Written by: Michelle P. Ranges, and Norman D. Patiang | Photos by: Jessa Mae Bustillo
The afternoon gathering at Lindawan National High School marked a meaningful milestone for UB STELA‘s Pages of Progress, as the culmination of the Barangay Pagbasa Program united children, parents, teachers, barangay leaders, and UB student-volunteers in a shared mission: to elevate literacy. Volunteers from BAEL, BSED, and BEED, together with faculty mentors, stood alongside the community they had served for 15 days.
This year’s advocacy focused on strengthening the reading skills of elementary learners and developing Grades 1-7 readers, an effort made possible through the steadfast partnership of Lindawan teachers and parents. Their collaboration did more than support instruction; it deepened the program’s reach, strengthened learners’ confidence, and demonstrated what is possible when a school, a barangay, and a university work hand in hand for every child’s future.
Dr. Carmel Meriz of DepEd DO shares an inspiring message on values, reading, and teaching as vocation, followed by heartfelt testimonies from Lindawan teachers who expressed gratitude to UB STELA for its sustained literacy advocacy.
In her heartfelt message, Dr. Carmel Meriz of DepEd DO emphasize that reading is both a value and a lifelong foundation. She reminded the volunteers that teaching is a vocation powered by passion, encouraging them to carry forward the commitment they demonstrated in the program. Student volunteers shared honest reflections, acknowledging the challenges of working with struggling readers, but also celebrating the progress they witnessed, word by word, and week by week.
Teachers from Lindawan expressed deep appreciation to UB STELA for reinforcing their literacy efforts, while the children themselves proudly thanked their mentors for helping them read with greater confidence.
Learners from Lindawan Elementary and High School eagerly participate in the culmination program, listening to messages of encouragement and celebrating their growth in reading
As a community-based literacy initiative, Pages of Progress directly advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by improving foundational reading skills, reducing learning gaps, and supporting equitable access to education. It also strengthens SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by uniting the university, barangay, schools, and families in a shared mission to uplift young learners.
Most importantly, UB STELA affirms that Pages of Progress is not a one-time event but a continuing advocacy. In the coming years, the university will expand this initiative to more partner schools and barangays, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the chance to read with confidence and thrive.
The story continues, one learner and one community at a time.
