By Asst. Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

Selected elementary students of the Tiu Cho Teg-Ana Ros Foundation Integrated Farm School browsed the books of the CPU-Kinaadman Reading Development and Diagnostic Services as part of the celebration of National Reading Month.

On December 4, 2025, the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC) and the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities (DLMCH) held the dedication ceremony for the CPU-Kinaadman Reading Development and Diagnostic Services.

This social development initiative aims to address the country’s educational challenges, remarkably low literacy and reading comprehension. The program assesses students’ reading and comprehension levels and provides appropriate interventions to support reading development. The word Kinaadman is a Hiligaynon term meaning “knowledge,” “wisdom,” “learning,” or “education.”

This initiative was developed after selected reading teachers from CPU’s adopted schools and faculty members from the DLMCH participated in seminar-trainings on reading development and volunteerism conducted by World Vision and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development–Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) on July 6–9 of this year. These teachers and faculty members will serve as the personnel responsible for implementing the program, including its administration, supervision, and management.

The first CPU-Kinaadman Reading Development and Diagnostic Services was established at the Tiu Cho Teg-Ana Ros Foundation Integrated Farm School in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City. CAS Dean Dr. Stella G. Fernandez attended the dedication ceremony; DLMCH Chairperson Dr. Annalee L. Cocjin; School Principal Dr. Michael A. Marquez; PNVSCA Executive Director Dir. Donald James D. Gawe; selected CAS department chairpersons; DLMCH faculty members; and officers of the CPU Outreach Students Volunteers Society. They delivered their messages of support for this significant social development initiative. Children’s books and toys in the center were donated by selected students from the College of Medical Laboratory Science, the CAS–Department of Social Work, and the CAS–Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities. Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor and Church Administrator of the University Church, led the dedication ceremony.

This initiative is also part of the celebration of the 100th year of the CPU College of Arts and Sciences, National Volunteers Month, and National Reading Month.