Department of English Language and Literature of USM

𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗛𝗦

Pens scratched across paper as student journalists of Bacong National High School worked through their final writing exercises, turning lessons from weeks of training into stories of their own.

The Department of English Language and Literature (DELL), led by Chairperson Dr. Orfelina M. Ajero and SULAT Project Leader Prof. Elangbai B. Dimasingkil, visited the school in Tulunan, Cotabato for the culminating session of the Journalism Component of the SULAT Project.

During the closing program, Prof. Marlon T. Salvador introduced students to the fundamentals of layouting, dummy making, and publishing rules, giving them a hands-on understanding of how stories are transformed into a school paper.

Prof. Salvador also met with school paper advisers Mr. Andrew L. Edian and Ms. Maria Stella G. Porras to discuss current trends, standards, and best practices in managing campus publications.

“The goal is to capacitate not only the students but also the advisers,” shared Prof. Dimasingkil. “That even without our intervention, Bacong National High School would still be able to produce and sustain its school publication.”

Prof. Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita led a writeshop for the student journalists, challenging them to produce articles within a limited time. After the workshop, their outputs were reviewed and assessed based on publication standards, allowing the participants to experience the real process of newsroom writing and editing.

At the end of the session, student journalists received writing kits and snacks, marking not just the conclusion of the training, but the beginning of what organizers hope will become a stronger culture of campus journalism in the school.

“The goal really is for Bacong National High School to produce broadsheets for their Sun Rays and Klayag Du school papers next semester,” Prof. Colita said.

Dr. Mirasol Verona, Dr. Donnie Tulud, and Prof. Estella Barbosa joined the team, providing assistance during the writeshop and evaluation process.

Following the completion of its journalism training sessions, the SULAT Project — or Strengthening Understanding, Literacy, Advocacy, and Textualization of Blaan Youth — is set to move forward to its second component.

𝗕𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿, 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗜𝗻-𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Research became a space for storytelling, critique, and social reflection as three senior Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) students emerged among the top awardees during the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) In-House Review 2026 held on May 14.

Carrying the theme, “Redefining Perspectives: Advancing Social Sciences Research in the Academe,” the event gathered student researchers whose studies explored pressing social realities through language, communication, and critical inquiry.

From examining how young people shape identity through digital spaces to unpacking the language embedded in advertisements and environmental policies, the BAEL students’ works reflected how language continues to influence culture, behavior, and public life beyond the classroom.

Leading the roster of winners was Frances Clare Oberez, who clinched the Best Paper Award in the Basic Paper Category for her study, “Youth and Digital Narratives: A Study of Language Learning and Identity Formation.” Guided by her adviser, Dr. Donnie Tulud, Oberez’s research examined the intersection of language, technology, and identity among the youth in today’s increasingly digital landscape.

Meanwhile, Ailesh Bea Kate Bariga secured the Best Poster Award in the Social Sciences Category for her study, “Analyzing the Representation of Beauty and Health: Product Advertisements in Focus.” Under the mentorship of Dr. Mirasol Verona, Bariga’s work offered a closer look at how advertising language and imagery shape public perceptions of beauty, health, and consumer ideals.

Adding to the BAEL program’s achievements was Kimberly Faye Belono, who earned second place in the Paper Presentation under the Social Sciences Category for her study, “The Language of Protection and Sustainability: A Critical Discourse Analysis of LGU Environmental Ordinances.” Guided by Prof. Elangbai Dimasingkil, Belono’s research highlighted how language functions not only as policy but also as a tool for shaping environmental awareness and governance.

Another BAEL student, Danille Jade Azucena, also represented the program in the Poster Presentation under the Social Sciences Category, further showcasing the department’s growing presence in research and academic discourse.

Bariga and Oberez are set to represent the college in the upcoming university-wide In-House Review on May 19, carrying with them studies that demonstrate the growing relevance of language research in understanding contemporary social realities.

Serving as evaluators during the review were Dr. Girlie Batapa, Dr. Erlmarie Crase, and Dr. Romiel John Basan.

Warmest congratulations to our BAEL alumni, whose dedication, perseverance, and passion for education have led them to successfully pass the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers.

Your achievement brings pride and honor to the BAEL community and DELL family! ♥️

𝗨𝗦𝗠 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗽 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀

Faculty members from the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao (USM) met with officials of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Midsayap on March 23, 2026 to explore a possible partnership for the rollout of Civil Service Examination review classes for municipal employees through the USM Create Academy.

USM Create Academy is the official training and production arm of DELL, formally recognized by the University as a hub for language and creative arts training and enrichment programs. Established in 2025, the Academy offers non-degree courses designed to serve the learning needs of the university community, partner institutions, and external stakeholders.

“This season, we received many messages asking whether the Academy offers review classes for the Civil Service Examination,” shared Assoc. Prof. Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita, project head of USM Create Academy. “As part of our commitment to respond to community needs, this program is our answer to those requests.”

