Key stakeholders, educators, school administrators, and institutional partners gathered at the University Amphitheater in the College of Education, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), for the Project RISE Stakeholders’ Meeting. Designed as a forum for reflection and strategic alignment, the event provided a dedicated space to review project milestones, evaluate instructional outcomes, and reinforce the collective commitment to transforming early literacy across partner schools.

The program commenced with opening remarks from Prof. Amelia T. Buan, PhD, Dean of the College of Education, who emphasized the vital role of cross-sectoral collaboration in sustaining educational interventions. Following her welcome, Assoc. Prof. Shelanee Theresa P. Ruales, PhD, Project Leader, delivered the comprehensive Project RISE Report. Her presentation provided an overview of key achievements, data-driven reading progress, and ongoing efforts to enhance foundational reading instruction in early-grade classrooms.

A central highlight of the meeting was the presentation of real-world perspectives from key actors directly involved in the project's implementation. A diverse panel of stakeholders shared firsthand accounts of how Project RISE has influenced classroom dynamics and community involvement. Mr. Elmer P. Valenzuela, Principal of DCIS, discussed the administrative impact of the program, noting how structured literacy frameworks have aligned school-wide reading strategies. Ms. Jehan C. Palo (Grade 1 Teacher) and Ms. Alyzza Kim B. Librado (Grade 2 Teacher) reflected on how literature-based strategies and structured lesson plans enhanced student engagement and boosted reading confidence in their respective classrooms. Ms. Kyle A. Beatingo, serving as Reading Ambassador, shared observations on how community-driven reading initiatives foster an early enthusiasm for literature among young learners. Their collective experiences underscored the vital importance of synergy among teachers, administrators, and partner institutions in adapting reading strategies to meet the evolving needs of students.

The session also featured leadership perspectives aimed at sustaining and scaling the project’s accomplishments. Strategic messages were delivered by Prof. Wim Van Petegem, PhD, Flemish Promoter of Project RISE, and Dr. Jonathan S. Dela Peña, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Iligan City, both of whom commended the project’s grounded approach to capacity building and teacher support. An interactive stakeholder discussion followed, allowing participants to address operational challenges, exchange field insights, and discuss long-term sustainability plans. The dialogue emphasized establishing permanent support structures within schools to ensure that gains in early-grade literacy continue to flourish in subsequent academic years.

Marking a major milestone in the expansion of Project RISE, the event featured a formal Commitment Signing by Grade 3 Teachers. This ceremony symbolized the expansion of literature-based instruction into higher early-grade levels, ensuring a continuous and seamless literacy transition for developing readers as they advance.

The commitment was formally accepted through the Words of Acceptance and Commitment delivered by Ms. Mary Jean E. Madali, who expressed the educators' shared dedication to maintaining high standards of reading instruction. The meeting concluded as a celebration of shared leadership, progress, and unwavering commitment, reaffirming that lasting literacy improvement is achieved when educators, leaders, and communities work together toward a unified goal.