To recognize and honor SorSU’s invaluable contribution and proactive support as one of its partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly SorSU-CoTEdM, in the successful implementation of its “Project 6B: Bawat Batang Bicolano Bihasang Bumasa at Bumilang” — a multi-stakeholder approach to improving the literacy and numeracy of Bicolano learners, the Department of Education – Region V (DepEd V) awarded the Sorsogon State University (SorSU) a Plaque of Recognition during its 2024 Regional Stakeholder’s Convergence and Awarding Ceremonies, held last June 18, 2024, in Pili, Camarines Sur.
According to Dr. Alfonso L. Garcia, Jr. (Dean, SorSU-College of Teacher Education and Midwifery), the College bridged DepEd Bicol’s Project 6Bs to its very own flagship program, Project LOTUS (Localized Tutorial Services), in which pre-service teachers (teacher education student) were mobilized to serve as volunteer tutors in their respective communities, offering community-based free tutorial sessions on reading and numeracy.
The ten-week community-based volunteer tutorial engagements with both DepEd and Local Government Units (LGUs) recorded a total number of 296 third-year student-volunteer tutors (Project 6Bs/Project LOTUS) from SorSU-CoTEdM, which was successfully held from March to May, last 2nd Semester, A.Y. 2023-2024. Specifically, CoTEdM documented a total of 142 volunteer tutors in Sorsogon Province with 447 total number of tutees served (Pre-schoolers [ages 4 below] – 50; K-3 – 233; Grades 4-6 – 149; & JHS – 15). Meanwhile, the institution documented a total of 154 volunteer tutors in Sorsogon City with 455 corresponding tutees (Prep – 56; K-3 – 275; Grades 4-6 – 120; & JHS – 4).
In reference, the Project Lotus initiative of CoTEdM began in 2021 as a collective response and concerted effort to proactively combat the difficulties and challenges in literacy development at the height of the pandemic in Sorsogon Province.
Meanwhile, launched in January of this year, Project 6Bs is a multi-stakeholder approach that underscores the significance of volunteerism and community involvement of Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the field of education at the ground level (Brigada News Philippines, 2024). This resonates with the academe’s shared goals of providing inclusive quality public education, as well as establishing collaborative academic projects and initiatives with local agencies and LGUs toward the greater benefit of the Sorsoganon communities.
CoTEdM Dean, Dr. Alfonso L. Garcia, Jr., affirmed that the partnership is a testament to the institution’s commitment as the Pamantasang May Puso, adhering to its values of social responsibility and excellence. Dean Garcia, Jr. emphasized, “We commit to sustaining our impactful and meaningful engagement with DepEd as our partner agency along with the training of our teacher education students.”
Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension and Training), on behalf of SorSU, received the award at the 2024 Regional Stakeholder’s Convergence and Awarding Ceremonies last June 18, 2024. (SorSU PIO)