The USM delegation—led by Dr. Orfelina M. Ajero and joined by Dr. Edna Luz T. De Guzman, Assoc. Prof. Nora B. Bolences, and Assoc. Prof. Colita—was welcomed by Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara during an initial consultation in his office.

Following the consultation, the delegation participated in the regular Monday session of the Sangguniang Bayan of Midsayap, where they formally presented the rationale, structure, and coverage of the proposed Civil Service Examination review program. The team was assisted during the visit by Mr. Roderick Bautista, a USM alumnus and the municipality’s Local Youth Development Officer.

“Our review program includes structured mock examinations designed to help participants simulate the actual testing experience,” said Dr. De Guzman, emphasizing one of the program’s key strengths.

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan, led by Dok Toto Deomampo and Jun-Jun Ostique, facilitated the question-and-answer portion of the session. The presentation was also attended by councilors Tweety Araña, Butchick Doletin, Tata Mantil, Balong Bayya, Ian Ostique, and Toping Jatico.

“This initiative reflects the commitment of USM and DELL to bring learning opportunities closer to local government units,” shared Assoc. Prof. Bolences.

After the session, the USM delegation met with Municipal Mayor Rolly Sacdalan, who expressed his continuing support for USM Create initiatives and welcomed the possibility of extending the review program to municipal personnel. Also present during the discussion was Ms. Victoria F. D. Bat-og from the Human Resource Office, who explored coordination mechanisms for potential employee participation.

Once finalized, the proposed review classes are expected to support LGU employees preparing for the Civil Service Professional Examination, a credential that not only grants civil service eligibility but also serves as a requirement for appointment regularization and promotion in many government positions.

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝘂𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀; 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

A new generation of campus journalists began to take shape as Bacong National High School officially introduced the editorial boards of its newly formed student publications during the second leg of the SULAT Extension Program on March 6, 2026, in Tulunan, Cotabato.

Faculty members from the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) returned to Bacong NHS to continue the implementation of SULAT, or "Strengthening Understanding, Literacy, Advocacy, and Textualization for Blaan Youth and Educators." The program seeks to equip both students and teachers with foundational knowledge and current practices in campus journalism, with sessions designed to cover various journalistic genres.

“For our second leg, we will focus on two sessions: Layout and Design, and News and Sports Writing,” said SULAT Project Leader Prof. Elangbai B. Dimasingkil. “DELL will ensure that the participants gain comprehensive knowledge across different aspects of campus journalism, enabling them to become self-sufficient.”

Leading the session on news and sports writing, seasoned campus journalism adviser Prof. Marlon T. Salvador guided participants through the structure and stylistic elements of the two genres. Through interactive tasks, students practiced writing leads, identifying angles, and distinguishing the tone and requirements of news and sports articles.

Meanwhile, Prof. Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita, the longest-serving adviser of The Mindanao Tech, facilitated the session on layout and design. Participants engaged in workshop activities and discussions focused on visual hierarchy, page organization, and effective storytelling through design.

Bacong National High School was represented by the advisers of its newly established campus publications. Mr. Andrew L. Edian will serve as adviser of Sun Rays, while Ms. Maria Stella G. Porras will lead Klayag Du.

Completing the team of DELL extensionists were Prof. Orfelina M. Ajero, Prof. Rezeille May C. Amilbahar, Prof. Mirasol O. Verona, Prof. Donnie M. Tulud, and Prof. Estella Barbosa.

With the formation of its editorial boards and continued training under the SULAT program, Bacong NHS moves closer to establishing a strong and sustainable campus journalism culture, empowering students to tell their stories and amplify their voices within and beyond their community. (EBBarbosa)

Interested schools may invite us to your campus for a day of journalism training and learning sessions. Send us a message now!

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐁 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐔𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐂𝐉𝐂?
The PressLab Campus Journalism Caravan (CJC) is a structured outreach training program designed to strengthen campus journalism at the school level through guided instruction in writing fundamentals, grammar, paragraph development, journalistic clarity, and publication management. The program delivers faculty-led modules directly to partner schools, enabling student journalists and paper advisers to develop foundational competencies essential for responsible and effective campus journalism.

The Caravan follows a process-based capacity-building model that moves from competition and recognition toward sustained training and institutional support. The program is facilitated by faculty members from the Department of English Language and Literature of USM, who provide structured instruction and mentorship to strengthen the writing, editing, and critical thinking skills of both student journalists and campus paper advisers.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦?
Schools interested in hosting the Caravan may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PressLab Secretariat.

The request may be sent through: 1) Facebook Messenger, 2) Formal letter from the School Head, or 3) Endorsement from the campus paper adviser.

The request should include the following information:
1) Name of the school
2) Address and location
3) Contact person
4) Number of expected student participants
5) Number of campus paper advisers
6) Preferred training date
7) Training venue within the school

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐞𝐞?
The training fee depends on your school’s specific training needs, including the number of participants, preferred modules, and the duration of the program. To ensure that the Caravan fits your goals and resources, we prepare a customized training package for each partner school.

