In a celebration of learning, collaboration, and community involvement, the City Government of Isabela, under the visionary leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, held the Sakayan-Kaalaman 3.0 Graduation Ceremony and Recognition of Partners on December 10 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall.
A total of 100 identified struggling readers from Grades 2 to 6 of Kaumpurnah Elementary School completed the 20 structured sessions of the Sakayan-Kaalaman Reading Project of LGU–Isabela City. The program is led by the City Information Office (CIO) and the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), in partnership with the Department of Education Schools Division Office–Isabela City.
The learners underwent two reading assessments conducted by Kaumpurnah Elementary School teachers using standard reading assessment tools. Results showed significant improvement in their reading skills, marking a major milestone in the program’s goal of strengthening early literacy.
The program officially commenced with the Marching of Learners with their Mentors, followed by the welcome remarks of Principal Rasheeva Atara. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all individuals and organizations who contributed to the program’s success.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the Choral Reading presentation by the learners, showcasing their improved reading abilities and growing confidence.
Board Member for District 1 Ahmed Ibn Djaliv “Amin” Hataman delivered an inspirational message highlighting reading as an essential life skill and encouraging learners to continue developing their abilities beyond the program.
A message of support was delivered by Public Schools District Supervisor Antonia Tanhaji of Isabela North District 1, representing OIC–Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Maria Laarni Villanueva. She commended the learners, teachers, mentors, and partners, underscoring the value of collaboration in addressing learning gaps at an early age.
In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her pride in the learners’ accomplishments, noting the milestone of transforming 100 struggling readers to zero. She reaffirmed that Sakayan-Kaalaman, now on its third iteration, will continue reaching more schools and communities to build a sustainable culture of reading among young Isabeleños.
This was followed by the Presentation and Distribution of Certificates to the graduates, including the Top 10 Outstanding Learners who demonstrated exceptional commitment and improvement throughout the sessions.
A highlight of the program was the Recognition of Volunteer Reading Partners, whose dedication greatly contributed to the learners’ progress. City Councilor Asan Al-Ameen Camlian, representing the Volunteer Reading Partners, shared her experience as part of the Youth Space Mentoring Program, emphasizing the importance of youth and community involvement in education.
Partners for this batch of Sakayan-Kaalaman included the City Population Management and Development Office/City Nutrition Action Office, City Health Office, CHO–Dental Health Unit, SK Federation, Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv “Amin” Hataman, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Girl Scouts of the Philippines–Basilan Council, Bureau of Fire Protection–Isabela City Fire Station, City Persons with Disability Affairs Office, Tau Gamma Phi, Philippine Coast Guard–Isabela City Station, Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., Solidaridad IDF Foundation Inc., Working on Environmental Restoration and Preservation Advocacy (WERPA), Barangay Information Officers Network (BION), and the Philippine National Police–Isabela City Police Station, with additional support from City Councilors Asan Al-Ameen Camlian, Jashim Tiplani, James Abner Rodriguez, Alex Infante Ututalum, Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul-Hataman, Jeromy Casas, and Yusoph Abubakar.
Certificates were also awarded to mentors from the Youth Space Mentoring Program, under the guidance of Local Youth Development Officer Levinia Jarejolne, as well as to the Top 10 Volunteer Mentors who demonstrated outstanding commitment and consistency throughout all sessions.
The program concluded with an SDE presentation on Sakayan-Kaalaman 3.0 and a heartfelt gratitude song performed by the Youth Space Mentoring Program. The Closing Message was delivered by City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim, who thanked all stakeholders for their collective efforts and unwavering support.
The Sakayan-Kaalaman Reading Program, together with the HAPIsabela Mobile Library, is conducted yearly in selected schools in Isabela City. This is its third school, after Busay and Cabunbata Elementary Schools. The program guides 100 struggling readers through 20 sessions, combining educational input from partner organizations and focused reading activities, with YSMP mentors supporting students’ literacy, health awareness, and holistic well-being. (Words by SJ Asakil, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV
