By Via Marie F. Dumenden

CPU Junior High faculty members pose with teachers of schools in the District of Maasin and the Maasin National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) for the Project TISAY (Transformative Interventions to Strengthen Abilities in Youth) and the Balay BASA-ISIP (Bridging All Subject Area Innovations as a Strategic Intervention Power for Literacy and Numeracy) at the MNCHS Junior High School Covered Gym.

On August 7, 2025, schools in the District of Maasin and the Maasin National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) officially launched two significant educational initiatives: Project TISAY (Transformative Interventions to Strengthen Abilities in Youth) and the Balay BASA-ISIP (Bridging All Subject Area Innovations as a Strategic Intervention Power for Literacy and Numeracy). The event, held at the MNCHS Junior High School Covered Gym, was a testament to the community’s commitment to enhancing literacy and learning opportunities for its students.

Project TISAY, with a tagline “Transforming Struggles into Strengths, One Learner at a Time,” aims for impact from igniting reading interest to strengthening Math mastery while harnessing the power of teachers and volunteers alike. This project is anchored to a long-term vision of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) ARAL Law or the RA 12028 – Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Act, the Tib-ong Bumultho of SDO Iloilo, Kasimaryo Ko, Tudluan Ko, and SRNT-LAN Program or the Special Reading and Numeracy Tutors-Literacy and Numeracy, supporting the initiative of the Schools District of Maasin.

Balay BASA-ISIP innovation, on the other hand, aims to respond to the needs of the struggling learners by providing them a conducive, safe, stable, and comfortable place where they feel the spirit of home while learning and improve their learning capabilities in literacy and numeracy. In addition, a product of the undying commitment of their educators to embody the DepEd’s mantra, No child shall be left behind. Dr. Pilar Corcino and Dr. Marlo Quidato, the proponents of this project, tapped benevolent stakeholders to collaborate in the construction of the Balay BASA-ISIP.

The launch was composed of a two-part program. Part I was the formal Launching Program, which brought together various stakeholders to witness the inauguration of these projects. Ma’am Pilar O. Corcino, Master Teacher II/LAN Focal Person, gave her welcome message, followed by the Presentation of the Literacy and Numeracy Projects, in which Project TISAY was presented by Dr. Ma. Teresa B. Campaniel, Principal-in-Charge of the District, and Project Balay BASA-ISIP was presented by Ma’am Divina A. Billena, Master Teacher II/Officer-in-Charge of MNCHS. Significant individuals who also delighted the event were Dr. Nestor Paul M. Pingil, Chief, Curriculum and Implementation Division-Schools Division of Iloilo, and Hon. John C. Mondejar, SB Member of Municipality of Maasin, in lieu of Municipal Mayor, Hon. Francis A. Amboy. Both also delivered a Special Message, in which Dr. Pingil emphasized that not only the teachers will take part in learning, but the parents and learners themselves, believing that learning must first come from home. He also challenged the educators to intensify learners’ literacy and encouraged learners to take learning seriously. Hon. Mondejar, who has strong advocacy for education, has committed to continuous support on behalf of the Maasin LGU for every project or program their community needs to advance education and innovation. Other participants included local Brgy. and Municipal Officials of Maasin, school heads from various elementary and high schools in the district, and representatives from the school community, such as parents, SPTA officers, and SSLG officers.

This part of the program highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in education. It provided an overview of how Project TISAY and Balay BASA-ISIP will benefit the students and the wider community. It also served as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of partners.

Part II was the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Balay BASA-ISIP, a new library and learning hub. This segment marked the physical opening of the facility, allowing attendees to get a first look at the resources now available to students. The ceremony signifies a new chapter for the school’s educational resources.

A key highlight of the event was the strong support from external partners. Representatives from Central Philippine University (CPU) Junior High School, headed by Prof. Charlett B. Dianala, CPU-JHS Principal, Prof. Juvi Joy Guatelara, CPU-JHS Outreach Coordinator, and Mrs. Ma. Leen C. Gahum, CPU-JHS Librarian, together with the CPU Henry Luce III Library Librarians, headed by Officer-in-Charge to the Director of Libraries, Prof. Melanie G. Hermano, Ms. Chilou P. Batoon, American Corner Iloilo Librarian, and Ms. Via Marie F. Dumenden, Serials and Filipiniana Librarian, were in attendance, demonstrating their commitment to the initiative. The CPU Library played a pivotal role by providing essential learning materials, including books and magazines, to stock the new facility. Further extending its support, the American Corner Iloilo, through the eLibraryUSA digital library, offered assistance in accessing its comprehensive and valuable resources. This collaboration provides educators, students, and the community with access to a vast collection of digital materials, broadening their academic horizons and supplementing the physical library’s offerings.

The successful launch of Project TISAY and Balay BASA-ISIP is a significant step forward for the Schools District of Maasin, made possible through the unified efforts of local government, school officials, and dedicated community partners.