Building libraries for the future. In the mountainous terrain of Miagao, where signal and a functional library are both scarce, the Philippine Literacy Project: Building Libraries for the Future brought books to bridge the literacy gap and foster a love for reading and learning in the community.
The activity was held on January 9, 2026 at Olango Integrated School, Barangay Olango, Miagao, Iloilo.
The collaborative project was a significant initiative involving the University of the Philippines Visayas and the UPV University Library’s extension service with the help of the UPV Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/ Oblation Corps, and the 61st Infantry Battalion, Miagao, Iloilo.
The endeavor has been made achievable through the generous donations of Mr. Zyrel T. Rojo, Mrs. Jhoanna Gorriceta-Rojo, Mr. Winston Gorriceta, and Mrs. Mercedita Gorriceta, founders of the MS Community Library & Learning Center in Passi City.
Dr. Clement C. Camposano, UPV Chancellor, spearheaded the team along with Mrs. Jhoanna Gorriceta-Rojo, donor and U.P. alumni based in California; Ms. Analiza S. Galang-Linaugo, University Librarian; Prof. Jerry Ian L. Leonida, UPV Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps Director; representatives of UPV Silak-Silab fraternity and sorority, staff, volunteers, and other partners. They navigated the rugged terrain with the assistance of soldiers from the 61st Infantry Battalion, who drove military trucks to transport the books, learning materials, and packed snacks.
A program was held at the school attended by pupils, teachers, parents, and barangay officials, highlighting the community’s strong support for education. Dr. Clement C. Camposano graced the activity and emphasized in his opening remarks the value of service, specifically, serving remote communities through educational outreach initiatives.
Inspirational messages filled with gratitude and encouragement marked a special event at the school community, motivating students to dream big and pursue their goals.
Ms. Myrna M. Naculpa, Head Teacher III of Olango Integrated School, urged the students to cultivate a reading habit and aim high, while Dr. Rosa M. Heredia, Public Schools District Supervisor of Miagao West District also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support extended to the students’ learning.
SB Marlou Rubino Niones of LGU Miagao shared stories of humble beginnings, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Meanwhile, Mrs. Jhoanna Gorriceta-Rojo, in her stirring message, left a lasting impression on the student-recipients with her powerful words: “Never let distance limit your dreams. Read because education is your vehicle.”
Colorful costumes and dance prowess added energy and enthusiasm to the activity as students expressed their gratitude through dance and music.
The turning over of donations was formally sealed with a signing of acknowledgment documents participated by Chancellor Camposano, Ms. Naculpa, and Ms. Linaugo. Boxes of books covering various subjects along with stuffed toys were turned over to Dr. Heredia, Ms. Naculpa, and the faculty. Students were thrilled to receive the books, eagerly flipped through the pages and read the contents.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Analiza S. Galang-Linaugo expressed her gratitude to partners who contributed to the success of the event. She underscored the importance of literacy and reminded the students and their parents to utilize the provided resources in building a brighter future.
Packed sandwiches, juice, and candies were distributed to the students, parents and teachers. Activities provided by the staff and volunteers of the UPV Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/ Oblation Corps capped off the event. Fun games in the open field and engaging storytelling activities in selected rooms were conducted simultaneously.
Olango Integrated school was the first beneficiary of the Philippine Literacy Project: Building Libraries for the Future. The University Library, the Gorriceta-Rojo families, and partners look forward to reaching more schools in Miagao, Iloilo, promoting literacy and education, one book at a time, one school at a time.
Written by M.N. Taganap
Photos by Gian Genoveza, IPO
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