It was reported that Filipino students ranked last among 79 countries in math, science,
and reading in the 2018 PISA. Reading, mathematics, and science performance among
15-year-olds in the Philippines lagged behind most other participating countries and
economies. Most low-scoring countries: Philippines, Dominican Republic The
Philippines is one of the PISA economies with over 80% of students failing to meet
minimum reading proficiency. According to the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics
2019 Main Regional Report, only 10% of our Grade 5 students met reading proficiency
standards and 2% met writing proficiency standards (Villegas, 2021). It's the DepEd's
2019 battle cry for quality basic education. The program's goal is to improve basic
education in CALABARZON. The DepEd 4A addressed quality education for all in
CALABARZON during the 2020 1st Semester Meeting of the Regional Committee
(RCQEFA). The current state of DepEd education in the region alarms RCQEFA 4A
members. Most of the top dropout and repeater cities are first class, like Antipolo,
Dasmarinas, Bacoor (PIA, 2020). • Upskilling and reskilling of educators • Engagement
of stakeholders for support and collaboration (DepEd, 2019). Math and Science are
targeted in the DepEd's "Sulong EduKalidad" campaign. DepEd Antipolo fully supports
Sulong EduKalidad's call for better math and science education. A City of Readers
Project anchored in Sulong EduKalidad was launched by DepEd Antipolo to make
Antipolo students readers. Reading is an essential skill for today's world. Non-readers
cannot function properly or live full human and social lives. Reading is as valuable as
education. Memo No. 244, sec. Every November, Araw ng Pagbasa is observed. There
is no requirement for students to read or show basic literacy skills. The instructor must
ensure that all students can read. "Every pupil should be a reader by Grade one level,"
states DepEd Order No. 45, s. 2002. “The Program aims to develop in Filipino children
literacy and numeracy skills and attitudes,” states Paragraph 2 of DepEd Order No. 18,
s. 2017. With the help of teachers, the Department hopes to improve students' literacy
and numeracy skills from Kindergarten to Grade 3. DepEd mandates that primary
school students learn the basics. Reading ability will determine promotion. Numerous
students still struggle with reading despite the Department's programs. As in the
researcher's school. But many students, especially those in grades one and two, are still
frustrated. To help students read better, DEED has launched numerous programs.
These programs include participation by school principals and teachers.