EcoSEA (Environmental Stewardship Education for All) and HISTORYA 4.0 (Hinablon sa Cebu Stories). A strong partnership for education, culture, and sustainability was sealed at Tulic Elementary School on August 29, 2025, as Cebu Technological University–Argao Campus (CTU-Argao), Barangay Tulic, and Tulic ES formally launched two flagship extension projects—EcoSEA (Environmental Stewardship Education for All) and HISTORYA (Hinablon sa Cebu Stories), now on its 4th phase. The event was highlighted by the Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing and an engaging storytelling session.
The afternoon opened with multimedia presentations of the National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, and CTU Hymn, before Mrs. Maribeth A. Mier, Principal II of Tulic ES represented by Mrs. Maria Theresa A. Monte, delivered warm welcome remarks. She expressed gratitude for CTU’s long-standing partnership in fostering literacy, cultural appreciation, and environmental awareness among pupils.
In her statement of purpose, Dr. Teresita Cleopolda B. Sarile, Chair of Extension Services, emphasized the complementary visions of the two projects: EcoSEA, which integrates ecological literacy into the classroom through localized storybooks and community narratives, and HISTORYA, which preserves and retells the cultural legacy of handloom weaving (Hinablon sa Cebu) through children’s literature. “With EcoSEA and HISTORYA, we are not only protecting the environment but also preserving our heritage. These stories root children in their culture while opening their eyes to global challenges,” Dr. Sarile noted.
Leaders’ Commitment
The event was graced by Hon. Sarah F. Liporada, Barangay Captain of Tulic, and Hon. Richard Omboy, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, who both affirmed the barangay’s full support. “We stand behind CTU in ensuring these projects thrive in our community. EcoSEA will raise eco-conscious young learners, and HISTORYA will anchor them to their cultural identity,” Hon. Liporada said.
The MOA Signing Proper formalized the collaboration among CTU-Argao, Tulic ES, and the Barangay Council of Tulic, symbolizing a shared mission of education, culture, and sustainability.
Storytelling as Bridge of Heritage and Ecology
A highlight of the program was the EcoSEA Storytelling, featuring “Anika and the Guardians of the Sea,” one of the new children’s stories developed under EcoSEA. The storytelling was performed by Ms. Keisha Lovitos, a pre-service teacher from CTU-Argao and one of the student-authors of the storybook. Children and community members were captivated by Anika’s journey to protect the sea, reflecting how stories can powerfully connect young minds to both ecological stewardship and cultural values.
Meanwhile, HISTORYA 4.0 continues its mission of storytelling for heritage preservation, tracing the narratives of weavers and the Hinablon tradition of Cebu. Its integration in the launch underscored how literacy initiatives can serve as twin pillars for both ecological and cultural sustainability.
Looking Forward
Closing the event on behalf of Dr. Jorelyn P. Concepcion, Dean of the College of Education was Dr. Viviana C. Genabe, Chair of the BEEd program who expressed pride in CTU’s dual commitment: “EcoSEA and HISTORYA represent CTU’s vision of the university as a social entrepreneur—producing knowledge and stories that transform communities. These projects will inspire young learners to care for the seas and to treasure the weaving traditions that form part of Cebu’s heritage.”
The launching of EcoSEA and HISTORYA 4.0 was more than an MOA signing—it was a milestone in building a new generation of eco-conscious, heritage-proud learners who will carry forward both environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. | LMSCamello, | icpao
