USAID launches P15-million reading program for BARMM school children

The United States has started a P15-million technology-based education program in pilot areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the US embassy has announced.

USAID Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks and BARMM officials launched on March 14 in Cotabato City the Beginning Reading Program which will use tablets to bring reading instruction to pupils in kindergarten to Grade Three.

The tablets contain early grade reading materials including video-based beginning reading instructional modules in Hiligaynon, Central Bikol, and Magindanawn.

Eubanks was joined at the launch by BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun; and Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) Deputy Minister Haron Meling.

"USAID works with national and local government partners to introduce innovations that will ensure learning continuity and improve literacy, including reading proficiency of early grade learners," Eubanks said.

She added that the US would continue to support the BARMM in providing learners with quality education and the competencies to "enable them to thrive and have successful futures."

"We will work together to ensure that no Bangsamoro child will be left behind by providing inclusive and sustainable education," she said.

"We welcome the Beginning Reading Program as it will ensure the learning of children through portable video devices that can work even without the internet," MBHTE Deputy Minister Meling said.

She also handed over the Automated Weather Station (AWS) equipment to the city government to collect weather and climate data and provide real-time weather monitoring and assessment to enhance the city's disaster management and mapping capabilities, contributing to the region's climate resilience.

"Building a resilient city requires sharing of experience within and among our communities," said Mayor Matabalao.

Through its Climate Resilient Cities project, USAID is improving the resilience of six cities in the Philippines, namely, Batangas, Borongan, Cotabato, Iloilo, Legazpi, and Zamboanga, "to adapt to, mitigate, and manage the impacts of climate change and other disasters." —NB, GMA Integrated News