VP RIES Convenes English Education Faculty for Community Partnership Project Discussion

Dr. Francis Ann Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES) of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), convened English Education faculty members from the Tomas Oppus Campus and selected faculty representatives from the Sogod Campus, together with English Language Fellow Maryann Miller, to discuss a proposed community partnership project titled “Strengthening Early Literacy Through Community Partnership” on January 16, 2025. Held at the English Education Office, Tomas Oppus Campus, the meeting was led by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy and attended by Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU–Tomas Oppus, along with English faculty members from both campuses.

 

Dr. Miller presented an overview of the proposed four-part professional development project designed to strengthen early literacy skills among preschool learners through collaborative community engagement. The project aims to bring together barangay daycare teachers, SLSU preservice teachers, and university English faculty to implement evidence-based reading and writing strategies that promote early literacy development while encouraging family and community participation.

 

Discussions highlighted the limited access preschool teachers have to sustained, structured professional development, particularly at the community level. To address this gap, the project proposes the creation of a Community of Practice (CoP) that will foster collaboration, shared learning, and the sustainable implementation of literacy strategies across educational levels. By the end of the sessions, the project targets that at least 80 percent of participating preschool teachers will adopt developmentally appropriate instructional practices and technology-supported tools to enhance children’s readiness for formal literacy learning.

 

Faculty members and university officials expressed strong support for the project, citing its alignment with SLSU’s mandate for research, innovation, and extension services. Dr. Sy affirmed her commitment to sustaining the project through institutional leadership and resource support, including the use of professional development facilities at the Tomas Oppus and Sogod campuses.

 

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to implement the project from January to May 2026, with the first professional development session scheduled for February 2026. The initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality early literacy education through meaningful community partnerships.