QUEZON CITY – A targeted tutoring initiative has produced transformative results, with 1,837 struggling learners making significant literacy and numeracy progress in just 25 days, the Quezon City Government and the Department of Education–Schools Division Office (SDO-QC) announced today.
The Zero Illiteracy sa QC Tutoring Program reported that hundreds of students achieved full grade-level reading proficiency, while more than 1,300 advanced to at least a “transitioning” level, meaning they are at or near the expected competency for their grade. Notably, nearly 100 of those who reached full proficiency began the program as non-readers, with another 240 starting from the second-lowest skill band.
“When we say recovery is possible, these learners are living proof,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. “Some of them began as non-readers. A month later, they are now able to read with confidence at the level expected of their age. They remind us that no child should ever be written off.”
The program’s pilot Mathematics component also yielded strong outcomes. Among over 260 learners, most advanced to near-proficient levels in basic math and problem-solving, with more than 100 students mastering the foundational operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Launched in 2023, the program focuses on Grades 3-6 students in 50 public elementary schools, employing small-group sessions, focused teaching approaches, and close monitoring. “We focused on the most left-behind learners,” explained Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla. “Seeing them move up so quickly shows what targeted teaching and consistent support can do.”
Beyond academic impact, the initiative has provided community support, creating approximately 300 tutoring jobs and serving over 56,000 meals to participants during the program.
Encouraged by the results, the local government has already expanded the effort, rolling out a new batch with 1,300 students and designating additional model reading schools as part of the city’s broader learning recovery agenda.
The Zero Illiteracy sa QC Tutoring Program is sustained by the Learning Recovery Trust Fund, with support from various partners and donors. Interested individuals and organizations wishing to donate or partner with the City Government may contact the Education Affairs Unit at education@quezoncity.gov.ph or (02) 8988-4242 local 7330.#
