Batanes State College (BSC), through the initiative of Teacher Education Department Research and Development, Extension and Training (RDET) Office, held a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony with Valugan Integrated School (VIS) and Chanarian Elementary School (CES) on August 6, 2025, at the BSC Food and Beverages Services Room.
The MOA establishes two extension projects to improve student competencies. The Literacy Enhancement and Academic Progress (LEAP) project will support high school learners at VIS, while Learning Assistance Project for Improving Literacy and Numeracy Skills (LAPIS) will focus on elementary students at CES. The purpose of the said extension projects is to increase the reading comprehension levels of Ivatan learners; to enhance the scientific and numeracy efficiency of Ivatan learners in Mathematics; and establish strong partnership with school and community.
Key figures from all three institutions attended the ceremony. These included BSC President Dr. Djovi Regala Durante, Acting Vice President Dr. Angelita H. Vargas, and Director for Instruction Dr. Michel A. Cabrera. Representing the partner schools were Valugan Integrated School Principal Mr. Roldan C. Ramos and Chanarian Elementary School Principal Mrs. Evelyn M. Tagulao. Also present were BSC’s RDET Director Asst. Professor Leobert L. Banzali, Teacher Education Department (TED) RDET Coordinator Asst. Prof. William Pol M. Maggay, TED faculty members, and selected students.
During the ceremony, Dr. Vargas expressed her gratitude to VIS and CES for their trust and willingness to collaborate. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering students, supporting educators, and strengthening the academic and social foundation of the schools,” she stated.
Dr. Durante’s message reflected a strong commitment to education, offering words of encouragement and inspiration to his fellow educators, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes.
“Education is a shared responsibility, hindi lang sa Basic Education; as much as possible, we have to minimize now itong gap sa reading comprehension ng mga bata,’’ he exclaimed.
Mr. Ramos affirmed his commitment to the partnership, emphasizing the importance of supporting learners and engaging teachers. Mrs. Tagulao expressed gratitude and full support, emphasizing her role in enhancing the skills and academic development of her young learners. She stated, “Ako’y natutuwa at magiging magka-partner tayo sa advocacy nang inyong project, partner in the sense that, kung ano yung inyong layunin ay makakaasa kayong kami ay makikipagtulungan; at ang project ninyong LAPIS ay magiging productive under my supervision.”
The ceremony concluded with Asst. Prof. Banzali underscoring the importance of teamwork among educators, students, and community stakeholders to achieve the initiatives’ goals. Following the formal signing, all parties met to discuss the implementation plans for the new projects.
Noreen W. Gaviola, News Editor | The Builder’s Publication
BSC Documentation Team