DAGUPAN CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office 1 (RO1) thru its Curriculum and Learning Management Division launched the Reading First for Region 1 program on June 8, 2021 at the Abong na Alumni in Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS).

The virtual launching aired live over Facebook was facilitated by the Schools Division of Dagupan City.

 

The Reading First program is DepEd Region 1’s response to the challenge, “Bawat Bata Bumabasa” (Every child a reader) which aims to enhance the reading skills of learners.

 

“With the Reading First for Region 1, we will look into the learners on why they are unable to read well according to the level of grade curriculum they are in and investigate the readiness and capabilities of teachers to implement teaching instruction across grade levels and curriculum,” Regional Director Tolentino Aquino said in his message.

Recognizing the importance of reading in learning, Aquino also emphasized that the program aims to make every teacher a reading teacher while examining the appropriateness of learning materials.

In her message, Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones said, “beyond reading is comprehension, beyond comprehension is the challenge of utilizing the skills to solve life-long problems and deal with the realities, thus we must help our learners take the first step in knowledge which is reading.”

“Let us not deprive these children of knowing what is happening in their localities just because they cannot read,” believing that teaching to read is better for face-to-face for the teachers and the learners.

 

In recorded video, all 14 schools division in the region presented their best practices in reading programs being implemented to aid in advancing reading among their learners.

 

Meanwhile, one of DepEd’s partners, the World Vision Philippines, also gave a message of support to the Reading First program through Mr. Geomeal Jetonzo, Brigada Pagbasa director.

“We can take small but significant steps in combatting literacy during this difficult time by encouraging partners who have the opportunity to help and focusing on providing educational support to those who do not, we are together in investing for the education of children, future movers and leaders by collectively promoting the culture of reading,” Jetonzo said.

One of the highlights of the launching was the presentation of the official logo for the program, unveiled by Aquino and other DepEd officials.

By: Joan Diaz-Sabado