Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI), in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB) Philippines and the Local Government Unit of Tboli, successfully hosted PANUMBALIK: A Creative Tour in Region XII on July 21, 2026, in Tboli, South Cotabato. Conducted under the institution’s CommuNEKTA Initiatives, the face-to-face community outreach brought together educators, creative practitioners, students, Indigenous Peoples (IP) children, mothers, and community members for a meaningful day of storytelling, writing, illustration, and cultural engagement that nurtured creativity, promoted literacy, and strengthened community partnerships.

PANUMBALIK is a flagship outreach initiative of the National Book Development Board Philippines that brings literary and artistic experiences closer to communities across the country. Through interactive workshops and learning sessions facilitated by distinguished Filipino authors, illustrators, and creative practitioners, the program encouraged participants to discover the value of reading, writing, visual storytelling, and cultural expression while fostering a deeper appreciation for Philippine literature and artistic heritage. As one of HCCCI’s CommuNEKTA Initiatives, the activity likewise reflected the institution’s commitment to extending transformative learning experiences beyond the classroom through meaningful partnerships and community-based engagement.

The opening program featured a welcome message from Hon. Ronie Dela Peña, Vice Mayor of Tboli, who expressed his appreciation to the partner institutions for bringing meaningful educational and cultural opportunities to the municipality. Carlo Ebeo, National Project Coordinator of the National Book Development Board Philippines, likewise emphasized the importance of expanding access to literature and creative education. The event was further graced by distinguished guests, including Daniel Lorenzo Mariano, Acting Division Chief of the National Book Development Board Philippines; Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, award-winning children’s book author and Chairperson of the Philippine National Council for Children’s Television; Elijah Tan, children’s book illustrator; and Teng Mangansakan, acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and author.

Participants engaged in a series of specialized workshops designed to inspire creativity among different sectors of the community. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan facilitated a Storytelling Session for Indigenous Peoples’ Children, inspiring young learners through engaging stories that nurtured imagination and a love for reading. Teng Mangansakan conducted a Creative Writing Workshop for junior high school students, encouraging participants to express their ideas through writing while appreciating the role of stories in preserving identity and culture. Elijah Tan led an Illustration Workshop, followed by a Gallery Walk, where participants proudly showcased and reflected on their artworks. Meanwhile, Lance Batiancila, Associate International Relations and External Linkages Officer of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc., facilitated the Tboli Mothers Workshop, providing an avenue for mothers to explore creativity, storytelling, and the vital role of families in preserving cultural traditions.

Supporting the successful implementation of the CommuNEKTA Initiative was the HCCCI outreach delegation composed of Grasya T. Lumba, Community Extension Coordinator; Rosecil S. Bayot, RL, MLIS, Book Nook Surallah Personnel; Justine J. Feca, RL; Jade Mariel E. Morales, LPT; John Lucas R. Frac, MAED-GC, CHRA, Activity Coordinator; Queenie Marie S. Aninang, LPT, NSTP Coordinator; Bon Bon G. Mallare; Catherine J. Alacayan, RL; Stella Sherinne D. Collado, RL; Lance Batiancila, Associate International Relations and External Linkages Officer; and Lovely Mae R. Fantilanan, LPT, Associate International Relations and External Linkages Officer. Their collective efforts contributed to the successful delivery of meaningful learning experiences, strengthened institutional-community partnerships, and advanced HCCCI’s mission of providing inclusive extension programs that empower individuals through education, creativity, and cultural appreciation.

The initiative likewise received valuable support from Classify Inc. through the participation of Ernei Jhon Roy A. De Asis and Laurence Jay A. Sta. Maria, whose contributions complemented the collaborative efforts of the partner institutions in ensuring the successful implementation of the program and its creative learning activities.

The initiative also advanced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by expanding access to creative and literacy-based learning opportunities; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by providing inclusive educational experiences for Indigenous Peoples and underserved communities; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting cultural heritage, artistic expression, and community identity; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, creative professionals, private organizations, and local communities.

Beyond the workshops and learning sessions, PANUMBALIK strengthened appreciation for literature, the arts, and cultural identity among participants of all ages. By creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with nationally recognized creatives, the program encouraged participants to celebrate their stories, preserve their heritage, and recognize creativity as a powerful tool for education, self-expression, and community development. The experience also inspired participants to become advocates of literacy, creativity, and cultural preservation within their respective communities.

Through CommuNEKTA Initiatives such as PANUMBALIK: A Creative Tour in Region XII, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. continues to champion inclusive education, cultural preservation, and meaningful community engagement. By fostering strong partnerships with government agencies, creative professionals, private organizations, and local communities, the institution reaffirms its commitment to creating transformative learning opportunities that empower individuals, celebrate cultural diversity, preserve indigenous heritage, and inspire future generations of lifelong learners and responsible stewards of culture.