On November 15, the team sat down with Dr. Myra Ambalong, the Education Program Supervisor (English) of DepEd-Iligan, to finalize plans for the program’s next phase. The discussions covered key aspects of the project, including the contract agreement for Grade 1 teachers, lesson plan templates, upcoming training sessions, and the reading assessment tool. These topics were presented at the coordination meeting bringing together administrators, teachers, and project partners. Dr. Ambalong’s active involvement and unwavering support reassured the team that DepEd-Iligan is fully committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the project’s initiatives. To further strengthen the project’s impact, she plans to arrange a meeting with key DepEd officials, including the Curriculum Implementation Division Chief and PSDS.

The following week, on November 22, the project successfully hosted a crucial coordination meeting with principals, reading coordinators, and teachers from ten partner schools in Iligan City. These participants, who are expected to play a pivotal role throughout the project’s five-year duration, represent the following schools:

• Luinab Elementary School

• Victor G. Guevara Memorial Elementary School

• Angelico Medina Memorial Elementary School

• Tambacan Elementary School

• Doña Josefa F. Celdran Memorial School

• Cabili Village Elementary School

• Bagong Silang Elementary School

• Villaverde Elementary School

• Del Carmen Integrated School

• Abuno Elementary School

The said coordination meeting served as a key platform for sharing updates on the progress and future plans of Project RISE. Among the highlights was Assoc. Prof. Onnah Talle’s presentation on the RISE team's recent trip to Flanders. She shared valuable insights from their collaborative activities with experts from UCLL (University College Leuven-Limburg) and KU Leuven. Prof. Lowell Lucero and Asst. Prof. Vita Caparoso also presented the results from focus group discussions (FGD) conducted on October 1, 2024, with principals and Grade 1 teachers. These discussions revealed the challenges schools face in implementing reading programs and the lack of instructional materials. Dr. Ruben Abucayon, Assistant Project Leader of RISE, presented the IREAD (Inspiring Reading Excellence through Active Development) Program, which is designed to promote a love of reading and improve reading proficiency for Grade 1 to Grade 3 learners. Aligning with the project's main goal, the program also emphasizes collaboration with teachers, school leaders, parents, and the community to foster lifelong literacy skills. Dr. Rizalina Gomez outlined the design and schedule for the upcoming Grade 1 teacher training on Reading Pedagogy and Instructional Materials Development, which will run every Saturday from January 11 to March 24, 2025. A key highlight in the meeting was the review of the Contract of Agreement, presented by Assoc. Prof. Shelanee Ruales, the RISE project leader. The contract details the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for Grade 1 teachers and the RISE project, ensuring clear communication and accountability moving forward. The agreement was reviewed by both the teachers and principals, with several concerns raised and addressed.

On November 23, the Project RISE team presented their plans to key private sector partners, including NOTED (Metrobank’s Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators, Inc.) and Rotary Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Centerpoint. The meeting highlighted the needs of the project, as identified through the focus group discussions (FGDs) with teachers and principals. The list included essential resources such as instructional materials, books, and printing machines, all of which are crucial to the project’s successful implementation.

The series of meetings concluded with a strengthened sense of shared purpose, reaffirming the partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd), the participating schools, and private sector organizations. With this renewed commitment, Project RISE is poised to continue its work in transforming literacy education in Iligan City learners.