VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — There’s more than one way to leave a mark before saying goodbye. For the graduating members of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity, Los Baños Chapter,  their way of bidding farewell to the University was by rehabilitating the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) playground of the College of Human Ecology (CHE), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The idea came during the Fraternity’s own send-off celebration. Rather than end the celebration with the program, the members saw an opportunity to create something lasting, a space the next generation of learners could enjoy for years to come. 

Putting that idea into action, the Fraternity, with support from SM Foundation (SMFI) and other partner organizations, turned over the newly rehabilitated CDL playground on August 14, 2026.

The rehabilitation focused on improving the playground, with reinforced slides and swings and newly added structures.  For CDL Faculy-in-Charge Teacher Maris Dy, the renovation is about more than the equipment. It is about creating a space where active play, a vital part of early childhood development, can take place. 

“The CDL playground is where the children can freely run, jump, climb, and slide alone and with their peers,” Dy said. “It is where they can build connections with other children and adults and with nature.”

Creating spaces where children can play, connect, and explore is one way of making social good tangible. For SM Foundation, this means enabling partnerships and bringing together resources and shared purpose to help turn meaningful ideas into action.

The CDL playground is one example of what collective action can make possible, creating a space where children can learn, grow, and thrive, one playground, one classroom, and one child at a time. 

The newly rehabilitated playground was formally turned over during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by members of the Fraternity, the CDL team, UPLB CHE, SM Foundation, and other partner organizations and donors. 

“On behalf of the Child Development Laboratory, I would like to extend my gratitude to the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity, SM Foundation, Inc, LNMD Affordable Homes, and Pro Agri Seed Corporation for the repainting and repair of our old playground equipment and the donation of a new jungle gym,” Dy extended gratitude. “Thank you for being one with our goal to support children’s physical health, brain development, social skills, and mental health.”