ED14 Turnover Ceremony for the Books on Wheels Mobile Library Chariot

On the morning of May 17, 2026, students, educators, literacy advocates, and community members gathered in the Valencia Paunay Plaza for the unveiling and turnover ceremony of Estudio Damgo 14’s upgraded chariot for the Books on Wheels Mobile Library. The Book on Wheels Mobile Library is an initiative spearheaded by the Valencia Senior Citizens Literacy Advocates (VSCLA) in partnership with Foundation University.

The upgraded Books on Wheels mobile library chariot was designed not merely as a vehicle for transporting books but as a moving space for imagination and discovery. Built to support literacy outreach efforts in remote villages, the mobile library delivers reading materials in both Visayan and English to children from Kindergarten to Grade 3. For many young learners in these geographically isolated communities, the initiative provides a rare and valuable access to books and educational activities.

The Books on Wheels program offers far more than reading sessions alone. Facilitators and volunteers also engage the children through storytelling, role-playing, games, art workshops, and other interactive learning activities that also encourage their creativity aside from boosting their confidence about literacy development.

As the ceremony concluded, the upgraded Books on Wheels chariot symbolized more than mobility - it symbolizes opportunity. Every book carried into a distant barangay represents a child discovering new worlds through reading. Every learning activity becomes a reminder that education can reach even the most remote communities when people choose to work together.

This event marked another meaningful milestone for Estudio Damgo, the first-ever student-led design-build architecture studio of Foundation University. More than a ceremonial handover, the occasion celebrated the power of collaboration and the belief that architecture can extend far beyond buildings - it can become an instrument for learning, inclusion, and social change. This reflects the broader mission of Foundation University’s architecture program to produce architects who are not only technically skilled designers but also socially conscious builders capable of responding to real community needs.

Founded in 2012, Estudio Damgo’s initiatives allow senior architecture students to immerse themselves in real-world projects, from research and conceptual planning to fundraising, construction, and final turnover to partner communities.

Some of their projects have become landmarks in Dumaguete City, such as the Tourist Information and Assistance Center at the Dumaguete City Port and the People’s Comfort Lounge at Rizal Boulevard. They also have projects outside of the city, such as the Sea Turtle Conservation Research Center at Donjugan Island and the Viewing Tower and Eco-Tourism Masterplan at Dauin. You can learn more about their other projects here.

What sets Estudio Damgo apart is its emphasis on culturally responsive and community-centered design, allowing students to work closely with beneficiaries while using sustainable and locally appropriate materials and methods. ED14 continues this tradition with this Book on Wheels project. 

Through initiatives like Estudio Damgo, students leave the university with practical experience in structural and architectural design while developing a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and participatory design.

Equally important are the partnerships that make projects like these possible. Estudio Damgo continues to work alongside local government units, non-profit organizations, donors, and community groups to ensure that each project has both immediate impact and long-term sustainability. 

Congratulations to Estudio Damgo and the Valencia Senior Citizens Literacy Advocates for this meaningful contribution to literacy, community development, and service-oriented education. The successful turnover ceremony stands as a testament to the transformative potential of youth-driven design, community partnership, and literacy advocacy. It is a story not only about architecture or education, but about people choosing to build pathways for others to dream, learn, and grow.