More than 16,000 learners in the Bicol Region have so far benefited from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) reading and literacy initiative called “Project 6B: Bawat Batang Bicolano Bihasang Bumasa at Bumilang” since it began last year, an official from the agency said on Wednesday.

Maria Cristina Borosa, the acting chief of the Education Support Services Division of the DepEd Bicol, said the project has increased class participation, reduced absenteeism, and even improved students’ hygiene practices.

“The learners engaged in Project 6B have shown greater involvement in class, and we have observed a decrease in absenteeism and an enhancement in hygiene practices. The beneficiaries of this project are primarily those who require additional support in reading and greatly benefit from initiatives like this,” Borosa said.

She said that the project focuses on enhancing learners’ skills through various activities aimed at improving literacy and reading comprehension.

“Over 10,700 volunteers have participated in the project, including teachers, professionals, and community engagement volunteers,” she added.

Baroso added that Project 6B will be inplemented until 2028.

She also thanked the teachers and professionals for their time in volunteering for the project.

The collaborative initiative partnered with other national government agencies, non-government organizations, and stakeholders to improve the literacy of learners in the region. (PNA)