Prof. Wim Van Petegem with Chancellor Alizedney Ditucaln leading the unveiling of the LitLab marker.
The Project RISE officially unveiled the marker of the Literacy Innovation Lab (LITLAB) at the MSU-IIT IDS Hinaplanon Campus on October 3, 2025. This dedicated space was established to serve as a central hub for literacy-focused innovations, research, and collaboration within the Project RISE initiative. LITLAB is envisioned to become the project’s official workspace, where instructional materials (IMs), books, and other learning resources will be systematically created, stored, and managed to support ongoing educational interventions and the continuous professional development of educators.
The unveiling ceremony was led by the university’s Chancellor, Alizedney M. Ditucalan, together with esteemed Vice Chancellors and other key university administrators. The event highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures innovative educational practices and emphasized the transformative potential of purpose-built learning spaces. The establishment of LITLAB represents a major milestone for Project RISE, symbolizing a meaningful step toward a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for literacy education in the region.
Following the ceremonial activities, the Project RISE team held a focused discussion with Chancellor Ditucalan to explore the project’s strategic plans, upcoming initiatives, and potential areas for continued collaboration. This dialogue served to reinforce mutual understanding, align institutional and project goals, and strengthen the partnership between Project RISE and MSU-IIT in advancing literacy education.
The Project RISE team extends its sincere gratitude to the MSU-IIT administration for their unwavering support, shared vision, and commitment to advancing education through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven spaces like LITLAB. The creation of this lab not only provides a functional and resource-rich environment for the development and management of instructional materials but also embodies the project’s mission to foster inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable literacy education for learners across the region.