As a university responsive to the needs of both local and global communities, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its School of Teacher Education (STED), officially launched and implemented two significant projects—Project TANGLAW and Project MES-EXCEL—on December 5, 2024, at the Western Biliran High School for the Arts and Culture (WEBHSAC) in Brgy. Tamarindo, Almeria, Biliran.

Project TANGLAW, which stands for Training and Nurturing Student—Government Leaders with Acumen and Will, is the result of extensive collaborative research by the School of Teacher Education (STED) faculty and the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Social Studies students aimed at developing young leaders who possess the skills, values, and vision necessary to address student leadership challenges in secondary schools.

On the other hand, Project MES-EXCEL (Mathematics, English, Science—Extension for Community Education and Learning), seeks to bridge educational gaps by creating and validating offline web-based instructional materials that teach the least-learned concepts in Math, English, and Science, thereby enhancing learning opportunities in communities with limited online access.

Both projects are designed with long-term sustainability in mind, with BiPSU planning to roll them out in phases and continuously assess their effectiveness through feedback from teachers, students, and the local community, ensuring they evolve to meet the needs of all involved.

In her welcome message, Ms. Loida G. Carreon, Senior High School department head at WEBHSAC, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate on the extension services, emphasizing that the partnership would play a crucial role in advancing the school’s efforts to improve literacy.

“We are grateful that our school has been chosen as one of your partners in the extension services,” she stated. “I believe this partnership can significantly augment our goal of improving literacy in our school.”

As part of the launch, beneficiary profiling was conducted to assess the specific needs and learning levels of students in the target communities, ensuring that the resources and interventions provided are effectively tailored to those who will benefit the most.

Additionally, offline web-based teaching materials on natural calamities were turned over during the event, equipping teachers with essential tools to educate students on disaster preparedness and response, particularly in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

In her message, STED Dean Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan believed that these initiatives would ignite a lasting passion for learning, empower individuals to believe in the transformative power of education, and help the communities in need.

“Through these efforts, we extend to empower communities by using education as a powerful tool to inspire progress and transform lives,” she said. “Our commitment is not just to teach, but to create lasting change that uplifts individuals and communities, giving them the knowledge and confidence to shape their future.”

Project TANGLAW will roll out from this month until March 2025 while Project MES-EXCEL will commence its proper workshop in April 2025 until February 2027.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.]