Written by Jiffrey B. Bueno | Photos by Norman D. Patiang
Kias Elementary School has been identified as one of the University of Baguio School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (UB STELA)’s extension outreach partners for the implementation of its Literacy Program, strengthening school–university collaboration in promoting foundational reading and learning skills. On February 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., UB STELA conducted a consultative meeting at Kias Elementary School to discuss the proposed Literacy Program as an Extension Project.
UB STELA and Kias Elementary School personnel during the consultation meeting for the Literacy Program Extension Project held on February 19, 2026, at Kias Elementary School. The consultation highlighted Kias Elementary School as a key beneficiary and collaborator in UB STELA’s literacy outreach initiatives. School Principal Mr. Nick Carter C. Gonzalo (right-first) and Coordinator Ms. Caryl P. Makie (left-last) welcomed the UB delegation and shared insights on the school’s literacy needs, learning gaps, and priority areas for intervention, underscoring the school’s commitment to strengthening pupils’ reading skills through partnership-driven programs. Representing the University of Baguio were Ms. Gloria P. Nacua, Secretary of STELA; Mr. Norman Patiang, COE Coordinator; Dr. Elmer Eligio, faculty member of UB STELA; and Mr. Jiffrey B. Bueno, faculty member of UB STELA. The meeting served as a platform for aligning institutional goals, clarifying the objectives of the Literacy Program Extension Project, and identifying intervention strategies that will directly benefit Kias Elementary School learners and teachers.
During the dialogue, both institutions discussed collaborative strategies such as reading interventions, teacher capacity-building activities, learner support mechanisms, and literacy-focused enrichment activities that will be implemented in Kias Elementary School as part of UB STELA’s extension services. The consultation emphasized shared responsibility in improving reading proficiency, enhancing comprehension skills, and fostering holistic learner development.
As UB STELA’s extension outreach partner for literacy development, Kias Elementary School stands to benefit from continuous academic support, research-based reading interventions, and university-led outreach activities. This partnership exemplifies UB STELA’s mission to extend its expertise beyond the university campus and into local communities where literacy support is most needed.
The collaboration between UB STELA and Kias Elementary School directly contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by improving foundational literacy skills and supporting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. It also advances SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as the initiative fosters collaboration between higher education institutions, basic education schools, and local communities to address educational challenges.
Through this Literacy Program extension outreach, UB STELA reaffirms its commitment to empowering partner schools, supporting teachers, and improving reading outcomes among elementary learners. Kias Elementary School now joins UB STELA’s growing network of extension outreach partners for literacy development, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to become a confident and proficient reader.
