CitySavings Partners with DepEd, USAID, and RTI International for ABC+ Beginning Reading Program

City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), bolsters its advocacy to enhance learning in the early grade levels by integrating its asset resource and facilities support program into the ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project.

ABC+ is a project of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implemented by RTI International to provide quality early-grade education.

RTI International works with central and regional DepEd officials, local governments, and the private sector to address factors contributing to low learning outcomes in Bicol (Region 5) and Western Visayas (Region 6).

“Access to quality education in a child’s early years can have a critical, lasting impact on the rest of their life,” shared RTI International Chief of Party Ina Aquino. “ABC+ underscores our shared commitment to sustainably improve learning outcomes and foster a brighter future for children, helping establish the foundation for a robust, inclusive, and participatory economy in the Philippines,” she added.

Supporting the Beginner Reading Program
Under the ABC+ program, CitySavings provided 100 units of Learn Kernel tablets to DepEd Region 6 in support of the Beginning Reading Program, a technology-based reading intervention program that delivers reading instruction to Kindergarten to Grade 3 (K–3) students.

“As bankers and community members, CitySavings is committed to the growth of the communities we serve. By working closely with stakeholders such as DepEd, USAID, and RTI International, we can amplify the positive impact of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs for a better teaching and learning experience,” mentioned CitySavings CSR and Sustainability Head Paula Ruelan.

The Beginning Reading Program aims to help reduce the number of children who struggle with reading through readily accessible, explicit, and systematic beginning reading instruction in their mother tongue.

This program uses tablets and Learn Kernels, or low-cost electronic tablets that can be used without Wi-Fi, to help children in K–3 learn to read. The gadgets are formatted to contain beginning reading lessons aligned to learning competencies ranging from phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge to decoding and guided reading of decodable stories. The lessons integrate other literacy skills such as writing, listening, and speaking. They also include music and movement activities, as well as games to make learning more engaging and meaningful.

“The roll-out of the Beginning Reading Program strengthens our effort to address the literacy gap in the region. This engagement shows the strong partnership between DepEd Region 6 and its stakeholders in providing bigger and better learning opportunities for our learners,” said Project Development Officer IV and Regional Partnership Focal Person Ma. Lira Cynthia Quejada.

By joining forces with DepEd, USAID, and RTI International through the ABC+ project, CitySavings is significantly contributing to breaking the cycle of low literacy rates and improving early-grade education in the Philippines. This project exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving positive change. It holds immense promise for a brighter future where Filipino children have the tools to reach their full potential. (MCN)