Alma Bangayan-Manera is a name synonymous with educational excellence, community service, and environmental advocacy. With an illustrious career marked by her role as an accredited full-fledged Professor at Cagayan State University’s College of Teacher Education (CTED), Manera’s influence stretches far beyond the classroom.
Armed with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Language Education, she has dedicated her career to the advancement of education through teaching, research, and impactful service—both on a national and international scale.
Alma’s passion for education is evident in her extensive contributions to the field. She is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the Philippine Association for the Study of Culture, History, and Religion, the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators, and the Visionary Research Association.
Beyond her academic achievements, Alma is deeply committed to fostering educational development within her community. As the former director of the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, she played a critical role in promoting the Filipino language and culture, in affiliation with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. Her leadership also extends to student governance, having previously advised the College Student Government at CTED, Cagayan State University.
A champion for students in need, she is instrumental in the implementation of the Sagip Bata program—an extension project dedicated to reading remediation for young learners in Kindergarten to Grade 3.
The initiative, conducted at Annafunan Integrated School in Tuguegarao City, targets foundational literacy development to ensure that early educational struggles do not hinder a child’s academic future. By providing tailored interventions and utilizing research-based methods, the Sagip Bata program has proven to be an effective tool in addressing literacy challenges, ultimately fostering confidence and academic success among young learners.
Alma is also the driving force behind several impactful community projects, including the Sagip-Kalikasan Project. This environmental initiative, implemented by the faculty at the College of Education, focuses on ecological preservation through the planting of bamboo and mangroves along the Pinacanauan River. These efforts not only stabilize riverbanks and prevent soil erosion but also enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Sagip-Kalikasan Project is a testament to the power of education combined with environmental stewardship. By involving local communities in sustainability efforts such as reforestation and riverbank restoration, the project fosters environmental responsibility and strengthens community unity. It also promotes biodiversity conservation and supports the livelihoods of residents, particularly those reliant on fishing.
Alma’s dedication to education extends to her role in the Book-Nook Extension Project in Libag Norte, Tuguegarao City. This book donation initiative, which began in January 2021, addresses the urgent need for educational resources in underserved communities. By partnering with publishing companies and local officials, the project has provided textbooks and supplementary learning materials for students from Grades 1 to 12. This initiative has made a significant difference—improving literacy rates and fostering a culture of learning in the community.
Her outreach projects have a lasting impact, not just on individual students but on the broader community. The Book-Nook Extension Project, for instance, underscores the importance of accessible education and the transformative power of learning resources. By ensuring that students have access to the tools necessary for academic success, this project is helping break the cycle of poverty and create new growth opportunities.
The Sagip Bata program, with its focus on early literacy, and the Book-Nook Extension Project, which provides resources for educational equity, both align with global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Through these initiatives, Manera has not only improved academic outcomes but also empowered individuals and communities to dream bigger and strive for higher aspirations.
Alma Bangayan-Manera’s multifaceted contributions to academia, community service, and environmental sustainability make her a respected figure at Cagayan State University and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to the advancement of education, the well-being of her students, and the preservation of the environment reflects her deep passion for creating positive change.
Whether through research, outreach programs, or environmental advocacy, she continues to shape the future of education—one initiative at a time. Her legacy is one of inspiration, collaboration, and dedication to the betterment of society. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from Irene Quintos
