In line with its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, Pampanga State University (PampangaStateU), through its Extension Services Office (ESO), formalized partnerships with three institutions in the Municipality of Apalit, Pampanga during a simultaneous signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding held at the Pampanga State U Apalit Campus on July 2, 2025.
The ceremony marked the beginning of strategic collaborations between PampangaStateU and its new partners—San Vicente Elementary School (SVES), the Department of Education (DepEd) Apalit, and the Apalit Local Government Unit (LGU)—with the shared goal of enhancing research, training, and extension initiatives across various areas of specialization.
Representing PampangaStateU were Engr. Rhoderick Favorito, Director of the Extension Services Office; Dr. Mark Anthony A. Castro, OIC-Director of Apalit Campus; Rhiziel P. Manalese, Director of the University Occupational Safety and Health Office (UOSHO); along with ESO center managers and area specialists.
On behalf of DepEd Apalit, Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Marlene G. Manansala attended the event, joined by school principals Berna Z. Pagsanjan, Mary Grace Lubo, and Nenita N. Centeno.
The three projects are made possible through Dr. Eddiebal Layco, Director of the Planning and Development Office, who served as the focal person for the initiatives.
Project USBONG: Nurturing the potential of young learners
One of the flagship projects launched through the partnership is Project USBONG (Understanding, Strengthening, Building, Opening, Nurturing, Growing) which targets struggling early-grade learners at SVES.
The project aims to improve their literacy and numeracy skills through contextualized, learner-centered, and interactive tutorial sessions.
The name "usbong," a Kapampangan word meaning "sprout," symbolizes the learner’s potential for growth. Project USBONG seeks to equip children with foundational academic skills and prepare them for lifelong learning, while promoting holistic development across cognitive, emotional, social, and moral dimensions.
This initiative is led by Merian M. Payumo together with other faculty members and Bachelor of Elementary Education students from the College of Education at Pampanga State U - Apalit Campus.
From Clicks to Fix: Upskilling Educators in the Digital Age
Recognizing the need to improve digital proficiency among educators, Pampanga State U also introduced From Clicks to Fix: Upskilling Educators in the Digital Age, a three-session training program aimed at enhancing teachers’ technological competencies for 21st-century teaching.
The training is divided into the following modules:
- Session 1: "Tech Check" - PC maintenance and troubleshooting
- Session 2 "Plugged In" - Software installation and educational technology tools
- Session 3 "Click Smart" – Cyber awareness, digital ethics, and responsible social media use
The initiative is designed to enhance educators’ confidence in managing technology and promote responsible digital engagement.
The project is spearheaded by Reden Paul L. Rivera, Ronnel C. Delos Santos and Philip I. Doctor of the College of Computing Studies, with support from the selected faculty members who will facilitate the sessions and provide technical oversight.
Project PROTECT: Promoting Safety and Resilience in Schools
As part of the University’s commitment to promoting community resilience, Project PROTECT (Preparedness and Response Optimization through Education, Coordination, and Training), in collaboration with the UOSHO, will be implemented over three years in three phases:
- Phase 1: Establishment & Education -Capacity Building, Planning, Initial Simulations
- Phase 2: Implementation & Integration - Operationalizing DRRM Systems, Monitoring, Expansion
- Phase 3: Stabilization & Institutionalization - Embedding into Policies, Student Leadership, Exit Strategies.
The program’s objectives include educating stakeholders, training response teams, conducting emergency drills, enhancing safety systems and infrastructure, developing disaster plans, and coordinating with local agencies for effective disaster response.
Photo credits: Extension Services Office
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