Sambalaran, a portmanteau for Sama na Sa Pambayang Kaunlaran coined by the former Director of Extension Services, Dr. Victor C. Ramos started its conceptualization in the year 2017 and now has come a long way and is celebrating its 5th anniversary.
Same as last year, this year’s occasion was also held online dubbed as Digital Sambalaran Camp Project V with the theme, “Bagong Pananaw sa Hamon ng Pandemya”.
As the Guest Speaker, City of Malolos Mayor, Hon. Gilbert T. Gatchalian, opened his speech by greeting the BulSU Community, especially the Administrators, and lauded the 5-year legacy of SamBaLaran.
In his own words, “Napakaganda rin po ng mga pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga naisagawang proyekto at pagtatagumpay ng programang Sambalaran limang taon na ang nakakaraan at alam ko po na sa lahat ng nadampiang buhay ng nasabing programa na ito na di lamang isang gawain kundi isang paglikha ng panibagong kultura na nagtatangka at patuloy na nagsasagawa ng pagbangon sa ating mamamayan para doon sa tinatawag na tunay na kaunlaran ng buhay at ang bunga nito ay kaunlaran ng ating pong pamayanan at ng buong bansa.
He also gave emphasis on the hardships that the pandemic has brought us but these problems can be solved if we would face the challenges together equipped with the right mindset comparable with the advocacy of Sambalaran to lift the lives of the marginalized.
“Tinutulungan yaong mga taong sa punto ng kanilang buhay ay nahihirapang tulungan ang kanilang mga sarili ngunit sa pagbibigay ng kasanayan at pagtuturo sa kanila, ipinaaalala natin sa kanila na mayroon po silang pag-asa at hindi sila nag-iisa.”
He ended his speech by thanking Bulacan State University for its continuous effort in being an instrument of change.
The program was also graced by the University Officials in the persons of the University President, Dr. Cecilia S. Navasero-Gascon; Executive Vice President, Dr. Teody C. San Andres; Vice President for Research Development and Extension, Engr. Erwin DR. Magsakay; Chancellor for Main Campus, Dr. Romeo DC. Inasoria; Chancellor for External Campus, Dr. Reynaldo S. Naguit; and Vice Chancellor for Instruction, Research, and Extension, Dr. Cecilia A. Geronimo.
Dr. Victor C. Ramos, was also present during the opening program. In his message, he looked back on the accomplishments of Sambalaran and sent his gratitude to the Institution for keeping the program alive and even greater than before.
The opening ceremony also highlighted the milestones of Sambalaran with an AVP prepared by all colleges and satellite campuses. Sambalaran is a weeklong celebration from October 25-29, 2021 filled with information-education seminars and livelihood skills training hosted by the colleges and external campuses accumulating total of 144 activities. Other colleges opted to reschedule their Sambalaran Training because the dates coincide with the Accreditation.