Southern Leyte State University's Department of Teacher's Education, under the DAGITAB program, recently held a three-day training titled "Designing Contextualized IEC Materials on Environmental Awareness." Conducted on April 21, 22, and 27, this event was led by Dr. Lucia G. Bello, Dr. Phebueger M. Torion, and Mr. Nicolas O. Fuertes, who served as resource speakers. The training brought together pre-elementary teachers from the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development, aiming to enhance their skills in creating relevant Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials focused on environmental awareness. This initiative yielded positive outcomes for participants, students, the university, and the broader community of Sogod, Southern Leyte.

The training equipped pre-elementary teachers with the knowledge to integrate environmental education into their curricula effectively. By designing engaging and contextualized IEC materials, teachers can now resonate better with their students' local experiences. This approach is expected to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of environmental issues among young learners, laying a foundation for environmental stewardship from an early age. The enriched educational content tailored to be age-appropriate and culturally relevant makes learning more impactful, helping students grasp complex environmental concepts and develop a sense of responsibility towards their environment.

For Southern Leyte State University, this extension activity aligns perfectly with its mission to foster community engagement and contribute to societal development. The successful execution of this training under the DAGITAB program highlights the university's commitment to supporting local educators and addressing community needs. The project underscores the importance of community-based educational interventions, showcasing the potential for positive change through collaboration between academic institutions and local communities. By enhancing environmental education, the university strengthens its role as a leader in educational innovation and advocacy, while fostering a collective effort towards environmental conservation and sustainability in Sogod, Southern Leyte.