18/05/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐โ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ
Tagum City, Davao del Norte โ May 15, 2026. The City Government of Tagum in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Tagum City proudly launched simultaneously the Summer Big Brother: โReading is Fun!โ Season 1 on May 14, 2026 at the 10 pilot school implementers. The initiative strengthens DepEdโs Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, introducing a mentoring model that builds literacy, confidence, and joy in learning among young children.
Ten pilot schoolsโincluding Mangga Elementary School, Apokon Elementary School, Col. Rosalio Saludares Elementary School, F.dela Cruz- P. Sagun Elementary School, San Agustin Integrated School, Don Ricardo Briz Central Elementary School, Suaybaguio Riรฑa Elementary School, F. Catalan Elementary School, Pagsabangan Elementary School, and Visayan Village Central Elementary Schoolโare implementing the program through structured reading sessions combined with the โBig Brother, Big Sisterโ approach. Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils undergo 40 hours of targeted remediation in literacy and numeracy inside designated Reading Houses, guided by teacher volunteers and youth mentors. This nurturing environment transforms reading into a shared experience, reflecting Tagum Cityโs commitment to inclusive and quality education.
The launching ceremony at one of the schools, Visayan Village CES, was graced by Hon. Ciara Uy-Salazar, City Councilor; Dr. Amelie A. Ihalas, Kindergarten Supervisor; Dr. Nila Digal and Dr. Geraldine B. Canlas, PSDSs; and Mr. Harley Aglosolos, English Supervisor. Their presence underscored the cityโs united dedication to literacy, friendship, and holistic learning. Learners also received school supplies and free lunch funded by the City Government of Tagum, further demonstrating its support for equitable access to education.
According to Jennilyn L. Rimando, Literacy Programs Focal, the Summer Big Brother initiativeโanchored under the City Mayorโs Reading Empowers Youth Programโhas already reached 730 learners across 10 pilot schools. โThis program is designed to help our incoming Grade 1 and 2 learners cope with their reading and comprehension challenges through the guidance of teacher and youth volunteers,โ Rimando emphasized.
With the leadership of City Mayor Hon. Rey T. Uy and the dedication of educators, DepEd tutors, and external volunteers, the ARALโSummer Big Brother partnership stands as a milestone of collective success. By transforming reading into a pathway to achievement, Tagum City continues to inspire learners toward a brighter future.
Together, DepEd and the City Government of Tagum prove that when a community unites for education, every child gains the power to dream, learn, and succeed.