Project RISE strengthens collaboration with key stakeholders

by Project RISE Team | Nov 27 2024

Project RISE (Reading Initiatives with Stakeholders Engagement) of 杏吧论坛-IIT, a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on enhancing literacy among learners in Iligan City, has gained significant momentum through critical meetings held this month. These engagements underscore the project’s commitment to educational excellence and its collaborative approach with local partners.

Aligned with its core goals, Project RISE has actively engaged key stakeholders to prepare for its main activities scheduled for next year. This month, the team conducted strategic meetings with DepEd-Iligan administrators, school leaders, Grade 1 teachers, and private sector partners to align plans and strategies moving forward.

On November 15, the team met with Dr. Myra Ambalong, Education Program Supervisor (English) of DepEd-Iligan, to finalize plans for the project’s next phase. Discussions focused on crucial elements such as contract agreements for Grade 1 teachers, lesson plan templates, upcoming training sessions, and the reading assessment tool. These details were further refined during a coordination meeting involving administrators, teachers, and project partners. Dr. Ambalong’s active participation and steadfast support reaffirmed DepEd-Iligan’s commitment to the success of the initiative. She also pledged to arrange a meeting with key DepEd officials, including the Curriculum Implementation Division Chief and PSDS, to strengthen the project’s implementation.

On November 22, Project RISE hosted a pivotal coordination meeting with principals, reading coordinators, and teachers from ten partner schools in Iligan City. These schools—Luinab Elementary School, Victor G. Guevara Memorial Elementary School, Angelico Medina Memorial Elementary School, Tambacan Elementary School, Doña Josefa F. Celdran Memorial School, Cabili Village Elementary School, Bagong Silang Elementary School, Villaverde Elementary School, Del Carmen Integrated School, and Abuno Elementary School—are integral to the project’s five-year plan.

The meeting provided a platform for sharing updates and future plans. Among the highlights was Assoc. Prof. Onnah Talle’s presentation on the team’s recent trip to Flanders, where they collaborated with experts from UCLL (University College Leuven-Limburg) and KU Leuven. Prof. Lowell Lucero and Asst. Prof. Vita Caparoso shared insights from focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted on October 1, 2024, with principals and Grade 1 teachers. These discussions shed light on challenges such as limited instructional materials and the implementation of reading programs.

Dr. Ruben Abucayon, Assistant Project Leader, introduced the IREAD (Inspiring Reading Excellence through Active Development) Program, aimed at fostering a love of reading and improving literacy for Grades 1 to 3. This program emphasizes collaboration with educators, parents, and the community to nurture lifelong literacy skills. Dr. Rizalina Gomez detailed plans for the upcoming Grade 1 teacher training on Reading Pedagogy and Instructional Materials Development, set to run every Saturday from January 11 to March 24, 2025.

A key moment was the review of the Contract of Agreement, presented by Assoc. Prof. Shelanee Ruales, Project RISE leader. The agreement outlined roles and responsibilities, ensuring clear expectations and accountability. Concerns raised by teachers and principals were thoroughly addressed.

On November 23, the team presented their plans to private sector partners, including NOTED (Metrobank’s Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators, Inc.) and Rotary Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Centerpoint. Discussions highlighted the resources needed for the project, such as instructional materials, books, and printing equipment, as identified during the FGDs.

The series of meetings concluded with a strengthened sense of shared purpose, reinforcing the partnership between DepEd, participating schools, and private sector organizations. With this renewed commitment, Project RISE is well-positioned to continue transforming literacy education for Iligan City learners.

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