ILOILO — The city government is preparing to launch a new education program aimed at improving literacy from preschool through postgraduate levels, responding to concerns over children's growing use of gadgets. The Edu-Go Program will be launched on September 16, 2026, with initial training for early childhood care and development teachers.
A Comprehensive Literacy Initiative
Mayor Raisa Treñas' spokesperson Joy Gorzal said the program seeks to improve literacy across all educational levels. The initiative is a local adaptation of a program by the Congressional Education Commission. It will bring together various education sectors to establish referral mechanisms and develop a dashboard for monitoring the city's education performance.
The city government will also create a manual to guide the program's implementation. This structured approach ensures that literacy interventions are standardized and consistently applied across all districts. The program represents a significant investment in the city's human capital development.
Strengthening Early Childhood Education
The initial phase will focus on continuing education for ECCD teachers handling both regular and special education students. This targeted training aims to equip educators with the skills needed to address diverse learning needs in their classrooms.
By investing in teacher development, the city ensures that children receive quality instruction from the earliest stages of their education. The program recognizes that effective literacy instruction begins with well-trained educators who understand child development and learning strategies. This foundation is critical for long-term academic success.
Expanding Access to Reading Materials
The program will strengthen the city's reading campaign by making reading materials more accessible through indoor and outdoor libraries. Mayor Treñas said in a video message that the dream is to encourage the next generation of readers. She noted the city has open spaces, plazas, and district libraries available.
Iloilo City currently operates two district libraries, eight barangay reading centers, four outdoor libraries in city plazas, and one market-based library. These facilities provide diverse access points for residents to engage with books and learning materials. The expansion of these services encourages reading habits beyond the classroom.
Addressing the Gadget Challenge
Mayor Treñas acknowledged the challenge of promoting reading among children who are increasingly drawn to gadgets. Screen time competes with traditional reading for young people's attention. The program addresses this by making reading more engaging and accessible through creative library placements.
Daycare workers have been instructed to set aside reading time for children. This daily practice helps develop an early interest in reading and establishes habits that can last a lifetime. By embedding reading into routine activities, the city normalizes it as a pleasurable and valued activity.
A Collaborative Approach
The Edu-Go Program establishes a citywide education dashboard and referral system to harmonize efforts across the Department of Education, higher education institutions, and municipal agencies. This collaboration ensures that resources are maximized and gaps in service delivery are identified and addressed.
The program's implementation manual will standardize literacy interventions across all city districts. This consistency is essential for measuring progress and ensuring that all children benefit from the initiative regardless of their location. The city government's commitment to education signals a brighter future for Iloilo's youth.
