Academic Years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025
The University of the Cordilleras Peer Facilitators Organization (UCPF) under the Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO), in collaboration with the UC Center for Social Responsibility (UC-CSR) and the Joint Task Group/Unit (JTG/JTU) Baguio, continues to uphold its advocacy for literacy and environmental care through its flagship outreach initiative, Project R.E.A.D. (Reading Enhancement and Development) and Peers for the Environment.
The initiative first took shape in the Academic Year 2023–2024, bringing together UCPF volunteers and 10 members from JTG Baguio for a day of community engagement at Camp 7 Elementary School. The morning was filled with energy and excitement as 45 Grade 1 learners participated in storytelling sessions that inspired curiosity, comprehension, and a love for reading. Classic Filipino tales came to life through interactive storytelling and creative activities, helping students explore moral lessons and strengthen their imagination. In the afternoon, the volunteers shifted their focus to a Clean-up Drive, transforming the school grounds into a cleaner and more welcoming environment. Beyond tidying up, the activity promoted teamwork and community pride among all participants.
Building on this success, the project was once again conducted in the Academic Year 2024–2025 with UCPF, UC-CSR, and JTU, continuing their partnership with Camp 7 Elementary School. Guided by the theme “Bridging Mind and Nature: Empowering Literacy and Environment in the Philippines through Project R.E.A.D.”, the activity engaged 36 Grade 1 students in a day of fun-filled learning and environmental action. The morning featured interactive reading and comprehension games using storybooks that encouraged reflection on values and teamwork. In the afternoon, the volunteers carried out a Clean-up Drive and Mural Painting, symbolizing the harmony between nurturing young minds and caring for the planet.
Through these back-to-back initiatives, Project R.E.A.D. and Peers for the Environment have become more than just outreach activities, they are living testaments to the power of education, service, and sustainability. With every story shared and every space cleaned, the UCPF and its partners continue to empower young learners to become readers, dreamers, and stewards of their environment, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
As the projects evolve year after year, UCPF remains steadfast in its mission to bridge advocacy and action. By combining literacy enhancement with environmental awareness, the organization continues to create ripples of positive change within the community, proving that even small acts of kindness, when done with purpose and heart, can nurture both the minds of young learners and the world they live in.
