Project WIKANTALK Kicks Off with MOA Signing; First Seminar-Training Session
The official launch of Project WIKANTALK was marked by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 12, 2024, solidifying a partnership between Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Southern Leyte Division. The event was attended by esteemed officials, including Dr. Isidro Catubig, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) of DepEd Southern Leyte, and Dr. Hilda Olvina, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) for Filipino. Representing SLSU were Dr. Angel Sabusap, Director of Extension Services, Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU Tomas Oppus, Ms. Ma. Jovillea T. Palanca, Extension Services Coordinator, and RIES Head and Project WIKANTALK Leader Dr. Mark B. Galdo. Also present were the Filipino Education Program faculty, led by Dr. Norlyn L. Borong, alongside Dr. Ginalyn Carbonilla, Dr. Analiza M. Nares, and Dr. Riza L. Lacerna.
Dr. Isidro Catubig, in his keynote message, expressed his optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of providing quality seminar-training for educators. He highlighted the project's potential to yield impactful results for participants, contributing to their professional growth. Dr. Angel Sabusap also showed his full support, envisioning the project's sustainability in delivering upskilling opportunities for teachers. In his message, Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla conveyed his gratitude for the strong partnership between SLSU and DepEd, which promises fruitful outcomes for all involved.
The event was enlivened by an intermission number from the Kapisanan ng Filipino (KANFIL), whose active members played a vital role in facilitating the day's activities. The first session, titled "Binhi ng Panitikan bilang Suhay sa Kasanayang Pagbasa sa MATATAG Curriculum," was facilitated by Dr. Norlyn L. Borong. The 48 participants, comprising DepEd teachers, actively engaged in discussions and workshops, focusing on how literary seeds could nurture reading skills in alignment with the MATATAG curriculum. The session concluded successfully, with participants showing their commitment to the project by signing a "Commitment Wall." Session 2 is scheduled for October 19, 2024, with Dr. Riza L. Lacerna leading the topic "Tuloy Tayo sa Tuluyan: Pagtalakay at Paglikha." The final session, "Tutula Ka't Masaya: Malikhaing Pagsulat ng Patula," will be held on October 26, 2024, under the guidance of Dr. Analiza M. Nares, coinciding with the culminating activity of the project.
Project WIKANTALK is poised to empower educators through meaningful dialogue and hands-on training, paving the way for enriched teaching methods and stronger connections within the educational community. This project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), contributing to a more sustainable and empowered educational environment in Southern Leyte.
