CAGAYAN DE Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez sought the passage of a measure that seeks to give assistance to parents who will devote time in teaching their children how to read.

In filing House Bill 3814 or the proposed Parents as First Teachers Grant Act, Rodriguez stressed that education starts at home and the best teachers are parents.

“Reading and early training in reading greatly help a child in his school activities,” he said.

The lawmaker said that reading skills will help those who are not fortunate to finish their studies.

House Bill 3814 intends to establish mechanisms for parent-child reading activities and provide assistance to parents who devote time and effort to teach their children to read.

The measure mandates the Department of Education to award at least two grants to non-profit organizations that have programs or activities that assist parents who help their children become successful readers.

In order to receive a grant, a group, organization or consortium shall establish a training institute and comprehensive counseling program to enable parents to improve their children’s reading skills.

Once enacted into law, an initial amount of P25 million will be allocated for the program.