Beyond Books: DepEd’s National Call to Arms Against Illiteracy and Hunger

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In the heart of the Philippines’ education crisis, a new battle cry emerges—not from the chalkboards and classrooms alone, but from the dinner tables, barangay halls, and community kitchens. The Department of Education (DepEd), guided by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., has issued a powerful and urgent call: the fight against illiteracy must go beyond the classroom walls.

This is no longer just about test scores or lesson plans. It is about the empty stomachs, distracted minds, and unsupported homes that make learning impossible. And as the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) results reveal alarming gaps in reading skills across regions, DepEd is pivoting—rallying parents, communities, and private stakeholders into action.

“Children can’t learn on an empty stomach. Teachers can’t teach if students come to school hungry, sick, or unsupported at home. This is bigger than DepEd. Solving literacy means mobilizing parents, LGUs, and the private sector,” declared Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Reading Begins at Home: The First Teachers

In a country where millions of children struggle to read by the end of Grade 3, the frontlines of literacy begin at home. President Marcos himself stressed the critical role of parents, calling on them to turn bedtime stories into stepping stones for national development.

“To our parents… take the time to read stories to your children. It may be a small step. But it is a crucial one in looking after those who will inherit our motherland,” he urged.

Research from UNESCO backs this call—early childhood routines, storytelling, and engaged parenting significantly enhance a child’s ability to absorb formal education. Recognizing this, DepEd has intensified efforts with programs like the Bawat Bata Makakabasa Program (BBMP), the Literacy Remediation Program (LRP), and the Summer Academic Remediation Program, targeting foundational reading and math skills before learners move up a grade.

But the real heroes may be the unsung mothers and fathers flipping pages at home.

In Cebu, a shining example comes from the Zonta Club of Cebu II with their Alimbukad: Basa Pamilya program. Book bags are sent home, and monthly guided sessions train parents in the art of reading aloud and cultivating learning environments. Schools like Poo Elementary in Lapu-Lapu City have become centers of literacy not just for children—but for entire families.

Feeding the Mind by Filling the Stomach

But literacy is more than letters and syllables. It's also rice, protein, and clean water. According to UNICEF, a child's ability to learn is intricately tied to their nutrition. And in the Philippines, hunger remains a silent saboteur of education.

To combat this, DepEd is expanding its School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) to reach over 3.3 million learners in School Year 2025–2026, including all public Kindergarten students. This move aligns with global research on the “first 1,000 days”—a vital window for physical and brain development. Malnutrition during this phase doesn’t just delay growth—it shuts down potential.

“We are doing our part. Now we need the rest of the village to act,” Angara said, underscoring the urgent need for a whole-of-nation response.

The Power of Partnerships: Jollibee Steps In

In the fight for both learning and nourishment, the private sector has answered the call. The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), through its Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) program, has been pivotal in feeding minds by literally filling bellies.

Its innovative Central Kitchen model—now in 41 locations—prepares and delivers nutritious meals to over 30,000 students in more than 200 schools. For school heads like Principal Leah Gualvez of Cayabon Elementary School in Masbate, the impact is life-changing:

“Napakalaking tulong ng programang ito sa development ng mga bata. Kapag busog ang mga bata, mas naiiintindihan nila ang mga aralin.”

The model reduces costs and ensures consistent meal quality while freeing up school staff to focus on instruction. It’s a powerful blueprint for public-private synergy in solving complex societal problems.

A Nation of Readers—and Feeders

DepEd’s campaign is not merely an educational reform—it’s a social movement. One that recognizes that books can’t be read if minds are starving, and lessons can't be learned if hearts are anxious.

It is a call to every Filipino: to read with our children, feed their dreams, and invest not just in grades but in futures. For as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child—and perhaps, an entire nation to teach one to read.

And now, the village is being summoned. Will we answer?

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