Iloilo: The provincial government of Iloilo has signed an agreement with nine local government units (LGUs) to expand the Bulig Eskwela (BES) Basa reading initiative, a key component of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.'s BES Probins program.

According to Philippines News Agency, BES Basa adapts the Proof of Concept (POC) model developed by the Synergeia Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Education. The program focuses on training trainers and teachers in reading instruction, distributing instructional materials and student worksheets, and conducting assessments to monitor learner progress. The initiative is set to commence in May, adopting a specific method for teaching reading and enhancing the skills of reading teachers.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias emphasized the importance of localizing basic education and involving local governments. "Mayors should take the lead role here - mayors exacting responsibilities from the teachers, mobilizing support from the parents, from the PTCA (parents teachers community association), from the school governing council, from the business sector," Banias stated during the ceremonial signing of the 'BES Basa: A POC Localization' at the Casa Real.

The municipalities joining the BES Basa program are Banate, Estancia, Ajuy, Bingawan, Badiangan, San Dionisio, Alimodian, Santa Barbara, and Tigbauan. Board Member Jason Gonzales, chair of the committee on education and information at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, expressed the goal to eventually include all LGUs in Iloilo. "It does not infringe on our creativity and our innovation, but we can build around, though," Gonzales said.

The agreement signing was attended by Banias, Gonzales, Provincial Education Management Office head Maria Alfreda Fajardo, and DepEd Schools Division Superintendent officer-in-charge Ruby Therese Almencion. Additionally, the provincial government distributed early reading kits to the municipalities.

The POC was initially rolled out in 2024 to 11 pilot municipalities in Iloilo, including Guimbal, Igbaras, Leganes, Pavia, Maasin, Cabatuan, Mina, Sara, Lemery, Batad, and Barotac Viejo. Carles, Janiuay, Lambunao, San Miguel, Oton, and Dingle were also pilot areas for the BES Basa.