USA-SACEO earns international recognition at Uniservitate Awards ’26

By Artchil B. Fernandez

The University of San Agustin’s (USA) Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO) has been honored as the Institutional Program Awardee at the Uniservitate Awards 2026 – Asia and Oceania for its flagship initiative, “IPaTUBIG: Empowering IP Community Through WaSH and Renewable Energy.” The award recognizes outstanding service-learning initiatives in Catholic higher education across Asia and Oceania.

The highly competitive selection process involved institutions from the Philippines, India, Taiwan, Australia, and the Macao SAR. The Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub received 34 project submissions and 17 program entries from universities across the region. Among these, IPaTUBIG stood out for its relevance, sustainability, and genuine focus on community needs.

The SACEO-led initiative provides the Ati community in Sitio Igtuba, Barangay Camangahan, Guimbal, Iloilo, with sustainable access to safe water through solar-powered water systems, hygiene education, and community-based WaSH governance. It is implemented in partnership with the Guimbal Ati Tribe Organization (GATO) in Camangahan, Guimbal.

The program is a collaborative effort led by the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education (CLASE), with strong support from the Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO) and the College of Technology (COT). Together, these units work hand in hand to empower the community by providing access to safe water, improved sanitation, hygiene education, and renewable energy solutions.

Awardees will formally receive their recognition during the Service-Learning Student Summit 2026 in August at the University of Saint Joseph in Macao.