Tuba, Benguet – The College of Arts and Humanities of Benguet State University (BSU), under the leadership of Dean Dr. Myrna Sison-Kuiper, successfully implemented the Reading Intervention for Diverse Elementary Readers (RIDER) Program at Klondykes Elementary School in Tuba, Benguet. The program, which ran for four consecutive Fridays starting March 15 and concluding on April 12, 2024, aimed to improve the reading proficiency levels of elementary students.
The initiative was a collaborative effort involving BSU faculty members Dr. Ronda B. Tullay, Extension Coordinator, Dr. Kara S. Panolong, Research Coordinator, and Ms. Julienne C. Cariño, alongside BAEL (Bachelor of Arts in English Language) students. They worked closely with the school heads and teachers of Klondykes Elementary School, with support from the Igolot Learning Initiatives – Philippines.
Preparations for the program began as early as August 2022, including needs analysis, planning sessions, and book donation drives. These efforts laid the groundwork for the RIDER program, which sought not only to address reading challenges but also to make the learning experience engaging and inclusive.
The RIDER sessions featured dynamic and interactive learning activities such as storytelling, group games, performances, and art-based tasks. While the sessions were designed to be fun and often conducted outdoors, academic content remained a priority. Guided by the Department of Education’s “Catch-Up Friday” and FLAT (Formative Literacy Assessment Tool) frameworks, BSU students and faculty members diligently prepared instructional materials during the weekdays in support of the weekend sessions.
In each session, BSU faculty demonstrated effective reading strategies and co-taught with Klondykes teachers, fostering both mentorship and collaboration. This hands-on approach ensured that teaching practices were consistent and adaptable to the diverse reading needs of the pupils.
The RIDER program culminated in a final activity on April 19, 2024. The event highlighted the success of the program and was met with positive feedback, and was rated as outstanding by the clientele.
The BSU College of Arts and Humanities continues to affirm its commitment to community engagement and educational development, with RIDER standing as a testament to the impact of collaborative, research-informed, and compassionate outreach.
By: Faustina T. Dio-as – CAH Coordinator

Teachers from BSU and Klondykes with the pupils pose to celebrate the success of the Reading Intervention for Diverse Elementary Readers Program at Klondykes Elementary School