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KABACAN, COTABATO — The Extension Services Office (ESO), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Cotabato and the Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF), officially launched a week-long training workshop on September 8, 2026, at the Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center (KEPLRC), USM Main Library. The activity serves as a key capacity-building component of the extension project titled “Literacy and Numeracy in Barangay Kilagasan, Lower Paatan, and Cuyapon.”
The program brought together Key Stage 1 teachers from the target barangays of Kilagasan, Lower Paatan, and Cuyapon. Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Project Leader and Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, formally opened the event by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective effort in improving children’s learning outcomes.
“Good morning, everyone and welcome to our week long training on numeracy and literacy. Let us keep an open mind, with one question always at the back of our minds: How will this help our children learn better? Improving learning outcomes will take a team effort. We at the University of Southern Mindanao are grateful for the opportunity to join you in that effort, and we anticipate that these four days are only the beginning of a longer term partnership.”
Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvaña, Extension Unit Head of the ESO, expressed appreciation for the strong attendance and reiterated the overarching project’s commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges in early education.
“We acknowledge the complex challenges facing the education sector today,” Dr. Salvaña noted. “This initiative is a crucial step toward equipping our teachers with practical knowledge and strategies to enhance student learning outcomes.”
The opening day featured intensive lecture sessions delivered by a panel of subject-matter experts from the University of Southern Mindanao. Ms. Faith P. Buned covered Introduction to Early Literacy Frameworks & Teaching at the Right Level, Prof. Bailyn M. Mantawil presented Aligning Beginning Reading with MATATAG Curriculum and Formative Assessment Strategies for Beginning Readers, and Prof. Ezra Ivan Rey A. Abalos discussed Interactive Literacy and Numeracy Pedagogy.
To apply the concepts discussed during the lectures, participant teachers collaborated in teams to produce targeted instructional materials.
Mr. Ricky Dalida, DepEd Cotabato Public Schools District Supervisor, concluded the first day by commending the educators for their dedication to foundational learning.
“We are eager to see the tangible results of your work, particularly the contextualized books you will produce,” Dalida remarked. “Rest assured, DepEd is fully committed to supporting your efforts in ensuring our learners continue to thrive.”
Running until September 11, the week-long training will delve deeper into effective teaching techniques and strategies.
The multi-sectoral initiative underscores the shared commitment of USM and its partner organizations to advancing quality education by strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills among young learners in rural communities.
