JESUIT-owned Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan extended assistance to families affected by the Oct. 12 fire in Barangay 17 through a university-wide donation drive under the banner #XUTabangBrgy17.
The initiative, led by the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) under Director Nestor M. Banuag Jr., gathered in-kind donations from individuals and various university units.
Among those who responded was XU Junior High School, whose students, parents, and partners joined the effort through the leadership of Social Development Coordinator Anthony Ryan Mañus.
"Our mission at Xavier University is to walk alongside the survivors of Barangay 17 not just with material support, but also with compassion and care,” Banuag said.
By coordinating with the students, volunteers, and community partners, they aim to provide both immediate relief and psychosocial support, helping families recover with resilience and hope, Banuag added.
Students, faculty, and volunteers worked together to distribute relief goods and offer comfort to displaced residents.
A Mass for healing and renewal was celebrated by Fr. Frank Dennis B. Savadera, SJ, XU vice president for mission and ministry, who offered prayers for the families who lost their homes.
“Even in loss, faith gives us strength to rebuild,” he said during the service.
Behind the effort was the support of Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, XU president, and Engr. Dexter Lo, vice president for social development, who continue to encourage the Xavier Ateneo community to live out its mission of faith and service.
“This is just the beginning. We will continue walking with Barangay 17 as they recover. Hope grows when we serve together,” Tan said.
Banuag said they plan to return to Barangay 17 with more food packs, psychosocial interventions to be led by XU's Psychology Department, and a medical mission by the university's School of Medicine.
"We will coordinate with the barangay chairman for the schedule soon," he said.
