DAVAO CITY — The Department of Education in Davao City has achieved a remarkable milestone by drastically reducing the number of struggling readers among Grades 1 to 3 learners. At the end of School Year 2025-2026, the division recorded a massive 36-percentage-point drop, marking a significant turning point for local education.
A Monumental Drop in Reading Difficulties
According to the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment report, the number of struggling readers plummeted from roughly 39,750 at the start of the school year to just 8,064 by the end. This incredible shift reduced the overall proportion from 45 percent down to a mere 9 percent.
The assessment data serves as a powerful validation of the division’s targeted strategies. By focusing on early-grade literacy, educators are laying a stronger foundation for future academic success, ensuring that these young learners are well-prepared for the challenges of higher education.
The ARAL Program and Community Support
A key driver of this success was the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program, which provided targeted learning support to pupils needing help. Complementing this were various school-based reading initiatives and literacy remediation activities that boosted comprehension and built immense student confidence.
This progress highlights the collective effort of teachers, school heads, external tutors, parents, and community partners. Working together, they addressed learners' difficulties through classroom interventions and contextualized reading programs, ensuring that students receive the necessary academic guidance both at home and in school.
Ranking Third in Region XI
These collaborative efforts positioned Davao City third among the 11 Schools Division Offices in Region XI for the lowest percentage of struggling readers. Schools Division Supervisor Reynante Solitario emphasized that this remarkable step forward is not simply about improving school rankings or reducing statistical percentages.
Instead, it is about children gaining confidence, discovering the joy of reading, and opening doors to greater opportunities. Assistant Schools Division Supervisor Rebecca C. Sagot encouraged learners through the "BASA DABAWENYO" campaign, reminding them that one page a day leads to a lifetime of success.
Sustaining the Momentum for Every Child
Despite the impressive gains, the division faces the continuing challenge of supporting the 8,064 learners still classified as struggling readers. Moving forward, DepEd Davao City plans to strengthen literacy interventions and sustain effective reading practices to reach those who need further assistance.
Assistant Schools Division Supervisor Josie Bolofer praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, noting that every school's contextual reading program was integral to the success. The ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure no child is left behind due to reading difficulties.
Teachers and school leaders are now being empowered to deliver responsive, learner-centered instruction tailored to specific community needs. By building on this momentum, the local education sector is actively working to cultivate confident readers and independent learners for generations to come.
