AS the Department of Education launched the 2025 Brigada Eskwela, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for urgent and comprehensive action to address literacy gaps among Filipino students, with this year’s focus on reading.

Gatchalian emphasized the pressing need to improve reading proficiency and access to quality education nationwide.

“Brigada Eskwela’s focus on reading this year highlights the urgency of boosting literacy among our learners,” he said.

He also pushed for the full implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, a targeted intervention aimed at helping learners catch up on essential academic skills, particularly in reading and numeracy.

Gatchalian highlighted the need to mobilize local governments and create Local Literacy Councils to provide community-based support and address localized challenges in literacy.

He also called for the aggressive implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to reach out-of-school youth and adults, ensuring all Filipinos—regardless of circumstance—can attain basic literacy and quality education.

“Our goal is simple: bawat batang Pilipino, saan mang panig ng bansa, ay matutong bumasa at magkaroon ng akses sa dekalidad na edukasyon,” he stressed.

His call aligns with broader education reforms and underscores the importance of collaboration between national agencies, local governments, and communities to ensure that no Filipino child is left behind.