July 31, 2025 | PNU North Luzon, Alicia, Isabela — The Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL) conducted an impact assessment of its flagship extension programs—Project SIKAD (Sirib ken Kadaywan) led by Prof. Virgilio F. Reyes and Mentoring Early Childhood Teachers (MET) headed by Dr. Leticia Aquino. Held at the EDP Conference Room, the event showcased the programs’ important contributions to improving literacy and numeracy among Indigenous Peoples (IP), particularly within the Agta communities of Sitio Magamut, San Pablo, Isabela, and in capacitating Child Development Workers (CDWs) or teachers from LGU Cauayan City to design developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children.

Evaluators from West Visayas State University (WVSU), Dr. Elias Olapane and Dr. Marie Candy Celeste, were present to observe and assess the outcomes of PNUNL’s community extension efforts.

Representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), through Provincial Director Ma’am Anne Suggiyao, and Hon. Garry Galutera of LGU Cauayan City, expressed amazement at the remarkable improvements in educational performance within the Agta communities compared to past years and similar efforts by other partner agencies.

Both NCIP and WVSU commended PNUNL for its culturally responsive, community-centered approach, recognizing its effectiveness in uplifting marginalized communities through education. They emphasized the need for the university to sustain and expand its initiatives beyond current program timelines and funding. NCIP and Hon. Galutera also acknowledged that the impact of PNUNL’s extension programs is not only visible on the ground but is also affirmed globally—citing the university’s inclusion in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings, where it placed 21st. This recognition, they noted, reflects the real-world impact and innovation of the institution’s outreach efforts.

The WVSU and NCIP further urged PNUNL to replicate these impactful programs in other IP communities across Northern Luzon. University officials reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive and transformative education, aligned with PNUNL’s mission to empower marginalized groups through sustained and contextually relevant extension services.