On December 14, 2024, ten parents from the Good Neighbors Philippines Prieto Diaz Capacity Development Project (PD CDP) and 86 participants from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Sorsogon successfully completed the Project Lotus 3.0 Program. In partnership with Sorsogon State University (SorSU), this initiative empowered parents with practical strategies to help enhance their children’s literacy development.

Over 10 weeks, parents attended Saturday sessions where they learned effective techniques to create positive learning habits at home and integrate them into everyday life. The participants showcased remarkable dedication to their children’s education throughout the program, gaining valuable skills and resources to support them. 

The culmination ceremony, held at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, was attended by key figures such as Dr. Alfonzo L. Garcia Jr., Dean of the College of Teacher Education; Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, SorSU President; and Hon. Ma. Ester E. Hamor, Mayor of Sorsogon City. Dr. De Jesus emphasized the vital role of parents in shaping children’s educational outcomes and urged continuous collaboration among government units, partner organizations, and the community to sustain such impactful initiatives.

Good Stories from the Community

This meaningful activity also highlighted the core of our work in communities: its people. Their insights and stories reaffirmed the life-changing impact of education. 

Vilma Fajardo, a standout participant, was recognized for her exceptional commitment to the program, inspiring others to pursue educational growth. Cecil Domanais, another participant, shared how the training inspired them to build stronger family bonds and foster a love for learning in their children, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the program’s practical strategies.

Looking ahead, the ten trained parents will serve as mentors, sharing their knowledge with Community Service Volunteers during monthly meetings. This peer-to-peer model amplifies the program’s reach, empowering more families to embrace education as a shared responsibility. Encouraged by the success of this first cohort, organizers plan to expand the program and secure funding to continue this vital work.

The completion of Project Lotus 3.0 represents a pivotal moment in creating lasting change in Sorsogon. Through the combined efforts of SorSU, local partners, and families, this initiative ensures that everyone is part of the process toward progress—a collective journey toward Good Change.

The TEACH Project: Bridging Literacy Gaps

Project Lotus is part of the TEACH (Together Engaging Active Collaboration for Helping Children Read and Learn) Project under PD CDP, aiming to address literacy challenges in Prieto Diaz. Through its core components—Digital Library, Parental Trainings, and Community Engagement—the project strives to create lasting educational improvements and empower communities to shape brighter futures.