed as "Malasakit sa Kapwa, Malasakit sa Bansa," in which all curricular programs of the University are anchored. As one of the two participating schools of medicine in "Bagong Doktor para sa Bayan (New Doctor for the Nation)" of the national government, the College of Medicine makes sure that medical interns are stationed for months in far-flung barangays to immerse themselves and apply community dynamics, family medicine theories, and appropriate technologies with the people of the community. Because of this, the Department of Health has cited the College as a model for other medical schools in the country.
Students in the College of Nursing render service to 44 city-run health centers as part of their community health nursing internship. Senior students live with people in the rural areas for eight weeks and implement several socio-civic and health projects. Although they are not required of service contracts, they are encouraged to render service to the country first before going abroad.
Physical therapy students in their last year in college are required to apply their learnings in various settings, including rehabilitation centers in marginalized communities.
As for the faculty members and students of the College of Human Development, they visit communities in Manila and assist in conducting activities such as teaching preschoolers in the city's barangay day care centers.
Similar activities are undertaken by the colleges that take on different approaches as in holding outreach programs in their field work, off-campus activities and on-the-job trainings or practicum. The PLM communities have also joined the Caritas Manila through Intramuros Consortium Outreach and Environment Committee (ICOEC) in its dental and medical missions in various communities. In 1993, together with Tugon-RESCUE, the university's Community University Extension Services (CUES) continued with its outreach programs for the slum communities of Tondo. From 1999 up to present, PLM, in cooperation with the Shalom Club of the Philippines-Manila Chapter and the Rotary Club of the Philippines, has been actively donating blood for the patients of the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Ospital ng Tondo and Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Similar bloodletting campaigns were conducted by other organizations within PLM such as the "Patak-patak na Pagmamahal" by the PLM Samaritans, "Blood Rush" by the Brotherhood of Medical Scholars and the "Operation Lifeline" by the PLM ROTC Unit.