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‎Catch Up or Fall Behind

by Janelle Precious P. Pasadilla

Breathe in. Gasp. Breathe out. Sigh.

The ticking of the clock was becoming louder—pounding her ears as she lifted her head from her desk and began to lean down to examine her floor. In a moment of frustration, she glanced down only to discover scattered papers and books strewn across the floor. A specific word caught her attention—she summoned all her strength to utter it, even if just for a moment. "A—Apoh…Appoh.." She couldn’t. Natalie struggled with pronunciation, each letter of the word seeming like a deceptive game—playing with her.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has observed a significant number of frustrated readers, with literacy skills among students plummeting even further. This decline is evident in the country's persistently low reading scores in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). In response to this ongoing literacy challenge, DepEd has introduced Catch-up Fridays, coinciding with the nationwide Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day. The initiative aims to offer students structured guidance to engage in reading activities, fostering proficiency and nurturing critical thinking skills. Ultimately, this concerted effort seeks to propel academic advancement among learners.

Based on the information provided by the World Bank regarding learning poverty, it is evident that the majority of Filipino children, around 90%, face difficulties in reading and acquiring knowledge at a young age. Furthermore, about 40% of children nationwide lack basic reading skills. Natalie was among this 40%, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to initiate a program aimed at enhancing students' cognitive development and making learning enjoyable. This initiative aims to facilitate continuous learning for all students without imposing undue difficulty. Consequently, teachers are tasked with devising diverse strategies to adapt teaching methods across subjects, ensuring that students experience enjoyment in learning and avoid feeling pressured.

With the implementation of the program, Natalie experienced a refreshed atmosphere at her school. Every Friday, students engage in similar recreational activities, creating a new rhythm. With the support of her teachers, Natalie no longer felt overwhelmed or struggled to keep pace with each lesson. "An apple f-fell down t-the t—tree!" she exclaimed, carefully examining each word in her book. Success! She recited the words flawlessly without any discomfort. Natalie breathed out a proud sigh, her smile widening at the thought of potential progress due to the program.

In the education sector, it is crucial to uphold a high standard of literacy to ensure learners fully comprehend and retain knowledge throughout their academic journey. Catch-up Friday, as part of the DepEd program, addresses setbacks experienced by learners, providing benefits not only to them but also ensuring the program's sustainability for the future. Natalie hopes that with this initiative, continuous progress will be achieved.