DepEd rolls out P131-M literacy boost for 131 priority schools

MANILA, Philippines – Championing equity in education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has officially activated the Bayang Bumabasa Initiative, allotting P131 million in Needs-Based Program Support Funds to assist 131 priority schools in accelerating literacy gains. The initiative, unveiled during the 2025 National Literacy Conference, will provide up to P1 million per school to implement locally responsive and contextualized reading programs. The 131 recipient