OSCI facilitates the immersion activities of ICAM students in Marikina River Watershed Kaysakat Association Incorporated (MARIWSKA Inc.)

In the first semester of SY 2023-2024, twenty-one students from the different ICAM campuses in France were introduced to the officers and members of the Marikina River Watershed Kaysakat Association Incorporated (MARIWSKA Inc.), a partner community of the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI). As part of their Parcours Ouvert O3 Program, the ICAM students engaged with MARIWSKA for their Habitat Project. Their goal was to build a low-cost habitat with low-tech features while taking into account the needs of the community and being compliant with local government standards.

The first onsite engagement came into fruition last September 25, 2023 after several site visits were conducted by the collaborating team to prepare the community. Aside from the students, Ateneo and ICAM officials also went to MARIWSKA to join the orientation and introductory activities. MARIWSKA’s President, Rizalie Galang, welcomed the students and visitors and provided them the opportunity to get to know each other, their organization, and their community. The delegation toured the organic farm and nearby areas to check on the available resources for the housing project, road access, and other features of the community that may affect the construction. 

After several online engagements and follow-through consultations, the four groups presented to MARIWSKA representatives and faculty members their respective designs for critiquing last December 6, 2023. Each design carefully considered the geographical location of the housing project, the provision for bedrooms, bathroom and toilet, sink, water, drainage, and sewerage system, electrical system, ventilation among other considerations to fit the 25 square meter dormitory.  Eventually, the dormitory will house the organization’s interns, visitors, and volunteers. On April 29, 2024, the final design and the progress of the project was presented to MARIWSKA and faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. While the group was not able to finish the construction of the dormitory due to various challenges and limitations, they were able to lay out the foundation that the next batch of ICAM students can work on and finish in SY 2024-2025.

You may also visit the Habitat Project Instagram account for more information.