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UP System Pahinungód Launches Revitalized Affirmative Action Program Pilot in BARMM

In response to the country’s continuing learning crisis and persistent gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy, the UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungód conducted the pilot implementation of its revitalized Affirmative Action Program (AAP) from May 16 to 31, 2026 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in Tupig High School in Kapalawan, Special Geographic Area, and South Upi National High School in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur.

The program deployed eight trained University of the Philippines student volunteers to provide academic enhancement sessions for junior high school learners. Designed to strengthen foundational competencies in Reading and Writing (Filipino and English), Mathematics, and Science, the AAP utilized guided learning sessions, contextualized learning modules, and learner assessments to support students’ learning and academic development.

Prior to deployment, faculty members from the UP Integrated School trained the volunteers and developed the learning modules and assessment tools used throughout the program. This ensured that the intervention was grounded in sound pedagogical practices and responsive to the learning needs of participating students.

A total of 134 learners participated in the pilot implementation, including 66 learners from Tupig High School and 68 learners from South Upi National High School. Throughout the two-week deployment, volunteers facilitated daily learning sessions using learner-centered approaches that encouraged active participation and reinforced essential literacy and numeracy skills.

Beyond classroom instruction, the volunteers worked closely with learners and school communities, creating supportive learning environments that encouraged confidence, participation, and a stronger interest in learning. The program also provided UP student volunteers with opportunities to engage in meaningful public service while responding to educational challenges in underserved communities.

Despite challenges posed by periods of heavy rainfall and occasional learner absenteeism, volunteers, school personnel, and local partners worked together to adjust schedules and continue learning sessions as effectively as possible.

The deployment concluded with completion ceremonies in both partner schools to recognize the learners’ participation and commitment to the program. Pahinungód also expressed their appreciation to partner schools, local stakeholders, and volunteers whose collective efforts contributed to the successful implementation of the pilot initiative.

Through the pilot implementation of the revitalized Affirmative Action Program, the UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungód reaffirmed its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for underserved learners and contributing to efforts that address learning gaps while promoting volunteerism, civic engagement, and social responsibility among the UP Community.

The program likewise strives to sustain and deepen its reach in future iterations, growing alongside the changing needs of learners and partner communities.

This is the heart of UP Pahinungód's and the University of the Philippines' enduring mission: to serve through public service, and to bring education and support to the communities that need it most.

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