DepEd’s new literacy program to give grants, tap universities as partners

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) rolled out on Tuesday, December 2, a new program that seeks to address literacy challenges through financial support and partnerships with educational institutions and local government units (LGUs).

The DepEd launched the Bayang Bumabasa Initiative (BBI) following the social media campaign of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which encourages mayors to feature their best practices in improving literacy.

Under the BBI, the DepEd will link schools in need of support to higher education institutions. Mayors will also share their best practices with one another.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee told reporters that partner universities would help with teacher training and development of resources.

The program will also enable grants for schools grappling with literacy issues.

“I believe DepEd has allocated up to P1 million [per school], but it will be dependent on the proposal of the school at saka dapat ma-justify nila (and they have to justify) how it will really support improved learner outcomes or literacy of students,” Yee said.

According to the DepEd, those that will be supported include 131 schools that recorded negative results in the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment in school year 2024-2025.

Citing July data, Yee noted 85% of students from Grades 1 to 3 were “struggling readers.”

Among the barriers to literacy are lack of learning resources, limited teacher training, and inadequate community support, the EDCOM 2 executive director said. – Rappler.com