ABAKADA

Reading is the most important way to prepare for life- Lois Lowry

Last February 8, 2022, the School Division Office of Isabela has partnered
with one of the high caliber university of North Luzon, the Philippine Normal
University towards one goal, to lift up the literacy of every Filipino Children.

During the old times, children are being taught the importance of reading. I
still remember my mom doesn’t allow us to and play outside without reciting the
Abakada first, we are being punished if we can’t read the words written on our
small handy Abakada book and if I’m going to recall everything, I can say that it
was one of the most painful part of my childhood, I got spank, and I even got
beaten so hard that hiding on my grandma’s back is refuge that time, it was a crazy
and fun experienced until I realized it was the most important part of my
childhood.

Today, we keep on hearing news about how poor our country’s performance
in PISA (Program for International Students Assessment) it is an assessment that
measures the student reading and mathematical literacy. But sad to say, this results
are true, there are still students from different levels that can’t even identify letters
and sound.

And I asked myself, what happen? Who is to blame?

Department of Education implemented the project Brigada Pagbasa because

of one objective, to lift the literacy of every child in our community, to secure their
future, and to hone their capabilities. They even promote different modalities just
to meet the struggling learners despites this pandemic, they create innovations,
instructional materials, and remediation, but still, results doesn’t change.

Another question are running on my head, is the teachers the problem?

Students? Parents?

As a teacher, it demoralized us, knowing that after a lot of sacrifices we are

being blamed.
 Do you still remember that even break time, teachers sacrifices their time to
meet the students who needed much support, during weekend teachers devote their
time to create remedy, and instructional materials for the learners who don’t have
any access to the lessons.

Yes! I still remember, I vividly remember those sacrifices, those sleepless

nights, those late calls, those monitoring just to meet, to guide and to help the
students who are struggling.

This implementation of this project was a realization that teachers are not
lacking, because we are striving. I just want to ask, have you tried questioning
yourself? Did you even put a little time to ask your children how are they? Are
they making an excellent job in school? Do they have problems? Or you are just
sending them and put all the works on teachers’ shoulders?

Carrying loads alone is a burden, I am not saying that it is not our

responsibility as their second parents, but I am just thinking on what are the
possible answers to the question.

Strong correlations exist between these parental actions and the frequency
with which children read (Scholastic 2013). For example, among children who are
frequent readers, 57% of parents set aside time each day for their child to read,
compared to 16 % of parents of children who are infrequent readers.

There is a huge factor, if there is parents- children relationship at home. We

are taught that our home is the place where growth happens. This project is an
answer, this will never be put into reality if only two institutions are committed,
they need us, and they need our support, our influence, our sacrifice.

We need to stand for them to walk, we need to climb for them to follow, we
need to lead for them to move forward. It is their future.

Yes! Reading is just a word but a key to develop their full potentials, and a
key for them to unlock the door of a better life.

They are our hope in this puzzled world.

Please bring back the ABAKADA of life.