EARLY grade students who participated in the 2025 summer program were reported to have improved reading comprehension improved as reported by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The said summer program included “feeding interventions,” where DepEd has provided food assistance that includes snacks, hot meals, and other small incentives. 

This summer program was implemented under the “Bawat Bata Makababasa Program” (BBMP) along with the National Learning Camp (NLC). The said summer program aims to help students focus while encouraging them with consistent attendance.   

Focusing on the foundational reading skills in elementary, the BBMP had recorded an average attendance rate of 80.83% which equates to more than 70,000 learners for over five weeks. 

As per the post-program assessment, it showed a 32.85% improvement in Grade 3 students’ reading in Filipino, while 26.04% was seen in English. 

This improvement shows a remarkable decline in the listed number of “low emerging” readers amongst students. 

According to DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, food is not just an incentive but also a foundation of learning, stating that when a body is nourished, the student is more prepared to learn. 

The Department of Education has previously launched its Summer Programs that aim to strengthen foundational and grade-level competencies among learners across key stages in public schools in the Philippines.  

These summer programs opt to address gaps in reading and mathematics through tutorials and targeted interventions. 

The program was initiated under the administration’s education agenda under Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision. 

“We are dedicated to creating opportunities for all students to thrive. Our summer programs are designed to provide the necessary support and resources to help learners overcome challenges and achieve their full potential,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said.