Give the Gift of Reading: Every Filipino Child, AReader

In a country where literacy is the foundation of opportunity, the Rotary Club of Southern Mandaluyong, in partnership with the Read to Achieve Foundation, continues to champion a powerful mission: Every Filipino Child, a Reader.

Through the project “Give the Gift of Reading: Every Filipino Child, A Reader,” the club brings hope to public school learners by implementing the ALPABASA Program—a structured, phonics-based literacy intervention designed to transform struggling readers into confident, independent learners.

The initiative responds to a pressing reality: many Filipino children face challenges in basic reading due to limited access to effective learning materials, trained educators, and sustained academic support. Recognizing this gap, the project equips both teachers and students with the tools they need to succeed.

A total of 33 teachers underwent specialized remedial reading training, with 18 classrooms receiving complete sets of ALPABASA instructional materials. These include remedial mapping boards, letter cards, sound tokens, and guided teaching scripts—resources that enable educators to deliver structured and engaging literacy instruction.

The impact has been both measurable and inspiring.

From the beginning of the school year to midyear assessments, learners showed remarkable progress. The number of students reading at grade level increased significantly, while those in the “low emerging” category dropped from 73.77% to 42.15%. Reading fluency improved from an average of 24.02 to 30.31 words per minute, while comprehension scores rose dramatically from 11.95% to 47.25%.

Beyond numbers, the project builds lasting capacity within the community. Teachers gain essential skills in phonics-based instruction and learner engagement. Students develop not only reading proficiency but also confidence and critical thinking abilities. Schools strengthen their literacy systems, and communities become active partners in nurturing young readers.

Implemented in public elementary schools, particularly in areas with the greatest literacy needs, the program reflects Rotary’s commitment to sustainable and impactful service. By investing in education, the Rotary Club of Southern Mandaluyong is not only addressing immediate learning gaps but also helping shape a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

This initiative is more than a project—it is a movement.

Together, we invite everyone to “Give the Gift of Reading.” Because when a child learns to read, we do more than teach a skill—we open doors, ignite dreams, and empower a generation to rise.

Written by: Good President Roann Manangan, Rotary Club of Southern Mandaluyong