February 05, 2026 – Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), under the leadership of its President Dr. Samson L. Molao, conducted the Seminar-Workshop on Mental Health Awareness, Teaching Reading to Young Learners, Literacy Advocacy Framework and Instructional Materials Development at Lambayong Central Elementary School led the School Principal, Agnes P. Lim as part of the University’s extension project titled Handog Dunong at Materyales (HanDuM): Reinforcing Literacy through a Contextualized Reading Enhancement Program. The activity forms part of the University’s continuing initiative to extend academic expertise and institutional support to the Department of Education (DepEd), particularly in addressing literacy gaps and strengthening reading instruction in basic education schools.
The seminar-workshop aimed to provide teachers with opportunities for professional growth, collaborative learning, and practical strategies that support effective instruction and holistic learner development, while fostering a culture of advocacy, inclusion, and well-being in the classroom.
The program opened with remarks from Arlyn L. Gaspar, LCES Reading Coordinator, followed by key sessions led by SKSU Resource Speakers, including Dr. Amira Mae C. Gumanoy, IMDC Director and HanDuM Project Leader, on the Literacy Advocacy Framework; Dr. Karen Joy B. Talidong on teaching reading to young learners; Prof. Michael Kennedy G. Camarao on instructional materials development and publication; and Prof. Lywelyn M. Palanog on mental health awareness, with messages of support shared by the LCES Principal and Dr. Anesa P. Mangindra, Dean of the SKSU College of Teacher Education. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates and reflections from Daria O. Bermudez, LCES Guidance Counselor; and was facilitated by Noel M. Franilla and Kristal T. Benitez.
Through HanDuM, SKSU continues to affirm its commitment to community engagement and inter-agency collaboration while advancing key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and effective literacy instruction, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through mental health awareness, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and DepEd in support of basic education.
