In collaboration with Balaleng Elementary School in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the College of Arts and Sciences–Department of Languages and Humanities conducted the Reading Literacy Program: Sirib nga Iruknoy dagiti Letra Kadagiti Agtutubo (SILA) to the Grade III learners of Balaleng Elementary School, Bantay, Ilocos Sur on April 12, 2024.

The activity aimed to develop the learners’ interest in reading, vocabulary ability, reading comprehension and communication, clarity of understanding, and creative thinking.

The department was welcomed by the Head Teacher Emelita R. Arizabal who oriented the teachers and pupils about the Reading Literacy Program. The rationale of the activity was explained by Dr. Esperanza Marites V. Mariñas and Prof. Charito R. Alconis. There were 27 Grade III pupils who participated in the first session.

The whole session was assisted by 10 teachers of Balaleng Elementary School. The program implementers were four faculty members of the Department of Languages and Humanities. To assess the level of reading ability of the learners the learning material named Functional Literacy Assessment Tool (FLAT) was used.

The activity was organized by Dr. Esperanza Marites V. Marinas and Prof. Charito R. Alconis with the program implementers, namely: Dr. Imelda Q. Nesperos, Prof.  Dichie Rica A. Fabre under the leadership of Prof. Allen De Vera, the Department Head.

The activity supports Catch-Up Fridays of the Department of Education. Launched on January 12, 2024, it accommodates a wide range of pupils’ interest and reading ability levels as learners choose the book they want to read.

This is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG No.4), Gender Equality (SDG No. 5), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG No.11), and Partnership for the Goals (SDG No. 17).

Article by Esperanza Marites V. Mariñas.