SLSU, LGUs Sign MOA to Strengthen Early Literacy Through Community Partnership
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Tomas Oppus Campus, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tomas Oppus and the Local Government Unit of Sogod, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement on March 13, 2026, for its extension program titled “Strengthening Early Literacy Through Community Partnership.” The MOA Signing Ceremony was attended by Hon. Atty. Jose Ramil G. Golo, LGU Sogod Vice Mayor; Hon. Nicanor Tahop, LGU-TO Vice Mayor; Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, SLSU VP for RIES; Prof. Mary Ann M. Miller, US English Language Fellow; Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, SLSU-TO Campus Director; Ms. Felipa A. Luzon, ECCD Focal Person, LGU-Sogod; Ms. Jessa Gamayon, MSWDO, LGU-TO; SLSU English Education faculty; SLSU Elementary Education faculty; Child Development Workers; and pre-service teachers.
The program responds to identified gaps in preschool teachers’ knowledge of oral language development, phonological awareness, early reading, and emergent writing. Through a four-part professional development series scheduled for March 2026, participating Child Development Workers will receive training in developmentally appropriate literacy practices, effective use of picture books, simplified early reading strategies, early writing instruction, family literacy engagement, and the use of accessible digital resources suited to low-technology settings.
The MOA formalizes collaboration among SLSU, the LGUs of Tomas Oppus and Sogod, and their respective Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices to ensure coordinated implementation and sustainability. The initiative also establishes a Community of Practice involving preschool teachers, SLSU faculty, and preservice teachers to promote mentoring and continuous sharing of literacy practices.
Aligned with SLSU’s Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Agenda and the English Education Program’s Project LIGHT, the initiative strengthens teacher competence and enhances early learning environments in underserved communities. This program supports Sustainable Development Goals 4, 10, and 17 by promoting quality education, reducing educational inequalities, and strengthening partnerships for community-based literacy development.
