The Philippine Normal University (PNU), the National Center for Teacher Education, has officially commenced a 10-day professional development and mentoring program dubbed “MINT through READERS”. The project, which stands for “Mentoring, Inspiring, and Nurturing Teachers through Responsive Education for Advancing Development in Essential Reading Skills,” kicked off on May 25, 2026, at the Manila Science High School. The on-site program will run its first phase from May 25 to 29, and conclude its second phase from June 1 to 6, 2026.
Organized through the joint efforts of the College of Teacher Development (CTD) – Faculty of Education and Information Sciences (FEIS) and the Center for Reading and Literacy (CRL), the initiative is specifically designed for Department of Education (DepEd) Key Stage 1 Teachers across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The opening program featured inspiring messages from educational leaders emphasizing the importance of literacy. During the plenary session, Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas, PNU Vice President for Academics, highlighted that reading and literacy are essential for improving comprehension and developing lifelong learners. She underscored the delicate and powerful role of teachers in helping learners find their voice and experience success, noting that effective reading instruction requires compassion, patience, and learner-sensitivity. Dr. Balagtas also reminded educators to engage in reflective practice, align with professional standards, and commit to continuous growth.
Mrs. Marita D. Aquino, Education Program Supervisor of DepEd National Capital Region, delivered a message on behalf of Dir. Jocelyn DR. Andaya, Regional Director of DepEd NCR. She stressed the vital role of teachers in student literacy and encouraged participants to be ready to learn and transfer their newfound knowledge to their classrooms. Mrs. Aquino also lauded DepEd’s partnership with State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in delivering engaging and meaningful training workshops for teachers.
In her statement of purpose, Dr. Josephine M. Calamlam, MINT Project Lead and FEIS CRL Head, highlighted the urgent call to empower teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to help children become successful readers. Describing teaching as a journey of mentoring and inspiring, she encouraged educators to maintain an open mind and a courageous heart.
The opening preliminaries concluded with an explanation of the house rules and training schedules by FEIS Associate Dean Dr. Niño D. Naldoza , followed by the mechanics of the workshop presented by Dr. Calamlam.
Project MINT is designed to strengthen early childhood educators’ competencies in literacy instruction, inclusive pedagogy, assessment, mentoring, and reflective professional practice. The comprehensive training program covers critical areas of reading development, integrating topics such as phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension. Furthermore, the sessions will delve into assessment strategies, intervention techniques, and work application planning to ensure practical application in the classroom. The initiative reflects PNU’s institutional commitment to educational reform and nation-building.
