Turning reading challenges into opportunities for young learners, the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) Program of the University of Northern Philippines continues to bring literacy support closer to the community through the sustained implementation of Project DUR-AS (Dagiti Ubbing Raemenda ti Adal ken Syensya) at Salindeg-Pong-ol Barraca Elementary School (SPBES) on August 28, 2026.
Anchored on its commitment to advance inclusive and quality education, the BEED Program is empowering struggling young readers through Project DUR-AS. The initiative delivers targeted reading interventions through engaging, learner-centered activities designed to strengthen pupils’ reading abilities, boost their confidence, and nurture their development into independent and motivated readers.
The activity was led by the BEED faculty and third-year BEED students under the supervision of Dr. Eleuteria Pacpaco, BEED Program Head. Their direct participation ensured that the identified struggling readers received appropriate and individualized support throughout the intervention. By providing guided reading exercises, practice activities, and one-on-one assistance, the facilitators helped pupils address specific reading difficulties while strengthening their comprehension, fluency, and confidence. The engagement also provided BEED students with valuable hands-on experience in applying effective literacy strategies in an actual learning environment.
A total of 39 pupils benefited from the reading literacy intervention, gaining access to activities designed to address their individual learning needs and strengthen their reading abilities. Beyond developing essential reading competencies, the initiative fostered a supportive and engaging learning environment where pupils were encouraged to actively participate, practice their skills, and overcome difficulties with greater confidence. Through sustained guidance and meaningful learning experiences, Project DUR-AS helped cultivate a more positive attitude toward reading and encouraged pupils to view literacy as an essential foundation for continued learning and academic growth.
The sustained implementation of Project DUR-AS emphasizes the UNP BEED Program’s commitment to advance inclusive and quality education beyond the university campus by extending its expertise, resources, and educational interventions to partner schools and communities. At the same time, the initiative provides BEED students with meaningful opportunities to translate their classroom knowledge and teaching competencies into practice while responding to the actual literacy needs of young learners.
Through the continuing partnership between UNP, particularly the BEED Program, and Salindeg-Pong-ol Barraca Elementary School, Project DUR-AS continues to strengthen literacy development among struggling readers while nurturing future educators through community-based engagement. More than a reading intervention, the project reflects a shared commitment to help learners overcome literacy challenges and build a stronger foundation for lifelong learning—one learner, one word, and one page at a time.
Article by Fely R. de Guzman
