DepEd reports 'improved reading' after providing food aid in summer program
In a summary report, DepEd said that food assistance—including snacks, hot meals, and other small incentives—was implemented during the Bawat Bata Makababasa Program (BBMP) and National Learning Camp (NLC) to help maintain learner focus and encourage consistent attendance.
'Ang pagkain ay hindi lang insentibo, ito ay pundasyon ng pagkatuto. Kapag may lakas ang katawan, mas handa ang bata sa pagbabasa, pakikinig, at pag-unawa,' said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
(Food is not just an incentive, it is the foundation of learning. When the body is nourished, the child is better prepared to read, listen, and understand.)
The BBMP, which focuses on foundational reading skills in the early grades, recorded an average attendance rate of 80.83% from more than 70,000 learners over five weeks.
Schools that implemented feeding and reward systems reported increased participation, fewer absences, and higher learner engagement.
Post-program assessments showed a 32.85% improvement in Grade 3 learners reading at grade level in Filipino and 26.04% in English, with a notable decline in the number of 'low emerging' readers.
Meanwhile, the National Learning Camp, a 15-day remedial and enrichment program for reading and math, reached over 1.13 million learners across 157 school divisions. All participants received food support during the camp, which DepEd said helped stabilize attendance and support learners' readiness to engage in lessons.
Reports from regional offices indicated that food distribution efforts were carried out in various forms, including in-school meals, take-home food packs, and support from local government units.
Some LGUs also assisted in logistics, while schools integrated feeding into daily class routines.
DepEd also noted the involvement of private sector partners, including companies, foundations, and civic groups, that contributed snacks, hygiene kits, and educational materials to support the programs.
The department said these efforts align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s broader push for learning recovery and child nutrition.
'Sa bawat batang natutong bumasa dahil busog ang tiyan at buo ang suporta, doon natin tunay na makikita ang saysay ng edukasyon, may malasakit at may pagkalinga,' Angara said.
(In every child who learns to read with a full stomach and strong support, we see the true value of education—one with compassion and care.)
While the programs yielded encouraging results, DepEd said further evaluation and sustained support will be needed to address long-term learning gaps, especially among early grade learners. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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