USAID-funded basic reading program launches in Western Visayas (Sabong News)

ILOILO CITY — A basic reading program (BRP) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been launched for selected early grade learners in Western Visayas region by non-profit RTI International and the Department of Education (DepEd). “This will improve learning proficiency among early grade learners,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Wasburn during the ceremonial launching in Silay City on Tuesday. Four pilot schools will be selected in Western Visayas. There will be two schools in Negros Occidental province, one in Roxas City, and one in Iloilo City. The BRP is part of the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+ Project) which aims to improve reading, math, social skills, and emotional skills for kindergarten to Grade 3 students. Ina Aquino, chief of party for ABC+ Project, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has deprived children of learning how to properly read with teachers since they had to stay home and only had online classes. “A rapid assessment found a significant number of learners are in dire need of additional support to learn how to read properly,” Aquino told Manila Bulletin. The BRP will provide early grade learning materials in various mother tongues including a portable device known as the Learn Kernel, which is a video-based instructional module that can be used by students even without internet connection. “It is not as big as the tablets. It is not able to do all the other things that tablets can do. It cannot connect to the internet. But it is very affordable and it can serve its purpose — dedicated to teaching children how to read,” added Aquino. Aside from Western Visayas, the BRP will also be implemented in selected areas of Bicol region, Cotabato City, and Maguindanao. Also present at the BRP launching were USAID Philippines Education Director Tom LeBlanc, DepEd’s Bureau of Learning Delivery Director Leila Areola, and DepEd-6 Assistant Regional Director Pedro Escobarte Jr.