The 2K+1 Program of St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc. (SMCII) was formally launched on September 11, 2016, at the SMC Main Campus, during the First Semester of Academic Year 2016–2017. The launching was spearheaded by the Mother Ignacia Center for Social Responsibility (MICSR) in partnership with the Graduate School, marking a significant step in institutionalizing structured, values-driven community engagement among graduate students and faculty.

The event signaled SMCII’s strong commitment to integrating academic excellence with social responsibility, emphasizing the role of graduate education in addressing real-world community concerns. Through the 2K+1 Program, the Graduate School envisioned a platform where professional expertise, research-based knowledge, and leadership skills could be translated into meaningful community service initiatives responsive to societal needs.

The launching highlighted the importance of collaboration among academic units, social responsibility offices, and external stakeholders. It reinforced the institution’s mission of forming leaders who are not only academically competent but also socially conscious and service-oriented. By anchoring the program within MICSR, SMCII ensured that the 2K+1 initiative would be guided by the core values of faith, excellence, and service, as well as sustained through continuous partnership and evaluation.The launching of the 2K+1 Program stands as a milestone in SMCII’s continuing journey toward inclusive, sustainable, and transformative education, affirming that true graduate education extends beyond the classroom and finds its highest expression in service to the community.