With barely 37 learners and three faculty members, Sto. Tomas Elementary School in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur has been facing several limitations in providing its learners with the necessary learning resources.

To address this issue, students of Dr. Fatima Rocamora in Educational Leadership and Management in Educational Institutions of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program implemented a project dubbed as Project Dap-ayan ti SIRIB (Strengthening Interactive Reading through Innovations and Bayanihan) which paved the way for the construction of a Learning Resort at Sto. Tomas Elementary School as a hub for developing the reading skills of the learners.

In support of the University of Northern Philippines’s adopt-a-school program, the project was formed to foster a deep love and culture for reading among the learners in the said area and to build and sustain relationships and collaborations with the community to promote social responsibility and involvement.

A turnover and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Learning Resort was held on December 16, 2023, participated by Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President; Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension; Mrs. Glory Jane Acosta, Acting Head Teacher of Sto. Tomas Elementary School; and Brgy. Capt. Manuel Tabalan of Sto. Tomas, Sto. Domingo.

Moreover, the Admission Services also took part and conducted their Project LA.P.I.S. (LApis para sa Pangarap ng mga Ilokanong eStudyante) wherein pencils were donated to the pupils and teachers. The pencils represent the hopes of the elementary pupils in their pursuit of quality education, and that the University of Northern Philippines through the Office of Student Affairs and Services, specifically the Admission Services Office, is one with them in reaching their dreams.

In addition to the Learning Resort, other activities like reading and storytelling sessions and outreach activities were conducted to address the needs of the learners. These will continue and will be implemented in partnership with the Sto. Tomas Elementary School learners, PTA and barangay officials, and other stakeholders of Sto. Tomas for its sustainability.

The project is aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals: 1) No Poverty, 3) Good Health and Well-Being, 4) Quality Education, 5) Gender Equality, 10) Reduce Inequalities, and 17) Partnership for the Goals.