The Philippines continues to face a serious literacy challenge, with many children and young adults struggling to comprehend what they read despite being able to read and write.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), while about 93.1% of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 have basic literacy skills, only 70.8% are considered functionally literate—they can meaningfully understand and use written information—leaving more than one in five Filipinos with difficulty in comprehension[1]. This learning crisis highlights the urgent need for targeted literacy interventions across the country.
To help address this challenge, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, has partnered with Gawad Kalinga to launch the Reading for Excellence and Development (READ) Program at Pinagsanhan Elementary School in Maragondon, Cavite, reaffirming its strong commitment to education and community development.
Led by Gawad Kalinga, the READ Program is a community-based literacy initiative that supports children aged seven to 13 who face challenges in reading and comprehension. Through this partnership, the program delivers learning sessions and essential reading materials to help strengthen literacy skills among young learners.
The program officially launched on January 16 and will run through March 2026, offering three-hour sessions per week. A total of 30 students from Pinagsanhan Elementary School are participating. In support of the launch, PCPPI mobilized employee volunteers who assisted in the initial sessions and activities. PCPPI also donated two printers to the school to help support its learning and administrative needs.
“Reading and comprehension open doors to lifelong learning and opportunities,” said Atty. Carina Lenore Bayon, Chief Environmental, Social, & Governance Officer of PCPPI. “Through our partnership with Gawad Kalinga and the READ Program, PCPPI is proud to support a meaningful initiative that helps children build confidence, improve comprehension, and develop a love for learning.”
Furthermore, Gawad Kalinga brings its extensive experience in grassroots education and community engagement to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the READ Program.
“It is an honor for Gawad Kalinga to partner with PCPPI in ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those in the peripheries,” said Daniel Bercasio, Gawad Kalinga Executive Director. “Let us take courage and work together in providing hope to our people—one child at a time, one community at a time. Walang iwanan!”
The READ Program aligns with PCPPI’s broader sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly in advancing education and youth development. Through this collaboration, PCPPI aims to foster a supportive learning environment that empowers children to read, learn, and thrive.
[1] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/954393/psa-only-70-8-of-filipinos-aged-10-64-functionally-literate/story/