SLSU and DepEd–Maasin City forge partnership for Project F.E.L.L.O.W. to advance Learner-Centered English Education

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has officially strengthened its strategic engagement with the Department of Education – Maasin City Division through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of Project F.E.L.L.O.W. (Fostering Engaged Learning and Language Outcomes for the Workplace), in collaboration with the Regional English Language Office – Manila.

Project F.E.L.L.O.W., an extension activity by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Faculty of Teacher Education, positions SLSU at the forefront of transformative teacher development, delivering a high-impact extension initiative focused on Project-Based Learning (PBL). Designed for public senior high school educators, the program advances learner-centered instruction and directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). By equipping teachers with research-driven, classroom-ready strategies, the initiative accelerates the development of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and authentic language proficiency—core competencies for workplace readiness and lifelong learning.

The signing ceremony reflected the strength of institutional collaboration and shared leadership. Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director of the Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Office, opened the program with a message of support underscoring the University’s commitment to meaningful partnerships. Dr. Joseph M. Añavesa, Student Teaching Supervisor of the English Education Program, formally read the MOA, setting the stage for the ceremonial signing and the message of commitment delivered by Dr. Jaime Leon T. Cardona, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd–Maasin City Division.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President, represented by Dr. Christine Alma Mae M. Daguplo, Vice President for Administration and Finance of SLSU, and Dr. Genis S. Murallos, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Maasin City, represented by Dr. Jaime Leon T. Cardona, CESE. Witnessing the milestone event were key academic and education leaders: Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU–Tomas Oppus; Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director of Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships; Dr. Norlyn L. Borong, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Education; Dr. Violeta B. Felisilda, Program Head for English Education; Dr. Joseph M. Añavesa; Dr. Adelfa S. Tagra, Education Program Supervisor in English; and English Language Fellows Prof. Michael Schapiro, Prof. Laura Roach, and Prof. Maryann Miller from the Regional English Language Office – Manila.

At the core of the initiative is a results-driven, one-day capacity-building workshop culminating in the development of a Community-Connected PBL Blueprint—a fully designed, standards-aligned project plan ready for classroom implementation. The program emphasizes scalability and sustainability, encouraging participants to cascade learning through echo training and professional learning communities within their schools.

Through Project F.E.L.L.O.W., SLSU and DepEd–Maasin City Division move beyond formal partnership toward measurable impact—empowering educators, strengthening English language instruction, and driving innovation in 21st-century teaching and learning.