Simply send us the details of your request, and our team will gladly provide a proposed program design and corresponding training fee tailored for your campus. We would be happy to assist you in bringing the PressLab Campus Journalism Caravan to your school.

The program fee covers the following:
1) Professional honoraria for trainers
2) Training modules and instructional materials
3) Certificates for participants
4) Certificates for partner school
5) Training facilitation and program coordination
6) PressLab documentation and evaluation report

All participants will receive:
1) Certificate of Participation
2) Training module handouts

School advisers will receive:
1) Certificate of Training Completion
2) Partner schools will also receive a Certificate of Partnership with PressLab Campus Journalism Caravan.

As we say in PressLab CJC, "𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴, 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴." Send us a message for more details. Schedule your campus journalism training today!

HIGHLIGHTS: The Department of English Language and Literature of USM traveled to Bacong National High School in Tulunan for the first session of its 𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Throughout the program, DELL is committed to providing technical guidance and capacity-building support to both students and teachers as they work toward launching the school’s first-ever campus paper—a vision strongly shared by the faculty and the school principal.

The session marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to nurture young writers, strengthen campus journalism, and help turn this long-held goal into a lasting publication.

𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝙎𝙐𝙇𝘼𝙏 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗛𝗦, 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺

Strengthening literacy and campus journalism among Blaan learners took a decisive step forward as the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) launched its SULAT extension project on February 27, 2026 at Bacong National High School, Tulunan, Cotabato.

SULAT, which stands for Strengthening Understanding, Literacy, Advocacy, and Tourism for Blaan Youth, Educators, and Community Guides, seeks to enhance communication skills, literacy, and cultural awareness among Blaan learners, teachers, and community guides. The project advances these goals by developing campus journalism initiatives, providing reading support for struggling students, and promoting heritage-based guided tours that integrate Blaan culture and environmental stewardship.

“From the environmental scanning we conducted on February 13, 2025, we found that many learners need stronger support in reading and writing. At the same time, we saw great potential among the Blaan youth,” shared DELL Chair Dr. Orfelina M. Ajero.

Ten DELL faculty members led a full day of lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions with participants. The project’s first component, Campus Journalism Training for Blaan Students and Teachers, gathered 55 students and 14 teachers committed to strengthening their writing, reporting, and publication skills.

Bacong National High School was identified as the beneficiary of the project following environmental scanning activities conducted by DELL. The school, headed by its Principal Mr. Alvin Evardo, primarily serves Blaan learners and continues to face challenges in establishing structured platforms for literacy development, critical thinking, and culturally grounded self-expression.

During a consultative meeting on January 23, 2026, school leaders, teachers, and community representatives highlighted the absence of a formal school publication.

“DELL saw this as an opportunity to contribute to Bacong National High School through the first component, which aims to address the need for a school paper,” said SULAT Project Leader Prof. Elangbai B. Dimasingkil.

The first component was designed as a capacity-building initiative for both teachers and student-journalists. The program frames campus journalism not merely as a co-curricular activity but as a transformative literacy practice that strengthens voice, identity, and community participation.

Participants were divided into two breakout sessions. Prof. Marlon T. Salvador facilitated a session on Language Mechanics Review, while Prof. Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita handled Feature Writing and Editorial Writing.

In the afternoon, teachers and advisers convened for a workshop on campus paper management. The session culminated in the formal naming of the school’s publications: Sun Rays for the English newspaper and Klayag Du, a Blaan term meaning “rays of the sun,” for the Filipino newspaper.

Completing the delegation from DELL were Dr. Mirasol O. Verona, Prof. Anamarie B. Uyangurin, Dr. Donnie M. Tulud, Prof. Rezeille May Amilbahar, along with AB English Language students Muaz Zubair Datumanong and Alexa Luces.

The first leg of SULAT established the structural and editorial foundations necessary for sustaining a campus publication, not as a one-time output, but as a continuing platform for literacy development and a chronicler of the school’s stories and milestones. (LAV Colita)

𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

To showcase why the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) stands as a true home for talent, the Local Student Government, in partnership with the Department of English Language and Literature, is set to stage Concierto 2026—a post-Valentine concert happening on February 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the USM Gymnasium.

Directed by Dr. Edna Luz T. De Guzman, this year’s concert will spotlight the exceptional performers of the CASS Talent Circle. Dubbed “Echoes of Unity,” Concierto 2026 promises an evening of electrifying song and dance numbers designed to bring the community together in celebration of artistry and collaboration.

“This is going to be big,” shared Dr. De Guzman, noting that Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel will take the stage as the concert’s special guest performer.

Audiences can look forward to a vibrant talent showcase featuring both CASS faculty and students, culminating in a rare and exciting performance from the university president himself.

Tickets are available for Php 50 (General Admission) and Php 1,000 (VIP). Interested attendees may purchase tickets at the CASS LSG Office and at the Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao.