Isabela State University (ISU) partners with Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL) for the conduct of a Trainers’ Workshop for Parateachers’ Capability Training Program on May 15, 2024 at the Climate Change Center, ISU Echague Campus.

The said training was attended by faculty members of both institutions headed by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President, duly represented by Dr. Boyet L. Batang) and Dr. Agnes S. Reyes (Executive Director and Provost) for ISU and PNUNL respectively.

According to Dr. Batang, research shows that parateachers have a significant positive impact on student outcomes as he manifested that both institutions’ dedication and hardwork make a big difference in the lives of students.

“And as we look to the future, we want to know that we have the support of these two institutions, the Philippine Normal University – North Luzon Campus and Isabela State University, and of course the full support of the administration of these great institutions and acknowledgement that we recognize the vital role we play and dedicated to supporting this endeavor,” Dr. Batang emphasized.

The workshop is intended to produce a teacher’s guide/manual or any instructional material that the attendees can use once the training for parateachers commence. The proposed parateachers are Grade 10 and Grade 12 graduates of the Agta community in Palanan, Isabela.

With the assistance of Dr. Leticia N. Aquino (Dean for Academics and the Hub, PNU North Luzon) and Dr. Clemente M. Aguinaldo, Jr. (Associate Dean, Faculty of Teacher Development), the attendees will be guided in the navigation of the teacher’s guide/manual.

Aside from this, Mr. Roy T. Layao (Community Development Officer III, NCIP Cauayan Community Service Center) was invited for a lecture on cultural sensitivity that the attendees must understand in order to promote and appreciate the different cultures of the Agta Indigenous Cultural Community within the Northern part of Sierra Madre which the participants will be working with.

The said project partnered by both institutions and several Local Government Units (LGUs) started during the visit of Dr. Bert J. Tuga (President, PNU) to ISU and was further strengthened and established after both institutions had their benchmarking activity in Zurich, Switzerland.