The Bringing Assistance and Supporting Advocacy by Integrating Skills in Teaching Oral Reading (BASA ISTORea) Culmination Day program was successfully hosted by the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English program at NOAC Elementary School.
Spearheaded by Central Philippines State University (CPSU) BSED English faculty and students, BASA ISToRea is an extension project of the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English under the PAGTATAP (Pedagogical Application and Guidance; A teacher Advocacy through Tutorial Assistance Project) Extension Program of the College of Teacher Education (COTED); it advocates to promote love for reading and likewise master confidence in using English language as a spoken language among target participants.
The outreach program was conducted to 50 Grade 6 pupils identified with reading needs competency assessment with a focus on the reading of NOAC Elementary School and was launched on December 11, 2024, and culminated on March 28, 2025—encompassing competency reading assessments, tutorials in the sessions and post-tests.
The BSED English students also organized entertainment for the audience, which included a reader's theater presented by the selected students of grade 6 and a short musical performance by the BSED English 3A students.
The activity ended with a handprint ceremony which symbolizes a personal or collective commitment to learning and literacy. It represents the lasting impact of education, where each handprint marks an individual's growth and contribution to knowledge.
Furthermore, it signifies unity and shared efforts in promoting literacy, highlighting the importance of collective involvement in nurturing learning. The ceremony serves as a reminder that the values of reading and education are passed down, leaving a legacy for future generations to build upon.
The BSED English program also awards a certificates and a kit which includes reading module and school supplies to 50 identified Grade 6 pupils with reading needs by CPSU Officials, led by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Grenny I. Jungco; Director for Review for Licensure Examination, Dr. Marjun C. Malacapay; Office of Student Services and Affairs (OSSA) Dean, Dr. Aubrey Ginelle P. Rallos; and COTED Extension Coordinator, Ms. Joe Ann C. Golez.
"We, the teachers of NOAC Elementary School, are deeply grateful to the BSED English faculty and staff of CPSU for extending this extension program to us. We hope it will continue, as it greatly benefits our students, especially those struggling with reading." Ma'am Chona E. Toroy, Grade six adviser, said.
BASA ISTORea is a project designed to address students' reading difficulties, promote reading habits through diverse activities, and bring back children's love of reading. Reading is vital for children's cognitive and emotional development; it provides them with vicarious experiences of the world and enhances their critical thinking, as well as their speaking and writing skills.
The facilitators also acknowledged the active support of the CPSU Administration, COTED Dean, Dr. Merfe C. Hucalinas; English Program Chair, Sarah M. Villaluz; Faculty and Staff of COTEd, Arts and Letters Society (ALS), Education Society (EDSOC), Extension and Community Services (ECS) Director, Dr. Jimmy Degillio; and of NOAC ES' School Principal II, Dr. Loreto F. Cari-an Jr., Grade 6 Advisers, Mrs. Chona E. Toroy; and Mr. Jonathan Jallorina and the expertice of sir Drandon D. Yusalan for the success of the extension program.
