The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Office of the President, has launched a nationwide program providing free school bags, school supplies, and age-appropriate storybooks to millions of young learners. This initiative aims to improve literacy among Filipino children.
The program was launched simultaneously across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, targeting Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners enrolled in public schools. The Visayas rollout was held at Mandaue City Central School, led by Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba and Assistant Secretary Janir Datukan, who represented Education Secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
Officials emphasized that the program goes beyond distributing school materials. It serves as a strategic intervention to address declining reading comprehension levels among young learners, as identified by recent educational assessments.
According to Aldaba, fostering a love for reading at an early age remains a top priority. “We want our children to enjoy reading and develop the habit of learning beyond the classroom,” she said. “Providing them with books they can personally own and bring home gives them greater opportunities to read with their families and continue learning outside school hours.”
Each beneficiary receives a school bag funded by the Office of the President, along with school supplies and carefully selected storybooks and coloring books provided by DepEd through partnerships with private publishers and donors. The books are designed to match the developmental and reading levels of young learners, with eight versions developed and distributed according to grade level to ensure engaging and age-appropriate content.
Datukan noted that the initiative aims to make reading materials more accessible, especially for children with limited access to books at home. “The goal is not simply to distribute books but to encourage children to read and develop a lifelong appreciation for learning,” he said. “When students have materials they can call their own, they are more likely to read regularly and share those learning experiences with their families.”
Recent literacy assessments showed a decline in reading comprehension among learners, making early intervention a priority. To maximize impact, books are distributed directly to students rather than being kept in school libraries or storage facilities.
DepEd believes allowing children to take books home increases their exposure to reading and strengthens parental involvement. The initiative reflects collaboration among national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private publishers, and community partners working toward improved educational outcomes.
Aside from literacy development, officials discussed ongoing efforts to address classroom congestion in public schools. Datukan said DepEd continues to work with LGUs to construct additional classrooms in overcrowded areas. The department is also expanding the DepEd Voucher Program, allowing qualified learners to transfer to participating private schools when public school facilities become overcrowded.
These measures form part of a broader strategy to achieve an average classroom-to-student ratio of 1:40 and provide a more conducive learning environment. Assistant Secretary John Rill, a key proponent of the program, emphasized the importance of making educational resources available to all learners regardless of socioeconomic background.
Officials highlighted logistical improvements: instead of centralized procurement, DepEd released printing funds directly to school divisions, allowing local offices to manage procurement and production based on specific needs. This decentralized approach sped up implementation, reduced delays, and ensured materials reached schools in time for class openings.
Funding for the initiative has been allocated under the current budget year, and DepEd hopes the program will become a regular annual undertaking. For education leaders, the distribution program represents more than a giveaway. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen foundational literacy, support struggling learners, and equip children with tools for academic success.
“Our objective is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to read, learn and dream. By investing in our youngest learners today, we are investing in the future of the country,” Aldaba concluded.
