Consistent to its mission in enhancing youth literacy, the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Language Program (LP) successfully implemented “Read UP: A Literacy Outreach Program” in the Municipality of Janiuay on March 5-6 and April 16-17, 2026.
Read UP is a public service initiative that strengthens early childhood literacy by equipping Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) workers with effective reading instruction strategies. Since its launch in 2018, the program has partnered with several local government units (LGUs) such as Lambunao, Maasin, Passi City, and Badiangan.
The 2026 rollout in Janiuay engaged a total of 53 daycare workers through intensive training sessions. Facilitated by Ms. Annaliza Barcelona, a lecturer from the Division of Humanities, Division of Professional Education, and the UP Open University, the program utilized a blend of interactive lectures and hands-on workshops. These sessions emphasized the “Read Aloud” strategy, a technique designed to foster a lifelong love of reading among preschool learners.
During the workshops, participants used their existing children’s book from their own daycare centers to master diverse Read Aloud techniques and improve their pronunciation of English vowel and consonant sounds.
The initiative received strong commendation from local officials. Mayor Paulino Parian, together with Vice Mayor Felizardo Amigable Jr., MSWDO Head Elizabeth G. Sevilla, ECCD Focal Person Menzie Brizal, and Mr. Raffy Parpa, welcomed the UPV delegation and expressed a keen interest in expanding their collaboration with the university to other areas of local development.
By empowering frontline educators and extending academic resources to the community, UPV reaffirms its mandate as a public service university. Through Read UP, the University continues to build a robust foundation for literacy, paving the way for community empowerment and lifelong learning.
Written by Asst. Prof. Rene Trance, Language Program; with sources from Assoc. Prof. Marie Frances Nievales, Division of Biological Sciences and Ms. Marian Janice Mamon-Mediana, UP Language Program
Photos credits to the Language Program
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