THE DEPARTMENT of Education office in Bicol Region launched a community-based reading program to improve the basic and functional literacy of Bicolano learners.

So far, 117,790 tutors or reading facilitators have volunteered, according to “Brigada Pagbasa” regional focal person Ma. Cristina Baroso.

Because of the pandemic, the DepEd requires volunteers to tutor children in their own communities.

DepEd Region 5 spokesperson Mayflor Marie Jumamil said that the project seeks to bring together DepEd partners, experts, change-makers, and other stakeholders to help all learners read and become literate.

“It also aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of literacy as a foundation to learning,” she added.

Jumamil said that Brigada Pagbasa partners could also serve as volunteer readers to help Kindergarten to Grade 6 pupils.