TACLOBAN CITY, PHILIPPINES (May 26, 2026) – Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Between Leyte Normal University (LNU) and Northern Tacloban City National High School (NTCNHS).

LNU and NTCNHS formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a 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

Published by: Rico Combinido | IT Support Office