09 August 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in SocSc11 (Understanding the Self),

We are writing to you to introduce Binhi. Binhi is one of the components of the Integrated Ateneo Formation (InAF)
Program, which, together with the core and major curricula, aims to sow the seeds of holistic formation. Delivered by
the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI), Binhi is designed for First Year students enrolled in the core
curriculum course, Understanding the Self (SocSc 11), and the co-curriculum course, Introduction to Ateneo Culture
and Traditions (InTACT). It seeks to complement your child/ward’s coursework and enrich their educational experience
by giving her/him/them the opportunity to see how the self is a product of socialization and one’s environment.

Under the Binhi Program, your child/ward will have the chance for pakikipagkuwentuhan or encounters with
individuals and groups who are often considered outside the students’ social milieu. The university’s partner
organizations and communities which serve as hosts for the experiential learning of our students include non-profit
institutions, government agencies, people’s organizations, and churches.

The logistics of the one whole day or two half-day interactions with our organizations and communities are facilitated
by OSCI, which is under the Office of the Assistant Vice-President for Social Development, Environment, and
Community Engagement. OSCI coordinates with the program officers of our partner institutions and community
organizations. The interactions are then processed with SocSc 11 Course Instructors and OSCI Formators in order to
help students deepen their reflection and insight on themselves and society.

Preparations have been made to ensure the health and safety of the students during the area engagements. All Area
engagements will have an OSCI Formator or a deputized Ateneo de Manila employee present throughout their stay in
the community or institution. Your child/ward has been briefed about the procedures and requirements of the
program. Given this information, your child/ward is expected to provide you with details of the program. You may also
visit this link go.ateneo.edu/Guide-OffCampusEngagements to view the Guidelines for Off-Campus Engagements. For
concerns or further information about the Binhi Program, you may email OSCI at osci.ls@ateneo.edu or call their office
at 8426-6001 local 5089.

Thank you for your kind attention to this letter. With your support, we truly hope that your child/ward will benefit
deeply from the Binhi experience.

Sincerely,

Czarina A. Saloma-Akpedonu, Dr. rer. soc. Benjamin T. Tolosa, Jr., PhD Ophalle R. Alzona-Pornela
Dean, School of Social Sciences Associate Dean for the Core Curriculum Director, OSCI
 REPLY SLIP

__________________________________________ _______________________
Name of Student Student I.D. No.

I have been informed about the Binhi Program, and I understand its purpose and nature in relation to my child/ward’s
formation. My child/ward has informed me about the procedures, requirements, and policies of the Program. [Please
check one of the options below]

❏ I am supporting my child/ward’s decision to participate in the Binhi area engagement.

❏ I am requesting OSCI to provide an alternative activity for my child/ward. Please see the attached letter
explaining my concern and the reason for my request.

_________________________________________ __________________________________
Signature over Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Relation to Student

Date: ____________________________________