From Crisis to Commitment: Bawat Bata Makababasa Program Ignites Hope

By Assistant Secretary Carmela C. Oracion

A literacy crisis looms large over the nation: nearly 9 out of 10 Filipino children aged 10 cannot read and understand simple text, according to World Bank estimates. A staggering number of Grades 1 to 3 Filipino learners are falling behind. This alarming statistic is more than just a number; it reflects a national emergency that affects every home, every classroom, and every community.

In the face of this sobering reality, hope has begun to take root. On May 8, the Department of Education’s Bawat Bata Makababasa Program (BBMP) officially started in elementary schools across Region 9, a pilot that marks the beginning of a transformative journey. This bold initiative – soon to expand nationwide as part of the ARAL Program – carries a simple yet revolutionary promise: every child can and must learn to read.

Nearly 7,000 public school teachers, volunteers, and local leaders came together to kick off the 20-day reading tutorial with an energy that radiated purpose and unity. The tutors underwent training in the days leading up to the launch, learning strategies grounded in research, compassion, and cultural context.

In just the first two days, classrooms were filled with profound sounds of progress – syllables sounded out with confidence, words pieced together, and in one case, a learner who had never read a word before was able to read ‘mama’ and ‘mesa’.

What sets the BBMP apart is its community-driven approach, the spirit of shared responsibility that powers the program. Teachers and volunteer tutors are leading the charge. Parents are active partners in ensuring that learners stay engaged and complete the program. Barangay officials help out by ensuring that children show up. Medical professionals and private sector partners have stepped up to conduct vision screening and provide eyeglasses to learners in need, to make sure that no child is held back from reading by something manageable as poor eyesight.

The road ahead is long, and the work is far from over. But the opening days of the BBMP have revealed that when a community comes together – when teachers teach with heart, when volunteers serve with purpose, when families and leaders unite – we can turn things around. With unwavering support from everyone, the Philippines is beginning to write a new chapter – one where every child reads, and every child thrives.

About the author

Dr. Carmela C. Oracion has been in the education sector for over 40 years, beginning as a high school Mathematics teacher and later serving as Director of the Ateneo Center for Educational Development. She has contributed to national education policy through her roles in CHED and EDCOM II and was recently recognized as the 2024 Professional Teacher awardee by the PRC. She now continues her advocacy for quality education as an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education.