By Kent Chester V. Do-oma, Board Member for Outreach and External Affairs

Volunteers gather for a photo opportunity before traveling to the beneficiary schools for the book donation and distribution activity under HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER.

HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER is an educational community outreach initiative of Dr. Lorna T. Grande, College Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy, aimed at extending educational support and learning opportunities to students in selected elementary and national high schools in the Province of Iloilo. The initiative was carried out through the collaborative efforts of the College of Business and Accountancy, CBA Provincial Council, CBA Faculty, Organization Presidents, and REX Education and its representatives, Ms. Florence Q. Bolivar and Ms. Jovelyn G. Belosillo.

Through this initiative, more than 5,500 books were donated and distributed to learners from six selected schools in Iloilo. The project sought to provide additional educational and reading resources that could support learners in their academic activities, encourage a culture of reading, and contribute to their overall educational development. HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER reflects Dr. Grande’s commitment to extending the College’s service and resources beyond the university and creating meaningful opportunities for learners in the community.

HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER marks a successful book donation initiative supporting learning opportunities and educational development among learners in Iloilo.

OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED

HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER, an initiative of Dr. Lorna T. Grande, was conducted on August 20, 2026, through a collaborative book donation and distribution activity. The initiative brought together the College of Business and Accountancy, CBA Provincial Council, CBA Faculty, Organization Presidents, and REX Education to extend educational assistance to selected schools in the Province of Iloilo.

More than 5,500 books were distributed to six beneficiary schools: Mina Central School, Mina National High School, Culasi National High School, Roberto H. Tirol National High School (Concepcion National High School), Lo-ong Elementary School, and Lo-ong National High School.

The activity provided learners with additional reading and educational materials to support their studies and learning activities. It also strengthened the partnership between the College of Business and Accountancy and REX Education in promoting educational development and community engagement.

SERVICES DELIVERED

Through HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER, the College of Business and Accountancy delivered educational assistance through the distribution of more than 5,500 books to learners from six selected schools in the Province of Iloilo.

The initiative provided learners with supplementary reading and educational materials to support their academic needs and enhance their learning experiences. It also brought educational resources directly to beneficiary schools, allowing the College to extend its outreach and support to communities beyond the university.

With the support of the CBA Provincial Council, CBA Faculty, Organization Presidents, and REX Education, the initiative demonstrated the importance of collaboration in advancing educational opportunities for learners. More than a book donation, HIRAYA: Phoe-NEXT CHAPTER served as an expression of Dr. Grande’s initiative and the College of Business and Accountancy’s commitment to community service, educational development, and meaningful outreach.