CitySavings, DepEd boost reading proficiency of students in far-flung schools

Following the Department of Education’s (DepEd) call to “intensify its campaign on reading proficiency,” City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) led Brigada Pagbasa programs across the nation to support the government’s Hamon: Bawat Bata Bumabasa or 3Bs Initiatives program.

In a release, the company explained that past national assessments revealed learners still need improvement in literacy skills. This prompted DepEd to prioritize its 3Bs Initiatives advocacy to “make every learner a reader at their grade level and equip teachers to become effective reading instructors.”

To bolster DepEd’s advocacy, CitySavings donated laptops, a TV set, a projector, ukuleles, sanitation essentials, reading materials, and learning and teaching kits to “last mile” schools, or those identified as geographically isolated. 

“Advocating for quality education has always been a priority of CitySavings, and we are honored to be one of the partners of DepEd. Through this Brigada Pagbasa initiative, we hope to reach more far-flung areas and provide support to address education-related advocacies,” explained Paula Ruelan, head of CitySavings Reputation and Brand Management.

Among the beneficiaries of the program were Cardenas Elementary School in Nueva Ecija; Division of Camarines Sur in Bicol; Pinamuk-an Integrated Farm School in Aklan; Cantiguib Elementary School, Canlimpong Primary School, Cambanac Primary School, and Tunga Elementary School in Bohol; Districts of Hindang, Hilongos, and Inopacan in Leyte; Divisions of Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Zamboanga City, and Davao del Norte.

“Seeing how pleased my dear students were as they received their learning kits and reading materials brought me to tears. To our partners, thank you for making that day memorable for our students as well as for us, teachers,” said Gorgonia Doria of Catinguib Elementary School.

DepEd’s 3Bs Initiatives is based on research that outlined three components of a successful reading instruction program: professional development for educators, effective instructional tools, and school systems that support and nurture implementation. A subsequent study on the efficacy of the 3Bs Initiatives program showed that its interventions have successfully improved learners’ reading performance.

CitySavings expressed its full support for DepEd in intensifying its campaign on reading proficiency, adding that through its outreach programs in last mile schools, the bank continues its mission to support teachers and help bridge literacy gaps among Filipino learners.

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