Partnerships That Matter: Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Naga City

In partnership with Angat Pinas, Inc. and Tanglaw ni Teresa, Adarna Group Foundation successfully conducted a three-day workshop on Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Literacy and Numeracy for Preschool Children at the Lotus Blu Hotel in Naga City, Camarines Sur. 

Accredited with 10.50 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units for professional teachers, the workshop served as a capacity-building initiative for 100 child development workers (CDWs) and educators across Naga City. Participants explored practical strategies for developing literacy materials, designing story-based learning experiences, teaching foundational numeracy skills, fostering positive classroom environments, and integrating play-based approaches grounded in the Philippine context.

The workshop opened with a session led by AGFI’s executive director, Con Estrella, who introduced the principles of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. The session highlighted the need for an inclusive learning environment where teaching strategies are responsive to the diverse needs, abilities, culture, and developmental stages of every child. The discussion underscored the value of intentional, child-centered approaches in both literacy and numeracy instruction.

Con Estrella, AGFI Executive Director

Following this, the first day of the workshop focused on hands-on learning, allowing participants to engage in creating literacy materials. Facilitated by Teacher Camille, the session on Creating Literacy Materials and Designing Story-Based Activities encouraged CDWs to design manipulatives and activities that are engaging and appropriate to the children’s skills and needs. Through this activity, participants were able to produce materials and design activities that they can directly use in their classrooms. 

On the first day of the workshop, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo visited the participants and shared the city’s vision of creating more inclusive and enriching learning environments for children in Naga. She reflected on how meaningful learning experiences often come from creativity and exploration rather than rigid structures alone, stating:

“Rigidity does not equate to better education. Minsan natututo sila sa mas experiential; minsan natututo sila dahil inspired sila sa paligid nila. Mas napupukaw ang creativity ng bata kapag mayroon silang resources at opportunities.”

Hon. Leni Robredo, Naga City Mayor

Her message echoed one of the workshop’s central themes: that quality early childhood education flourishes when children are given opportunities to explore, imagine, and learn in ways that are responsive to their development. It also served as a reminder that strengthening education begins with educators who remain open to learning, reflection, and continuous growth.

On the second day, Teacher Yayi Fua led a session on early numeracy, guiding participants through foundational concepts and practical strategies for teaching pre-math skills in preschool. Anchoring her session on the previous session on designing story-based activities, Teacher Yayi discussed the use of storybooks in teaching and building pre-math skills of young learners. 

Complementing this session was Teacher Maita Salvador’s discussion on preschool classroom management which challenged common misconceptions about discipline and structure. The session emphasized creating nurturing, positive, and responsive classroom environments that support both learning and socio-emotional development.

The final day featured play-based learning within the context of different Filipino games. Facilitated by Teacher Yvette Alcazar, this session reinforced the idea that play is not separate from learning. Rooted in local context and culture, play-based approaches were presented as powerful tools for fostering meaningful engagement among young learners.

More than training, this initiative marked a step forward in strengthening early childhood education in Naga City. By equipping CDWs with practical tools, updated knowledge, and renewed perspectives, the workshop contributed to building a strong foundation for both teachers and learners. Ultimately, it affirmed a shared commitment among educators, local leaders, and partner organizations to nurture a generation of readers and learners.

Want more of these workshops? Partner with AGFI and develop a love for learning in your community!