Iloilo city: The city government has embarked on a significant educational endeavor, launching a comprehensive program titled 'Edu-Go: Read. Learn. Grow' aimed at improving literacy and educational outcomes from early childhood through Grade 12. This initiative, announced on Wednesday, is a collaborative effort that brings together government agencies, schools, communities, and other partners to provide tailored support to learners based on their individual needs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Edu-Go program is structured into seven key components. These include Edu-Go Sugod for early childhood development, Edu-Go Upod for learners with disabilities or those requiring additional support, Edu-Go Basa for enhancing reading, numeracy, and comprehension skills, and Edu-Go Balik for out-of-school youth and adults seeking a second chance at education. Additionally, the program includes Edu-Go Level-Up for skills development, Edu-Go Pamilya to engage families and communities, and Edu-Go Talaan to monitor learners' needs and progress.
Mayor Raisa Tre±as emphasized the comprehensive nature of the program during the launch, stating, "This is a very long journey and a hard one because we have a lot to cope with. This Edu-Go program, we really make sure it's comprehensive; not only for daycare but until Grade 12."
The initial phase of implementation will focus on Edu-Go Sugod, which includes training and performance assessments for daycare teachers. Tre±as highlighted the importance of quality education by stating, "If we have quality teachers equals quality students. And we will continue to train to make sure that we will deliver quality students and learners for Iloilo City."
Edu-Go Sugod offers three packages to cater to different age groups: Edu Liit for children below 3 years old and their parents or guardians, Pre-Kindergarten 1 for children aged 3 years and 11 months, and Pre-Kindergarten 2 for those aged 4 years and 11 months. The city currently operates 201 child development centers, serving approximately 13,000 enrollees.
The emphasis on starting with daycare is rooted in the belief that early childhood is crucial for developing foundational skills, including a love for reading. Furthermore, the city has also launched Project SABAT (Capacitating Implementers Towards Strategic Actions for Better Accessibility of TAWAG Center in Iloilo City), in partnership with the West Visayas State University College of Education's Division of Special Needs Education. This project aims to enhance the skills of child development teachers in serving children with special needs and to foster collaboration among families, communities, and stakeholders to ensure inclusive services are accessible to all learners.
