Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) initiated the Literacy Enrichment Training and Reading Assistance (LETRA) Project as a direct response to the alarming decline in reading proficiency among Filipino children, a crisis that has significant implications for academic success and future.

The program is designed to strengthen early-grade learning and ensure that no child is left behind. Through teacher training, enrichment sessions, parent engagement, and nutrition support, LETRA provides a holistic approach to improving literacy among young learners.

At the heart of the project is the belief that every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive. LETRA equips teachers with effective strategies, empowers parents to take an active role in their children’s learning, and provides children with essential resources such as workbooks and structured lessons. This approach helps create a strong foundation for literacy.

Teachers Rea and Melanie, who actively participate in the program, have seen its impact in the classroom. They noted significant improvements in their students’ foundational literacy skills, which not only enhanced academic performance but also boosted confidence and engagement in learning. These early successes underscore the vital role that targeted literacy interventions play in shaping children’s cognitive and social development.

"Ang pagbabasa ay susi, pundasyon, at sandata ng mga bata para maunawaan nila ang mga nangyayari sa paligid. Noong dumating ang LETRA Project at ibinahagi ang TuklasBasa, naging malaking tulong ito dahil binigyan kami ng guide kung saan mas lalo kaming ma-motivate magturo lalo kapag remedial class ng mga bata."

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"Nung dumating ang LETRA, na-realize ko na, I can do better pa talaga. Kaya ko pala magturo nang na e-enjoy ko rin. When I opened the TuklasBasa kit ang nasa isip ko, siguro habang ginagawa nila itong kit, naiisip nila kaming mga teachers na gagamit dahil na-enjoy ko talaga ito gamitin para sa mga remedial class ng mga students ko.”‍

Complementing LETRA is TuklasBasa, a Filipino literacy toolkit developed in partnership with UP College of Education, UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies, and UP Integrated School. TuklasBasa is designed for beginning and struggling readers and anchored on sound assessment, systematic and structured literacy instruction, and effective teacher preparation. By tailoring lessons to the needs of learners, the literacy toolkit ensures that even the most challenged readers are given the opportunity to succeed.

The project demonstrates PBSP’s commitment to evidence-based, sustainable solutions to the country’s pressing literacy challenges. With reports showing persistent gaps in functional literacy, these initiatives provide practical, scalable, and impactful models for schools and communities across the Philippines.

Through LETRA, PBSP continues to champion education as a cornerstone of inclusive development. By working together with teachers, parents, partners, and communities, PBSP is turning the page towards a brighter future—one where literacy opens doors to opportunity, progress, and shared prosperity for every Filipino child.

For inquiries, you may get in touch with Frami Martin through ammartin@pbsp.org.ph.