In a meaningful display of international collaboration and educational solidarity, the Xavier University School of Education (XU SOE) Teachers’ Guild successfully implemented the Books Across Oceans:
International Book Donation Project, bringing more than 1000 books to underserved public high schools across Northern Mindanao. Conducted on 2, 6, and 20 May 2026, the initiative was made possible through the partnership between the Teachers’ Guild and Lugoff-Elgin Middle School in South Carolina, USA.
The project aimed to address the continuing shortage of library and reading resources in geographically isolated and underserved schools.
Through the generous support of educators and students from Lugoff-Elgin Middle School, hundreds of textbooks, reference materials, novels, and supplementary learning resources were gathered and shipped to the Philippines for distribution to schools with limited or nonexistent library facilities.
The initiative was spearheaded by Ms Kristine Adams, an alumna of the Xavier University School of Education who is currently teaching at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. Recognizing the challenges faced by many public schools in the Philippines, Ms Adams coordinated the collection and shipment of books through her institution, demonstrating how alumni networks can create meaningful global partnerships that directly impact local communities.
Bringing Books to Remote Learning Communities
San Francisco de Asis National High School
The first turnover activity was conducted on 2 May 2026, at San Francisco de Asis National High School in Barangay San Francisco de Asis, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. Situated in one of the municipality’s farthest barangays, the school operates without a formal library facility, making access to supplementary learning materials particularly difficult for students.
During the turnover ceremony, students and teachers warmly welcomed the Teachers’ Guild delegation as the donated books were formally handed over to the school administration. For many learners, the donation marked their first opportunity to access a wider range of reading and academic materials beyond the standard resources provided in classrooms.
Faculty representative and students from San Francisco de Asis National High School together with Teachers’ Guild representatives.
Pigsag-an National High School
On 6 May 2026, the Teachers’ Guild continued the distribution at Pigsag-an National High School in Barangay Pigsag-an, Cagayan de Oro City. The school serves approximately 175 students in a remote upland community with limited access to educational resources and transportation.
One of the school’s major challenges was the absence of books for its newly constructed library facility. Although the infrastructure had already been completed, the library remained largely empty due to insufficient funding for educational materials. Through the Books Across Oceans project, the donated books filled the shelves and officially transformed the facility into a functioning learning resource center.
School administrators expressed their commitment to establishing a sustainable library system that would allow students continued access to the donated materials while ensuring their preservation for future learners.
Faculty representative and students from San Francisco de Asis National High School together with Teachers’ Guild representatives.
Kalabugao National High School
The final leg of the outreach was held on 20 May 2026, at Kalabugao National High School in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. Reaching the school required more than two hours of travel through mountainous terrain, highlighting the geographic realities faced by many students in remote communities.
Kalabugao National High School serves a significant number of Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners from neighboring barangays. Principal Edgar G Macabaya welcomed the delegation and facilitated the turnover of the donated books to both students and faculty members.
The school administration emphasized the importance of accessible educational resources for IP learners, many of whom are first-generation high school students. The donated materials are expected to strengthen literacy development and support independent learning among the students.
Faculty members together with Christian Gem C Pimentel and Marco Ruanto of Pisag-an National High School, along with
Teachers’ Guild representatives and TG Moderator Ms Carly Faye Luna.
Collaboration Rooted in Service and Advocacy
The Books Across Oceans project was headed by Manuel Abastas under the guidance of Teachers’ Guild Moderator Ms Carly Faye Luna. The implementation involved close coordination with partner schools, transportation logistics to remote communities, and documentation of all turnover activities to ensure transparency and accountability to the donor institution.
Through the project, educational resources reached more than 400 students across Northern Mindanao. More than a simple donation drive, Books Across Oceans became a symbol of educational equity and global cooperation.
The initiative also provided valuable exposure for Teachers’ Guild members, allowing future educators to witness firsthand the realities faced by remote public schools in the Philippines. By engaging directly with underserved communities, student volunteers gained a deeper understanding of educational disparities and the importance of community-centered advocacy in the teaching profession.
Unlike short-term aid, the donated books represent long-term educational investments that can benefit generations of learners in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of the initiative, the XU SOE Teachers’ Guild expressed interest in expanding the partnership model by connecting with more Xavier University alumni working abroad who may be willing to support similar educational projects.
Lugoff-Elgin Middle School has likewise signified its openness to sustaining the collaboration in future academic years, potentially extending assistance to more remote Philippine schools in need of learning resources.
The Books Across Oceans project stands as a testament to the power of alumni engagement, international partnership, and shared commitment to education. By bridging communities across continents, the initiative reflects the Xavier University School of Education’s continuing mission of service, leadership, and transformative education for all.