Empowering minds, transforming lives

Authors

  • Ma. Cristilina A. Montañez Cebu Technological University Argao Campus
  • Rachel S. Camilo Cebu Technological University - Argao Campus
  • Luiscel Teofi Cabico Cebu Technological University - Argao Campus
  • Aileen G. Cuevas Department of Social Welfare and Development - Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth - Candabong, Argao, Cebu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/mjb0nr49

Keywords:

literature-based reading instruction; reading comprehension; CICL; rehabilitation

Abstract

This study evaluated a university-led community extension program using literature-based reading instruction to improve comprehension among children in conflict with the law (CICL) at a rehabilitation center for youth in Cebu, Philippines. Using a quasi-experimental design, significant gains were observed in lexical (t = 0.03) and critical (t = 0.01) comprehension across grades 0–3, 4–6, 7–8, and 11–12, whereas grades 9–10 showed no significant improvement. The program enhanced vocabulary and analytical skills but had a limited impact on interpretive and creative comprehension. The findings highlight the value of facilitator-supported instruction and call for more tailored strategies. This study affirms that reading is a rehabilitative tool and urges further research on long-term and socioemotional literacy factors.

Author Biographies

  • Ma. Cristilina A. Montañez, Cebu Technological University Argao Campus

    MA. CRISTILINA A. MONTAÑEZ, Dev.Ed.D., holds a Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Administration and Supervision, and a Master of Arts in English. She further pursued her expertise in Development Education, earning a doctorate. With extensive experience in academic leadership, she has held administrative roles, including program chairmanship and college deanship. As a scholar and advocate, she actively engages in research and extension services, focusing on development programs that uplift marginalized groups, including farmers and children, particularly those in conflict with the law (CICL). Email: ma.cristilina.montanez@gmail.com

  • Rachel S. Camilo, Cebu Technological University - Argao Campus

    RACHEL S. CAMILO, Ed.D is currently employed as an Associate Professor IV at Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, where she teaches literature and language courses. Her interest lies in learning more about the most recent advancements in qualitative research. Email: rachelsalazar2015@gmail.com

  • Luiscel Teofi Cabico, Cebu Technological University - Argao Campus

    LUISCEL TEOFI E. CABICO, PhD, is an associate professor at Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus. Dr. Cabico is a Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD English) and graduated at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) as a K12 CHED Scholar. He also receives Canada as an ASEAN-SEED scholar, where he serves as a research intern fully funded by the Canadian government. Dr. Cabico is currently the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Most of his research studies are focused on the English language, literary studies, and the humanities. Email: luiscelteofi.cabico@ctu.edu.ph

  • Aileen G. Cuevas, Department of Social Welfare and Development - Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth - Candabong, Argao, Cebu

    AILEEN G. CUEVAS serves as Social Welfare Officer V and is the Center Head of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Cebu. In addition to her primary role, she serves as the Regional Center Coordinator for all rehabilitation centers across Region VII, Philippines. Her work extends beyond direct welfare services, as she actively participates in discussions on sustainable livelihood programs and government initiatives that promote peace and development, contributing to long-term solutions for marginalized communities. Email: agcuevas@dswd.gov.ph

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Additional Files

Published

2026-02-23

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Ma. Cristilina Montañez, Rachel Camilo, Luiscel Teofi Cabico, Aileen Cuevas

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Montañez, M. C. A., Camilo, R. S., Cabico, L. T., & Cuevas, A. G. (2026). Empowering minds, transforming lives. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, 15(1), 133-162. https://doi.org/10.32674/mjb0nr49