UP Visayas literacy project reaches five Miagao schools

Five public elementary schools in Miagao West, Iloilo, received books and stuffed toys through the University of the Philippines Visayas University Library’s extension initiative, the Philippine Literacy Project: Building Libraries for the Future.

The turnover ceremony was held June 29, 2026, at the UPV University Library on the Miagao campus.

University Librarian Analiza S. Galang-Linaugo spearheaded the project in collaboration with UP alumni and donors Zyrel T. Rojo and Jhoanna Gorriceta-Rojo.

The project seeks to address gaps in access to quality reading materials while improving comprehension and fostering a genuine love of reading among students.

In her opening remarks, College Librarian Anna Lisa M. Erazo of the College of Arts and Sciences Library said “the donated books are like bridges that will connect the students of Miagao to ideas from around the world.”

Galang-Linaugo delivered an inspirational message on behalf of Jhoanna Gorriceta-Rojo, who is based in California.

The message outlined the project’s goal of reaching 39 Department of Education public schools in Miagao, including 31 elementary schools and eight national high schools.

Rojo described the donated materials as tools of hope and keys to a brighter future.

She thanked the UPV administration led by Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, volunteers from the UPV Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps, the University Library team led by Galang-Linaugo, and DepEd Miagao school administrators and representatives.

Rojo also encouraged students to dream big and view education as a tool for achieving their goals.

Library staff member Arvee A. Paguntalan led a session titled “Book Care Tips 101.”

The session taught participants how to handle books properly and extend their usefulness for future generations.

Jane Bernadette A. Sansolis, staff member in charge of donations, facilitated the signing of turnover documents.

School representatives acknowledged receipt of the books and other learning materials in the presence of Galang-Linaugo and Rosemarie M. Canson, college librarian for the Technical Section.

Alimodias Elementary School was represented by Joewel Faling and Analiza Genille.

Cadoldolan Integrated School was represented by Rosario Nido and Gladys Mupada.

Igbita-Tigmalapad Elementary School was represented by Ma. Cristina Mondia and Denzil Faling.

Ilog-Ilog Elementary School was represented by Edgar Domingo, Ma. Yllieza Molining, and Lord Zydric Faling.

Naclub Elementary School was represented by Rey Mones and Geraldine Nanta.

Paguntalan coordinated with Miagao West Public Schools District Supervisor Rigardo G. Girado in selecting the first five recipient schools in the district.

Sansolis prepared the donated materials and helped organize the turnover ceremony.

During the acceptance message, school representatives expressed gratitude for the educational materials.

Faling of Alimodias Elementary School said the donations provided timely replacements for some books damaged by termites.

Despite limited facilities, representatives said the recipient schools would designate spaces where students could use the donated materials to read and learn.

Elsa S. Surmieda, college librarian for the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Library, closed the event by emphasizing that education is a shared responsibility.

Surmieda expressed hope that the donations would nurture wisdom and strengthen community ties.

The Philippine Literacy Project began Jan. 9, 2026, at Olango Integrated School in Barangay Olango, Miagao, its first recipient school.

The initiative complements UPV’s broader library and public-service programs, with the university’s library system comprising a main library and six unit libraries across its Miagao and Iloilo City campuses. (Written by M.N. Taganap)