The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Social Development Unit (SDU) set sail on a renewed journey of service, solidarity, and social change with its kick-off activity, “Sa Paglalayag,” held on July 26, 2025, at the Benjamin Go Learning Center, Lantaka Campus. The gathering, which brought together the Directors and Program Officers of SDU’s various offices, was a reflective and invigorating event rooted in the Ignatian ideals of Compañerismo (companionship) and a deep commitment to the communities they serve.
Guided by the theme “Kasama Kita sa Paglalayag” (I Am With You in the Journey), the event served as a powerful reminder of the beauty and necessity of unified action. Directors and Program Officers of the SDU offices reaffirmed their mandates through detailed presentations, laying out their plans and action points for the coming school year. This collaborative venue provided an opportunity to rediscover the collective strength as they pursue impactful change in Zamboanga and the wider region.
The presence of University President Fr. Ernald M. Andal, SJ, enriched the gathering. His graciousness and willingness to listen instilled a renewed sense of purpose and hope among the attendees. The conversations highlighted the vital importance of their work in addressing societal issues with empathy and a profound understanding of community needs. A major theme of the discussion was the university’s commitment to Laudato Si, reinforcing the noble and essential effort of nurturing both humankind and Mother Nature in this day and age.
The “Sa Paglalayag” kick-off concluded with an Eucharistic Celebration, blessing the unit with God’s wisdom and grace to guide their upcoming endeavors. With this meaningful activity complete, the SDU is now reinvigorated and equipped to embark on another fruitful period of creating impactful, values-driven change in the city, the region, and the nation. In service of God and country, the SDU truly sails bravely onward.