Project WIKANTALK Celebrates Success with Official Launch of PAJAG: Dyornal ng Malikhaing Akda
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Tomas Oppus Campus buzzed with energy on October 26, 2024, as the third and culmination day of Project WIKANTALK unfolded. Building on the success of previous sessions, this day focused on “USAP 3: Tutula ka't Masaya: Malikhaing Pagsulat ng Patula,” emphasizing creative writing in poetry.
The third session was led by Dr. Analiza M. Nares, who motivated participants with her insights into the art of poetic expression. Her engaging approach encouraged educators to explore the emotional depth and cultural significance of poetry.
In the afternoon, Dr. Mark B. Galdo reflected on the collaborative spirit that has characterized Project WIKANTALK from its inception. A highlight of the culmination program was a video presentation that showcased the events from Day 1 to Day 3, which featured interviews with participants who shared their experiences and insights about the project. This visual recap not only celebrated the journey but also highlighted the profound impact the workshops had on their teaching practices.
Dr. Isidro C. Catubig, Chief Education Supervisor of the Department of Education in Southern Leyte, delivered an inspirational message that focused on the importance of creativity in education. Following Dr. Catubig, Dr. Hilda Olvina, Education Program Supervisor for Filipino, expressed her gratitude to all involved in the project, the SLSU and the Department of Education. Engr. Khorina Aguilar, Director of Extension Services, echoed this sentiment, which affirmed the project's commitment to empowering educators.
A significant moment of the event was the official launch of the PAJAG: Dyornal ng Malikhaing Akda , aimed at providing a platform for educators and students to publish their creative writings. The event also featured the oath-taking of the editorial board for the PAJAG Journal, which includes esteemed faculty from both the Department of Education and SLSU. This ceremony marked an important step in establishing a collaborative effort to nurture and showcase literary talent in the region.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, who thanked the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm. He emphasized the importance of continuing the momentum created by Project WIKANTALK, which urged educators to apply their newfound skills in their classrooms.
Project WIKANTALK, which kicked off with a Memorandum of Agreement signing on October 12, 2024, has successfully engaged educators over the past few weeks. Each session has built on the last, with topics ranging from the foundations of literature to creative prose writing, culminating in the exploration of poetry. The project has aligned itself with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, which ensured that educators are equipped with the skills necessary to foster creativity and critical thinking in their students. Furthermore, the project promotes Goal 5: Gender Equality, which focused on the importance of inclusive education practices that empower all educators and students in Southern Leyte. As Project WIKANTALK draws to a close, the enthusiasm among participants signals a promising future for creative writing education in Southern Leyte.