On August 29, 2024, GCM carried out a community outreach event as part of its Thanksgiving and Culminating Initiative, demonstrating the institution's commitment to social responsibility and community welfare. The event, spearheaded by Dr. Sumiya Fanlo, Head of Community Extension, was a day-long endeavor that included a clean-up drive, anti-mosquito fogging, a feeding program, and a livelihood training session, all aimed at enhancing the well-being and spirit of the community located in Barangay Jagobiao.

The outreach began early in the morning with a detailed briefing for the fourth-year rotating students of GCM, who played an integral role in the day’s activities. The briefing was followed by an educational demonstration of the fogging equipment by experts from the Mandaue City Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO). This initiative was the result of the recently reported cases of dengue to which the fogging was intended to curb the population of mosquitoes in the area.

The participating students and support staff were then divided into two main teams. One team was tasked with conducting a comprehensive medical mission, offering essential healthcare services to local residents. This mission included health check-ups, consultations, and the distribution of basic medicines, ensuring that the community had access to much-needed medical attention.

Simultaneously, the second team collaborated closely with CDRRMO personnel to carry out the fogging operation. This team took responsibility for notifying residents living near Leonard Wood Elementary School and the adjacent nursery about the fogging activity. Their efforts ensured that the community was informed and prepared, minimizing any disruption to their daily lives and maximizing the effectiveness of the operation.

In addition to these health-focused initiatives, the outreach also featured a community clean-up drive. With the active participation of local residents and officials, the GCM students led the effort to clean public areas, collect waste, and promote environmental stewardship. To further support the community's efforts, the students donated cleaning materials, symbolizing GCM's commitment to fostering a cleaner and healthier environment.

The outreach event also included a feeding program, where nursery students and other residents were provided with nutritious packed meals.

During the afternoon, a special session was held at Leonard Wood Elementary School, where elementary students were given an opportunity to learn basic entrepreneurship skills. The students were taught how to make no-bake munchkins a simple yet marketable food item. Each participant received a small kit containing a notebook, graham crackers, shredded coconut, and condensed milk, encouraging them to practice and potentially start their own small-scale businesses.

The outreach concluded with a series of informative lectures delivered by the GCM students. These lectures focused on raising awareness about Monkeypox and Dengue, a disease that has been a growing concern in many communities. The students provided practical advice on recognizing symptoms and offered guidance on preventive measures, equipping residents with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and their families.

Throughout the day, residents also had the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive activities, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The event culminated in the distribution of food bundles to the participants.

The local officials expressed their gratitude to GCM for its unwavering dedication and meaningful contributions to the community. The success of this outreach is a testament to GCM’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also to making a tangible difference in the lives of many.