CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU), through its Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN), officially launched the “Read & Grow Together Literacy Program” in partnership with the local government of Catbalogan City on July 18, 2025 at the President’s Board Room, Convention Center, SSU Main Campus.
SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia welcomed participants and emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusive education and gender empowerment. Project Leader and SAGWAN Coordinator Dr. Nathalie Ann A. Acosta presented the rationale of the extension program where she highlighted the initiative’s role in advancing literacy and community development.
Catbalogan City Mayor Hon. Dexter M. Uy, who graced the activity in person, and City Councilor Hon. Stephany Uy-Tan, along with representatives from school beneficiaries and barangay officials, expressed their support and commitment to the program.
This initiative is under SAGWAN’s, “BREAKING THE CHAINS OF ILLITERACY: Strengthening Literacy of Young Learners and Parents as a Social Issue in Catbalogan’s Underserved Communities Through the ‘Read & Grow Together’ Literacy Program,” which seeks to address the pressing concern of illiteracy among children and their parents in marginalized areas of Catbalogan City by promoting inclusive and family-centered learning. Through the “Read & Grow Together” program, SSU and LGU Catbalogan aim to provide learning materials, conduct interactive literacy sessions, and build stronger home-school-community partnerships.
In closing, SAGWAN Director Ms. Charmaine R. Quina affirmed SAGWAN’s dedication to establishing gender-responsive literacy programs in collaboration with local stakeholders.