Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. reported that 98 percent of Grade 3 learners in 12 pilot local government units (LGUs) are now reading well, presenting Iloilo’s turnaround story at the 2026 W. SyCip National Education Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center.
The figure marks a dramatic rise from baseline data showing that only 28 percent or 3 out of 10 learners were grade-ready in English at the start of the intervention, a turnaround driven in large part by the implementation of the Proof of Concept (POC) model in pilot LGUs in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation.
The POC 12 pilot LGUs included Barotac Viejo, Batad, Cabatuan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Leganes, Lemery, Maasin, Mina, Pavia, Sara and Iloilo City.
Under POC framework, the province conducted participatory needs assessments, rolled out LGU-led reading interventions, ensured one-to-one reproduction of teachers’ modules and learners’ workbooks, and set up systematic monitoring from classroom to capitol level. Mayors were encouraged to treat literacy as a development priority, aligning local resources with Department of Education programs to close learning gaps.
“We treat education as a core responsibility and function, notwithstanding that it is not a devolved function,” said Defensor, who also shared the province’s flagship reform program, Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins) which focuses on closing gaps in literacy, strengthening school infrastructure, and improving student development outcomes through strong LGU participation.
The results drew national interest, with Senator Bam Aquino who was present at the summit, expressing intent to invite Defensor as a resource person in a Senate hearing to explore possible nationwide replication of the initiative.
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