Leyte Normal University

Continuing the celebration of National Education Month, Leyte Normal University stands in solidarity with our vibrant student community to celebrate their triumphs and unwavering resilience. Their pursuit of knowledge remains the driving force behind our commitment to transforming the Philippine higher education landscape.

In line with the CHED ACHIEVE Agenda, we continue to bridge the gaps in our academic community by opening doors of opportunity for our first gen students, IPs, PDLs, working students, PWDs, and solo parents. Their dedication is the bedrock or our country's future, and it is our duty to ensure their efforts are met with world-class education. By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that every learner - regardless of background - has the support to succeed and continue to our nation's progress.

Apply the official campaign frame to your Facebook profile picture to show support for inclusive education. Access the QR codes below to participate and share the campaign frames with MPC community members, alumni, and partners.

𝗶𝗻𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗜 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗞𝘂𝗿𝘁’𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴

Kurt Jamer I. Baclea-an, an incoming third-year student in the Bachelor of Library and Information Science program at the College of Arts and Sciences, shares his thoughts and experiences marked by courage and hope. As he explains, “I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which means I have fragile bones because my body can't provide enough potassium.”

For Kurt, it is not only about pursuing a degree but also about experiencing a supportive environment that nurtures independence. “As a Normalista, I really enjoy the environment and the resources provided by the university. My parents allow me to be independent, and the campus helps me move around more freely,” he shares. He appreciates the accessible facilities such as ramps, wide doors, and PWD comfort rooms, which make his daily life easier. Still, he acknowledges that there are facilities which still need improvement. “Despite these challenges, the teachers and university employees always make sure that my concerns and problems are properly addressed.”

Inside the classroom, Kurt feels included and respected. “My teachers are understanding and patient, especially when I need assistance or extra consideration because of my condition,” he says. His classmates also make him feel welcome, treating him with kindness and involving him in decision-making. Outside the classroom, he is equally active. “I am able to participate in school activities like playground demonstrations and cheer dancing, and interact with other students comfortably,” he adds. These experiences shed light on how inclusivity is more than academics, allowing him to fully engage in student life.

Reflecting on his journey, Kurt emphasizes that inclusivity is not just about infrastructure but about cultivating awareness and compassion. “My message to fellow students, teachers, and administrators is to continue promoting kindness, respect, and understanding toward PWD learners. I hope everyone will be more aware of our needs, especially in terms of accessibility and safety inside the campus.” He also encourages the university to keep improving facilities: “Small actions like keeping these spaces clear and accessible already make a big difference for us.”

Most importantly, Kurt dreams of equality. “I hope that every PWD learner will always be treated equally and given the same opportunities to learn, participate, and succeed. An inclusive university is one where everyone feels safe, valued, and truly belongs.”

Kurt’s story reminds us that inclusivity is built not only through physical accessibility but also through compassion and shared responsibility. His voice is a call to action: to create a university where no student is left behind, where diversity is embraced, and where every learner, regardless of ability, can thrive.

𝗟𝗡𝗨 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗧𝗖𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Leyte Normal University (LNU) and Northern Tacloban City National High School (NTCNHS) formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 26, 2026, at the LNU Office of the President.

The agreement was signed by LNU President Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino and NTCNHS School Head Dr. Fructuoso C. Baliton, marking the official launch of the Graduate School's extension project under the Doctor of Education in Language Teaching (EdD-LT) and Master of Arts in Education major in Filipino (MAEd-Filipino) programs. The initiative is designed to support and strengthen the implementation of bilingual education through academic collaboration, capacity-building activities, and community engagement.

Present during the ceremony were project leaders Dr. Jacqueline I. Espina, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Program Coordinator of the EdD-LT program, and Dr. Annabelle L. Balderian, faculty member of the MAEd-Filipino program. They were joined by faculty members from the EdD-LT, MAEd-LT, MEd-English, and MAEd-Filipino programs, and selected faculty members of NTCNHS. Also in attendance was Ms. Arlene V. Gillo, a Doctor of Education in Language Teaching student of LNU and author of the study which served as the foundation of this extension initiative.

