The fourth workshop in the series was held in my home province of Ilocos Norte on March 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., under the title “From Mother Tongue to the National Language and Beyond.” Organized by the Kannawidan Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Education and the Provincial Government, it brought together public-school teachers, many of whom are non-music majors. This marked my sixth workshop in the province, reflecting my continuing commitment to strengthening the local music education landscape.

The session served both as a refresher and a deeper exploration of Ilocano-rooted materials drawn from my published works for Ilocos Norte, Aweng ti Kailokuan, Books 1 and 2, while also introducing the Read and Sing Series. The workshop culminated in the launch of three titles in the series—Tarong, Kamatis, Paria (Ilocano), Ano-ano ang Nakikita? (Filipino), and Tikong-Tiko (Bikolano)—which together embody a progression from the musical mother tongue to the national language and beyond.

With a grateful heart, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Kannawidan Foundation under Mrs. Lita Marcos-Roque, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte under Governor Cecile Araneta-Marcos, and our Department of Education partners for their support. I am especially thankful to the teachers of Ilocos Norte—true culture bearers—whose dedication continues to inspire this work. My sincere thanks as well to my friend, Dr. Donna T. Reyes, who played a major role in organizing this workshop. Appreciation also goes to my sister, Betty F. Merritt, for her gracious presence and for serving as Master of Ceremonies for the day.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to my niece and publisher, Mia F. Merritt, who has faithfully journeyed with me through every stage of these publications—serving in countless roles along the way, from design and layout to coordination and bringing each book to completion. I also wish to acknowledge my collaborators, family members, my illustrators—Jenzon Lopez and Allan Alejo, Jr.—my singer, Ma. Victoria Valdez, and all who contributed to making the Read and Sing Series a reality.