BAYANIHAN SA SAPANGBATO, CABANGAN

Bayanihan, a cornerstone of Filipino culture, embodies the spirit of communal unity and cooperation. This ethos is particularly relevant in the face of the ongoing pandemic, which poses significant challenges to everyone, particularly school children. The impact of COVID-19 is indiscriminate, affecting individuals of all genders, ages, and nationalities. However, the most vulnerable are hit the hardest.

 A recent study at Sapangbato Elementary School (SES) underscored a key challenge in the current ‘New Normal’: parents’ ability to educate their children, given their diverse levels of education and literacy. In response, and in alignment with the 2010 Act stating “No Filipino Child is Left Behind,” the school has developed a program to address these issues, with a particular focus on reading. The school, community, and Barangay officials have collaborated to ensure the successful implementation of the school’s reading program, aimed at enhancing SES learners’ reading ability and comprehension.

Bayanihan, also known as the community spirit, is a cherished Filipino practice that fosters unity and brotherhood. It is a tradition that needs preservation. Today, as pupils grapple with literacy challenges, specifically in Reading and Numeracy, SES teachers are striving to bridge the gap. The Bayanihan Program, conceptualized by Mrs. Virlyn N. Alferos, MT-II of SES, aims to connect the school and the community. The program enables teachers to identify at-risk pupils and encourages students who can teach their siblings or relatives to read to participate. The program also tapped the Sangguniang Kabataan as Reading Facilitators. They will become volunteers to facilitate reading and learning in different discipline even during weekends when possible.

In relation to this program, Mrs. Alferos, with the approval of the Head Teacher, Mrs. Pearly Ann A. Ambuyoc, initiated a potential collaboration for a Literacy Development Program. After further discussions and meetings, the Bayanihan: Sapangbato Literacy Development Program was conceptualized as an extension program of CTE to enhance the literacy development program of Sapangbato Elementary School.

PRMSU CTE Faculty Extensionists visited last year Sapangbato Elementary School and conducted initial assessment through the conduct of numeracy and reading activities to selected pupils and focus group discussions with the school administrators, barangay officials, and parent association officers. After a series of meetings, the Memorandum of Agreement was drafted, finalized and signed at the Office of the University President and Science Based Education Building Audio Visual Room.