Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. (EcoWEB), in partnership with Educo Philippines, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Cotabato City, officially launched Project RISE (Reading Initiative for Schools and Empowered Homes) – a collaborative initiative aimed at improving the foundational reading skills of young learners.
The launching event gathered key education stakeholders, government representatives, and school leaders to mark the beginning of a shared commitment to support struggling and most-at-risk learners in Grades 1 to 3. Present during the activity were Abdulbasit Talicop of the Curriculum and Learning Division representing MBHTE-DGBE, Dr. Bai Rojana Sinsuat, Schools Division Superintendent of Cotabato City, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Zahra I. Cerafica, Fatmah Shanuri Guro of BPDA-BARMM, EcoWEB Executive Director Regina Salvador-Antequisa, and Sittie Jamila Salindtao of The Moropreneur. EcoWEB and EDUCO staff, along with the principals of the 11 participating schools, also took part in the event.
Project RISE is designed to promote and sustain learning continuity while improving beginning reading competencies through the provision of practical, developmentally appropriate, and easy-to-use learning materials. The initiative also seeks to strengthen children’s foundational literacy and socio-emotional learning skills by ensuring that teaching approaches and materials are both culturally responsive and contextually relevant.
The program formally opened with registration and preliminaries, followed by a welcome message and acknowledgment of participants. Representatives from EcoWEB and EDUCO introduced their respective organizations and highlighted their ongoing commitment to education and community development.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Project RISE Overview, which outlined the project’s goals, strategies, and expected outcomes. This was complemented by discussions on the CRWSA Plan and stakeholder engagement strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among schools, communities, and partner institutions.
Messages of support from partner agencies and stakeholders reaffirmed a collective vision of empowering children through quality education. The activity culminated in a Commitment Pledge, where participants expressed their dedication to advancing literacy and ensuring that no child is left behind in their learning journey.
Through Project RISE, EcoWEB and its partners continue to champion inclusive and community-driven approaches to education – ensuring that every child, especially those most at risk, has the opportunity to build strong literacy foundations and thrive.
