Philippine E-Journals

The Home to Drop In: St. Paul University Manila's Drop-Inn Program

Brian Saludes Bantugan

Discipline: Social Science

 

Abstract:

Life, for many, is an unending struggle to find a place where living is comfortable. In this country alone, many displaced urban poor families find it difficult to get back on their feet. St. Paul University has seen this problem that's why the university established an extension program based on the Filipino concept of "tahanan." The study works on the premises that providing a dignified place of shelter for the marginalized will close the gap between that of social classes, and in turn provide a sense of self-worth to these families. The study expects that, by providing a place that nurtures the human person, strong faith can be instilled. The observation is that as government continues to find solutions for the cities' sustainability, the university takes on another role. The university aims to find ways to de-clog the already congested cities and attract city dwellers to move to the rural areas. Using current technologies, networking, a sense of good governance and faith in God, St. Paul University hopes to bring back the appeal of living in rural areas and start a new life.