QUEZON CITY, MANILA — To strengthen literacy education initiatives in Tawi-Tawi, the Ateneo Center for English Language Teaching (ACELT) of Ateneo de Manila University and Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement at the NGF Room, Dela Costa Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, on April 28, 2026.
Signing on behalf of ADMU was Patricia P. Lambino, Dean of the School of Humanities, with Cecilia A. Suarez, ACELT Director, as witness. Also present were ACELT Senior Trainer Michelle Jhoanna G. Paterno and Pier Angeli Basadre, who facilitated the partnership. Representing MSU TCTO was Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, with Dr. Fernigil L. Colicol as witness, joined by Chief of Staff Atty. Alnasul K. Sali.
The agreement enables the implementation of the ACELT Adopt-A-School/Adopt-A-Community Project, which will support educators, school heads, and scholars identified by MSU TCTO. Scheduled on June 2–4, 2026, at the University, the program will engage 80–100 reading and English teachers in a comprehensive, workshop-based training.
Focused on strengthening reading instruction across developmental stages, the training will equip participants with strategies for early literacy, transitional comprehension, and advanced critical reading. It also highlights the role of local languages in fostering inclusive and effective multilingual classrooms.
In a statement, the University Chancellor emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing inclusive and quality education in the region, noting that, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening foundational literacy and empowering our educators with the tools and knowledge they need to transform learning outcomes. By investing in our teachers, we are ultimately investing in the future of our learners and communities in Tawi-Tawi.”
Aligned with national education priorities and ongoing efforts to improve literacy outcomes, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to empowering educators and expanding access to quality learning opportunities in Tawi-Tawi. Notably, the program is offered free of charge through the Robert Kwan Laurel Endowment, ensuring accessible, high-quality professional development for teachers in underserved communities.
Through this partnership, MSU TCTO and ADMU reaffirm their commitment to advancing education and building stronger foundations for learning—empowering teachers, enriching classrooms, and shaping a more literate and inclusive future for Tawi-Tawi.
