BALCS 2nd year students turn over 7 children鈥檚 books to Project RISE

by The Project RISE Team聽 | Dec 09 2025

Seven illustrated children’s books were turned over to Project RISE (Reading Initiatives with Stakeholders Engagement) by the LCS 112 students of the BA in Literary and Cultural Studies (BALCS) program of the English Department, 51吃瓜网–Iligan Institute of Technology. Written by the Second Year BALCS students, the books were developed using the Curriculum Map crafted by the RISE Team for the Grade 3 program. Each story was rooted in Iligan City’s places, histories, and everyday life, and shaped by the cultural threads of Mindanao.

The turnover followed the class’s ceremonial book launch. Representing RISE were Mr. Vincent Malales and Mr. Paul Azidin Gadiani, who accepted the books from the LCS 112 students and their teacher, Assoc. Prof. Onnah Pierre Talle, together with the English Department Chairperson, Prof. Irish Mae Fernandez-Dalona, and faculty members Asst. Prof. Ryan Jimenez and Ms. Louise Francine Socillo.

Mr. Malales underscored how essential children’s books are to the project’s work in public schools. “Children’s books are our lifeline since we use the books in making our lesson plans,” he said. He also delivered the message of the RISE Team Leader, Dr. Shelanee Ruales: “We deeply value the work you have done. While we may not be able to repay you monetarily, know that your greatest reward is already on its way: these stories will travel into countless small hands, enrich young minds, and warm many hearts. This is a gift we will cherish.”

RISE expresses its gratitude to the authors of the following storybooks: The Children of Mandulog by Lysandra Andaloc, Roeann Boloron, Kevin Colao, and Jester Gapol; A Whole New World With Sari by Keshia Akiatan, Keziah Antad, Chrizia Balicuatro, and Blessly Bejega; The Journey of Etty and Tina to the Majestic Pampam Falls by Letty Contorno, Rhianne Delosa, Jean Encarnacion, and Fatma Bucua; Ma, Nakamamatay ba ang Malakas na Ulan? by Johaina Daromimbang, Hanif Macaayan, Jamaica Cosain, and Ivette Facundo, illustrated by Skye Talle, Ezekiel Laput, and Seth Macaya; Where Is Mama and Papa? by Bridget Lucio, Elynne Niog, Kathlene Ovillo, Jessica Pagsiat, and Reyzelle Tare, illustrated by Bridget Lucio and Reyzelle Tare; Maymay Just Play! by Alyssa Ishii, Donna Obial, Eden Puenliona, Haina Usman, and Jemaimah Yuson; and Tin-ag and the Birth of Tinago Falls by Nicole Herbito, Biencel Pascubillo, Jhanielle Juros, and Reyhann Rebalde.

These storybooks will support Grade 3 teachers in crafting lesson plans by next year, 2026, and will be used by Grade 3 RISE learners in 2027.

This year-end gift from LCS 112 joins the many contributions that have strengthened RISE throughout 2025. The project also received monetary support, books, supplies, 3D instructional materials, and equipment from MBFI Noted–NorthMinCar; Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Centerpoint; Ms. Lourdes Aviles; Ms. Dedrree Delos Angeles; Dr. Eileen Villaruz; Councilor Nichole Capangpangan; Dr. Lourd Greggory Crisol; two CED BEED–Home Economics alumni (Class of 2003); a BEED–English alumna (Class of 2012); Teacher D’s Learning Hub; the CPE 107 classes of Asst. Prof. John Adil; and the classes of Dr. Rizalina Gomez and Dr. Ciedelle Grageda.

RISE likewise acknowledges the dedication of the volunteer Reading Ambassadors from the College of Education, who generously shared their time in the reading sessions of partner schools.

The project also recognizes the commitment and creative work of nine illustrators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who helped bring the Grade 1 and Grade 2 storybooks to life. Their time, talent, and patience made these books possible: Novelyn Martalla, Olwen Joshua Santiago, Lois Kris Galera, Merjam Rhea Ocampos, Kurtney Klindt Adorniga, Skye Immaculee Talle, Ezekiel Shane Laput, Sittie Sahara Usman, and Bernie Remoquillo.

RISE is deeply grateful to all donors, partners, volunteers, illustrators, and student-writers whose generosity and dedication have made this year a meaningful one. We close the year with gratitude, especially to the LCS 112 class, whose stories will soon come alive in Grade 3 classrooms and in the imaginations of young readers.

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