World Vision, DepEd, and Rotary Club of New Manila East unite to strengthen early reading through Brigada Pagbasa

Last March 2026, a powerful example of collaboration came to life in Malabon! One that showed what is possible when government, civil society, and the private sector come together for children.

Thirty‑three learners from Grades 1 to 3 proudly completed the Brigada Pagbasa reading sessions, an after‑school program made possible through the partnership of World Vision Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Rotary Club of New Manila East.

For 16 days beginning in January, these children stayed after class, not because they were required to, but because they were supported, encouraged, and believed in. A simple culmination activity brought together teachers, volunteers, school officials, and families to celebrate the children’s progress.

More than the completion of a program, it marked a shared commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in learning. World Vision Philippines National Director Dr. Herbert Carpio emphasized the power of partnership in addressing the country’s learning challenges: “When organizations, schools, and communities work together around education, change becomes possible and lasting. Ensuring that every child can read is not just the responsibility of one sector, it is a shared responsibility and a vital investment in our nation’s future.”

A Shared Response to a National Reading Crisis

Reading sounds simple. But for many children in the Philippines, it is not.  Some children reach Grade 3 but still struggle to read basic words.

In a commission report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), it was found that 85% of learners from Grade 1 to 3 are struggling readers.  

When children cannot read early, every subject becomes harder, confidence declines, and school can quickly feel discouraging instead of inspiring. This learning crisis affects communities across the country, including Regions 8, 9, and 12, making early, coordinated intervention critical.

Recognizing this, World Vision Philippines, in close coordination with DepEd, continues to prioritize early-grade literacy. In FY2025 alone, World Vision reached 135,861 individuals, including 133,965 children, through education interventions aimed at addressing learning loss and strengthening foundational skills. Over 11,200 children received remedial learning support, while 762 teachers and community volunteers were trained in effective literacy instruction.

Brigada Pagbasa: Collaboration in Action

Globally, World Vision implements evidence‑based education programs such as the Catch‑Up Programme and Unlock Literacy. In the Philippines, this approach was localized through Brigada Pagbasa, launched in 2019 in partnership with DepEd to support struggling readers through structured, after‑school sessions.

In Malabon, the program reached new ground through its collaboration with the Rotary Club of New Manila East, marking the first partnership of its kind for Brigada Pagbasa. Rotary members contributed time, resources, and volunteer support demonstrating how civic groups can play a vital role in education when aligned with schools and development organizations.

For the children, Brigada Pagbasa became more than a reading class, it became a safe space.

Eight‑year‑old James shared, “I thought other kids would laugh at me because I wasn’t good at reading. But when the sessions started, I realized we were all learning together. It was fun, and I wasn’t scared anymore.”

Nine‑year‑old Abdivine Joy added, “I learned how to pronounce new words. I’m thankful to Ate Robelyn because she was patient with me. She helped me believe I could do it.”

Their stories reflect what intentional support and collaboration can achieve.

Strengthening Partnerships for the Future

To expand this collective effort, World Vision Philippines helped establish the Brigada Pagbasa Partners Network, bringing together local governments, schools, NGOs, faith‑based groups, and civic organizations who share one belief: children’s education is everyone’s responsibility.

Because reading is more than recognizing words.

It is confidence.

It is opportunity.

It is hope.

And through partnerships like this in Malabon, that hope is growing page by page, child by child. You may access the Annual Report here.