José Rizal University’s Junior High School Division proudly launched a community-based Reading Tutorial Program last January 25, 2025, with the theme “Galing sa Pagbasa, Kaya Mo Bata!”
The initiative was inspired by the university’s involvement in the Reading Tutorial Program of Lingap Angat, a non-governmental organization partner. Since 2023, JRU faculty, staff, and students have been actively volunteering at Mandaluyong Elementary School, through the Community Development Office’s Lunas Basa Project.
This new outreach effort, led by the Social Orientation Community Involvement (SOCI) team of the Junior High School, was designed as a response to the identified literacy needs of children aged 7 to 8 in Barangay Bagong Silang, one of the university’s adopted communities. The Needs Assessment Survey conducted in December 2024 revealed that parents expressed a desire for structured reading sessions to help improve their children’s foundational literacy skills. In response, the JHS team conceptualized a localized version of the Lingap Angat Community Learning Hub model of their Reading Tutorial Program to serve the learners of Grades 1 and 2 in the barangay.
The sessions officially began in late January and took place every Friday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM for Grade 1 learners, and every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM for Grade 2 learners. The program ran consistently for three months, concluding in March. The sessions utilized the Marungko Approach, a well-recognized and effective method for teaching beginning reading in Filipino. This phonetic-based strategy incorporates syllable blending and sound recognition to help children read with confidence and comprehension.
The implementation of the program was made possible through the unwavering support of the JRU Community Development Office, that provided essential learning materials, activity
sheets, and snacks for both the children and volunteers. Numerous JRU teachers, non-teaching staff, and student volunteers from Grades 9 and 10 participated wholeheartedly, offering their time and energy to teach, facilitate learning, and foster a supportive environment for the young readers.
In addition to enhancing literacy, the program demonstrates JRU’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). This goal, established by the United Nations, aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. By addressing reading gaps among early graders in marginalized communities, JRU is actively working to bridge the educational divide and empower learners to succeed in their academic journeys and eventually become contributors to literacy development.
The culminating activity of the program was held on March 21, 2025, marking the last reading session and celebrating the children’s efforts and growth. During the simple yet heartwarming ceremony, each child was awarded a Certificate of Completion, with select students receiving special awards for exemplary participation and progress. In addition to that, the Science Department distributed health kits to the participants of the program. Parents, barangay officials, and JRU representatives attended the event, expressing their appreciation and enthusiasm for the program’s positive impact on the community.
Marienelle Lara
SOCI Member, Junior High School