Findings revealed a slight imbalance in students’ bilingual proficiency, with some learners showing limited use of the English language. The study further highlighted that inadequate exposure to both Filipino and English contributes to reduced language proficiency, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support effective bilingual education implementation.

As a leading teacher education institution, LNU underscores its commitment to advancing language education in the region. Through this partnership, the University aims to support and strengthen the implementation of the Bilingual Education Policy (BEP) in the Division of Tacloban City, beginning with NTCNHS as its pilot partner, with plans for broader implementation in other public secondary schools.

The MOA signing stands as a significant milestone in reinforcing institutional collaboration and advancing initiatives that enhance bilingual education and equip learners with essential language competencies for academic success and lifelong learning.

During the Honors Day 2026 for Graduating Students, LNU President Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino reminded the students to believe in themselves and to carry their achievements with humility, kindness, purpose, and responsibility as they pursue their future goals.

ATTENTION: All Graduation 2026 Applicants

The List of Qualified Candidates for Graduation (Class of 2026) is now available.

What to do:
*Scan the QR code to check if your name is included in the official list of candidates for graduation
*Carefully review your personal details for accuracy
*If you find any corrections or discrepancies, please report immediately to the Office of the Registrar

Thank you for your prompt attention and cooperation.

— Office of the Registrar

𝗟𝗡𝗨, 𝗦𝗦𝗨, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗣𝗢𝗩𝗖𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Leyte Normal University (LNU) and Samar State University (SSU) formally strengthened their collaboration through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the International Poverty Conference (iPOVCON) 2026 held on May 26, 2026, at the LNU Administration Ballroom.

The event, conducted in a hybrid setup, gathered representatives from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the Philippines, along with key National Government agencies that will serve as partner institutions for the international research conference, highlighting a strong multi-sectoral commitment toward collaborative research and development initiatives.

Set on October 8–9, 2026, with LNU as one of its co-hosts, the iPOVCON 2026 brings together researchers, policymakers, and development partners from various sectors to collaborate on poverty reduction and sustainable development initiatives.

iPOVCON is an annual international research conference that gathers participants from the academe, government units, and various organizations, all working toward a shared goal of reducing, if not eradicating, poverty through research, innovation, and collaborative action.

Leyte Normal University recognized the outstanding achievements of its non-graduating students during the Honors Day for Non-Graduating Students 2026 held on May 26, 2026 at the LNU Alba Hall.

With the theme “Excellence in Progress: Inspiring the Journey Ahead,” the event celebrated students who showed dedication, discipline, and commitment in both academic and non-academic pursuits. Through this celebration, Leyte Normal University strengthened its commitment to supporting students who strive for meaningful growth, character, and purpose as they continue their journey toward greater achievements.

InFocus l Normalistars Faculty Edition

Aiming to support the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System (ALS) and advance SDG 4 Quality Education, Dr. Rufo A. Labarrete of Education advocates for a flexible, tailored approach that centers on the unique needs of ALS learners.

His study, "A Proposed Case-Based Learning Model to Operationalize the Granular Learning Theory," published in the Journal of Education and Training Studies, was developed as a practical tool to help ALS program implementers better support their students' academic journeys. It can also help open up job opportunities or further areas of studies for ALS completers.

He also previously made efforts on advancing SDG 4 through two collaborative studies published in the Scopus-indexed Journal of Education and Learning: (1) the SPEDIR Instructional Framework as Classroom Accommodation Model for Learners with Mild-hearing Impairment with Ms. Ma. Venus E. Acerden and Mr. Mariano D. Gillo; and (2) Exploring the Lived Experiences of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Enrolled in Alternative Learning System with Dr. Jocylen A. Tiopes.

Congratulations!

Leyte Normal University joins the entire Islamic community in the observance of Eid al-Adha.

During the Honors Day 2026 for Non-Graduating Students, LNU President Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino reminded the students that achievement is not the end, but a continuing journey of growth, humility, responsibility, and service to others.

Congratulations, honorees!