University News

CELC Moving-Up Ceremony Celebrates Young Learners and Community Partnership

Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office

A heartfelt celebration of growth, learning, and hope marked the Moving-Up Ceremony of the Community Extension Learning Center (CELC) of the College of Education, held on May 5, 2026, at Bulwagang Bonifacio. Centered on the theme “Binhi ng Karunungan, Pag-asa ng Kinabukasan,” the event recognized the achievements of pre-school learners from Sections Mabuti and Mahusay—honoring not only their academic progress but also the values they cultivated inside and beyond the classroom. 

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including the College of Education Dean, Dr. Rosemariebeth R. Dizon, Dr. Daizlyn C. Palillo, Chairperson of the Department of Secondary Education, and Dr. Ma. Carmela Asebias, Chairperson of the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, along with Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student teachers, parents, guardians, and community leaders. Strengthening the initiative was its active partnership with Barangay 630, led by Hon. Cristina Lara, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing young learners within the community.

In her message, Dean Dizon likened the learners to growing trees, underscoring the transformative impact of proper care and guidance. “Etong mga punong ito, nag-umpisa lamang sa maliit na binhi, pero dahil sa pag-aalaga at pagbibigay ng kanilang mga pangangailangan, sila ay lumago,” she shared (“These trees, representing the students, started as small seeds, but through proper care and support, they have grown.”). 

She further emphasized the value of collective effort, adding, “Sa sama-sama nating pagtutulungan—kasama ang College of Education, Barangay 630, at kayo pong mga magulang at guardians—ang mga batang ito ay lalago at mamumunga balang araw” (“Through our collective efforts—with the College of Education, Barangay 630, and the parents and guardians—these children will grow and bear fruit in time.”). Her message highlighted how meaningful education thrives through strong collaboration among schools, families, and the community.

Parents expressed deep gratitude for the CELC’s role in shaping their children’s development. Mrs. Keinnette Morris shared her pride in her daughter’s transformation, noting, “I am proud and surprised kasi hindi ko in-expect na may i-eenhance pa pala ang anak ko. Nahubog siya ng CELC—hindi lang sa academics, kundi pati sa manners at self-care, at malaki ang pagbabago” (“I am proud and surprised because I did not expect my child could still improve further. CELC helped shape her—not only academically, but also in manners and self-care, and the change has been significant.”). Her testimony reflects the program’s holistic approach, emphasizing both academic excellence and character formation.

For student teachers, CELC served as a meaningful avenue for both professional and personal growth. Khryss Reanne P. Laurente, a third-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student, shared a memorable experience: “For two years bilang CELC volunteer teacher, isa sa mga pinaka-memorable sa akin ay kapag napapadaan lang ako, tapos may biglang babati ng ‘Hi Teacher Khryss!’ o ‘Teacher ko yan!’—sobrang nakaka-heartwarming” (“For two years as a CELC volunteer teacher, one of my most memorable experiences is when I am simply passing by and suddenly hear ‘Hi Teacher Khryss!’ or ‘That’s my teacher!’—it is incredibly heartwarming.”). 

She also underscored the value of early teaching exposure, saying, “Sobrang laking tulong na na-expose ako sa ganitong opportunity… imagine, second year pa lang ako, nabigyan na ako ng pagkakataong makapagturo sa mga bata” (“It has been a huge help to be exposed to this opportunity… imagine, even as a second-year student, I was already given the chance to teach children.”). Her insights illustrate how the College of Education cultivates future educators who are not only skilled in pedagogy but also grounded in empathy and community engagement.

The CELC initiative strongly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and accessible early childhood learning, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through its collaboration with Barangay 630, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening ties among educational institutions, local government, and families, and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by fostering self-care and values formation among learners. More than a ceremonial milestone, the CELC Moving-Up event stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when education, community, and compassion come together—reminding all that every child’s success is a shared triumph shaped by collective effort.