SENATOR Loren Legarda highlighted the link between grassroots literacy efforts and her national push for stronger early-grade learning during the Oplan: Talk Read – Pagpupugay sa Tagumpay ng Pagbasa graduation ceremony in Caloocan City.

She delivered an inspiring message, commending the perseverance of learners, tutors, and educators while stressing the urgent need to address reading gaps identified by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

“Kapag marunong kang magbasa, parang binubuksan mo ang pinto sa napakaraming mundo. Mas marami kang maiintindihan at matututunan, mas kaya mong magtanong, at mas kaya mong mangarap dahil kaya mo nang basahin at unawain ang mundo sa paligid mo,” Legarda told the completers, urging them to practice reading daily.

As Co-Chair of EDCOM 2, Legarda emphasized that weak reading skills from Kinder to Grade 3 create challenges across all subjects.

“Ipinakita ng EDCOM II na napakaraming bata sa ating bansa ang hirap pa ring bumasa sa antas na naaayon sa kanilang grado. Ibig sabihin, hindi lamang ito problema ng isang lungsod o isang paaralan, problema ito ng buong bansa,” she said.

The four-term senator also highlighted her legislative initiatives to strengthen early learning nationwide, including the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, and the proposed K to 3 Foundational Learning and Nurturing Care Act.

“Kung mahina ang pundasyon, guguho ang gusali. Ganoon din sa edukasyon. Kapag malakas ang pundasyon sa pagbasa at pagkatuto sa Kinder hanggang Grade 3, mas matibay ang magiging hinaharap ng bawat bata,” she emphasized.

Oplan: Talk Read is a literacy program designed to support early-grade learners who struggle with reading. Through guided sessions led by trained tutors in coordination with public schools, the program strengthens foundational literacy skills and promotes inclusive access to quality education at the community level.

The initiative is sustained through partnerships with DepEd, the Schools Division Office of Caloocan, and DOLE.

Legarda also commended City of Caloocan 2nd District Representative Edgar “Egay” Erice for championing the program as part of his flagship advocacy in Caloocan. She noted that Erice’s collaboration with local government, educators, and volunteers reflects a shared commitment to advancing education and addressing literacy gaps.

“Kaya nais kong bigyang pugay si Congressman Edgar Erice at ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Caloocan na nagbukas ng pinto para sa programang ito. Hindi basta basta ang maglunsad ng ganitong proyekto, kailangan ng malinaw na direksyon, pondo, partners, at matibay na paniniwala na kayang umangat ang bawat bata,” she said.

The ceremony recognized completers from 17 partner schools across Caloocan, alongside tutors trained under the TALK READ Training of Tutors 2025. Retired teachers, SK volunteers, and MillennialZ members collaborated to guide learners, highlighting the program’s community-based approach.

Legarda called for the continuation of grassroots literacy interventions.

“Ipagpatuloy po natin ang mga programa gaya ng Oplan: Talk Read, yung agad tumutugon, nakatuon sa mga batang pinaka nangangailangan, at nakabatay sa datos at sa tunay na kalagayan ng ating mga paaralan,” she said.