📅 July 1, 2025 – The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines and Microsoft have further strengthened their collaboration to enhance literacy nationwide by scaling the use of AI-powered educational tools. This expanded partnership underscores a shared mission to democratize access to AI for Filipino learners and educators, in alignment with Secretary Sonny Angara’s five-point education agenda.
The recent event, “Read and Lead: An AI-Powered Literacy Day,” held at Ilugin Elementary School in Pasig City, showcased the real-world impact of Microsoft’s Reading Progress and Reading Coach tools. Students in grades 4 to 6 participated in guided reading sessions, while teachers demonstrated how the technology helps tailor learning to individual student needs and significantly reduces manual workload. Educators noted measurable success—ten previously struggling readers showed marked improvement, and literacy reports were generated with greater speed and accuracy.
🔍 AI in Action: Nationwide Implementation
Key officials from DepEd and government agencies—including Assistant Secretary Marcelino Veloso III, Assistant Secretary Carmela Oracion, and Congressman Roman Romulo (EDCOM 2 co-chair)—voiced strong support for the program’s scalability and long-term benefits. Assistant Secretary Veloso emphasized the critical role of digital tools in reshaping classrooms to align with President Marcos’ digitalization goals.
“We’re committed to scaling what works, so every Filipino child can thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Oracion stressed that literacy remains the foundation of all learning.
“By leveraging AI, we ensure that every student—regardless of background—can become a confident reader and lifelong learner,” she stated.
“This partnership with Microsoft is vital to achieving that vision.”
🏫 Community-Level Impact: From Pasig to Cabanatuan and Bais City
Across the country, schools are witnessing tangible improvements in reading proficiency. In Cabanatuan, the READExcel pilot program was launched in three schools, resulting in a dramatic reduction of struggling readers—from 14 to zero—thanks to a structured program that included regular reading practice, instructional video aids, and strong support from families.
In Bais City, Microsoft’s Reading Progress tool has revolutionized how teachers conduct reading assessments. Tasks that previously consumed two full days now take just two hours. Over 14,000 students in 60 schools have already benefited from this AI-based reading solution. Teachers like Venus Marie Catubay report deeper insights into student performance, enabling more focused and effective interventions.
🎯 Looking Ahead: National Scaling and Digital Fluency
Moving forward, DepEd and Microsoft plan to integrate Reading Progress into the National Reading Program in support of PHIL-IRI (Philippine Informal Reading Inventory) goals. With the support of industry partners, the initiative aims to scale nationwide—enhancing teacher training, digital fluency, and AI integration across classrooms.
“This is just the beginning,” said Peter Maquera, CEO of Microsoft Philippines.
“By combining innovative technology with the dedication of Filipino educators, we can close the literacy gap and empower every learner to succeed.”
đź”— Source:
Microsoft Asia Newsroom – Official Press Release
🧾 Disclaimer:
This article is a summary based on publicly available information from Microsoft and DepEd. It has been independently written for educational and informational purposes. All trademarks and content mentioned belong to their respective owners.
